The Geology of Shetland Group Tour - Monday 10th to Saturday 15th May 2027

Walk Across the Earth's Mantle in Britain's Most Geologically Diverse Islands

Explore Scotland's northernmost islands through the eyes of a geologist, discovering ancient volcanoes, oceanic crust, the Earth's mantle and some of the oldest rocks in Europe.

Join me on an unforgettable six-day geological expedition to Shetland, where some of Scotland's oldest rocks meet spectacular coastlines, ancient volcanoes and one of the world's finest examples of oceanic crust and the Earth's mantle exposed at the surface.

From the moment you arrive in Lerwick, you'll journey through an extraordinary geological story spanning almost three billion years. We'll explore dramatic sea cliffs carved into ancient volcanic rocks, stand on rocks formed deep within the Earth's crust, walk across remnants of an ancient ocean floor, and even place our feet on rocks that once formed part of the Earth's mantle.

Shetland is unlike anywhere else in the UK. The islands preserve a remarkable record of mountain building, plate tectonics, volcanism, metamorphism and glaciation, making them one of the most fascinating places in Europe to understand how our planet works.

Over six days, we'll visit some of Shetland's most spectacular locations, including the towering cliffs of Eshaness, the world-famous Unst Ophiolite, St Ninian's Isle, Sumburgh Head and many hidden geological gems that reveal the incredible forces that shaped these islands over hundreds of millions of years.

This tour is designed for anyone with a curiosity about the Earth. Whether you're completely new to geology or already have experience, everything is explained in an engaging and accessible way. Expect plenty of opportunities to ask questions, examine rocks up close and discover the stories hidden within Shetland's landscapes.

Throughout the expedition you'll stay in comfortable accommodation in Lerwick, allowing us to explore the islands by day before returning each evening to relax, enjoy local food and continue our geological discussions.

Tour Highlights

• Walk across rocks that once formed part of the Earth's mantle.

• Explore one of Europe's best-preserved ophiolite complexes on the island of Unst.

• Discover ancient volcanoes, mountain belts and spectacular sea cliffs.

• Explore almost three billion years of Earth's history.

• Stand on rocks that once formed part of the Earth's mantle.

• Learn how plate tectonics built Shetland over hundreds of millions of years.

• Small group experience with plenty of opportunities to ask questions and examine the rocks up close.

• Stay in comfortable accommodation in Lerwick throughout the expedition.

• Five nights' accommodation in Lerwick.

• Guided throughout by Scottish Geologist.

This is far more than a sightseeing holiday. It's an immersive geological adventure that will completely change the way you see Shetland—and the Earth beneath your feet.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome to Shetland

Arrival Day

Guests make their own way to Shetland via Sumburgh Airport or the overnight NorthLink ferry before meeting in Lerwick midday.

After checking into the hotel, we'll meet for a welcome presentation introducing the incredible geological history of Shetland and what we'll discover throughout the week.

We'll explore how these islands preserve almost three billion years of Earth's history and why Shetland is one of the most geologically important places in Europe.

Included

• Hotel check-in

• Welcome presentation

• Meet the group

• Evening meal (optional)

• Geological overview

Day 2 – South Mainland

Volcanoes, Ancient Oceans & Viking Soapstone

Today we begin our journey through Shetland's geological story in the south of the mainland.

We'll explore pillow lavas erupted beneath an ancient ocean, discover remnants of oceanic crust preserved within the Dalradian rocks, visit Viking soapstone quarries, stand on Britain's largest active sand tombolo at St Ninian's Isle and finish the day at the spectacular cliffs of Sumburgh Head.

Highlights

• Pillow lavas

• Viking soapstone quarry

• Serpentinite & steatite

• Ancient ocean floor

• St Ninian's Isle Tombolo

• Volcanic-hosted mineralisation

• Old red sandstone

• Sumburgh Head

• Puffins (season dependent)

Day 3 – Building Scotland and shetland

Mountains, Metamorphism & Snowball Earth

Today we cross central Shetland, piecing together the collision of continents that built the Caledonian Mountains.

