Coastal Walk of Shetland - East

The Coastal Walk of Shetland - East is 212.48 km long, so it is firmly a multi-day route rather than a single long day hike. A practical schedule is usually around 10 to 14 days, depending on pace, weather, and how the stages are split across the East Mainland and nearby sections starting from Lerwick.

The mapped route begins in Lerwick, with the first stage starting at LHD Marine Supplies in the Lanes, ZE1 0BD. Early stages then head north through places including Veensgarth and Wadbister, so Lerwick is the clearest access point for beginning the walk.

The Coastal Walk of Shetland - East is rated medium, but the overall effort is substantial because the route covers 212.48 km with 31,479 m of cumulative elevation gain. That means repeated climbs and descents along Shetland’s coastal terrain, even if no single section is technically extreme.

Yes. Lerwick, the route’s starting point, is Shetland’s main town and main ferry port, and it also has regular bus connections across the islands. Bus services reach East