We'll examine spectacular metamorphic rocks, ancient marbles formed after global "Snowball Earth" glaciations, folded limestones, augen gneiss and major fault zones while learning how immense tectonic forces transformed these rocks deep within the Earth's crust.

Highlights

• Caledonian mountain building

• Metamorphic rocks

• Snowball Earth marbles

• Augen gneiss

• Boudinage

• Major fault systems

• Glacial landscapes

Day 4 – Volcanoes & Faults

Eshaness and Northmavine

One of the highlights of the expedition.

We'll explore the spectacular cliffs of Northmavine, where ancient volcanoes meet the Atlantic Ocean.

Here we'll discover lava flows, volcanic intrusions, magma mixing, dramatic fault zones, evidence of the Great Glen Fault system and the volcanism related to the late stages of the Caledonian Orogeny

Highlights

• Eshaness cliffs

• Breawick Beach

• Melby Faultline

• Ancient volcanoes

• Igneous intrusions

• Magma mixing

• The Walls Faultline

• Mavis Grind

Day 5 – Walking Across the Earth's Mantle

Yell and Unst Expedition

Today we'll travel to Britain's most northerly island.

This is the geological highlight of the entire expedition.

The Unst Ophiolite preserves an extraordinary slice of ancient oceanic crust and the Earth's upper mantle, allowing us to walk through rocks that originally formed tens of kilometres beneath an ancient ocean.

We'll trace the journey from continental crust into oceanic crust and mantle rocks while discovering chromite deposits, serpentinite, gabbro and the Moho—the boundary between the Earth's crust and mantle.

Highlights

• Two ferry crossings

• The Unst Ophiolite

• Mantle peridotite

• Serpentinite

• The Moho

• Chromite workings

• Continental–ocean boundary

• Britain's most northerly geology

Day 6 – Farewell Shetland

After breakfast, it's time to say goodbye.

Whether you're travelling home by ferry or plane, you'll leave with a completely new understanding of Shetland's landscapes and the remarkable geological story hidden beneath your feet.

Please Note

The itinerary shown above is provisional and may be amended to take advantage of weather conditions, tides, ferry timetables and seasonal wildlife opportunities. The geological themes and overall experience will remain the same, but the order of locations may change to ensure you enjoy the very best of Shetland.

Why is this tour different?

This isn’t just a standard Iceland trip. This is a geology-led experience designed to help you truly understand the landscapes around you. You’ll still visit some of Iceland’s best-known locations, but instead of simply stopping for photos, you’ll learn how they formed, what they tell us about the Earth, and why Iceland is one of the most geologically fascinating places on the planet.

What to expect

This tour includes a mixture of short walks, scenic stops and geology interpretation throughout. Expect incredible landscapes, changeable weather, and lots of opportunities to stop for photos while learning the story behind the rocks.

• Small group experience

• Geology-focused guiding

• Suitable for enthusiastic beginners and geology lovers alike

• Scenic stops throughout

• Relaxed, friendly and informative atmosphere

What’s Included?

• 5 nights accommodation in Lerwick (based on 2 people sharing a double room - there will be an extra cost associated with a single occupancy ticket) with Breakfast included

• 6 days of guided geological touring

• Transport throughout the tour from our meeting point in Lerwick

• All inter-island ferry crossings

• Expert geology interpretation by Scottish Geologist

• Geological field guide and information pack

• Evening meals included (food only)

• Small group experience

What’s Not Included

• Travel to and from Shetland

• Flights or ferry to Shetland

• Lunches

• Drinks not included

• Personal travel insurance

• Optional activities outside the itinerary

Price

Starting from £1950.00pp meet us there in Lerwick.

Single Supplement for this tour is £375 (single occupancy of a double room).

Optional Extras

We will be pre-booking a limited number of 2027 overnight Northlink ferry tickets (including cabins) for one or two people, as soon as Northlink open bookings in the autumn of 2026 . Please book your tour place(s) online first, and if you would like us to book ferry tickets on your behalf, please enquire and request this by email. An extra fee will be associated with this depending on Northlink ferry availability.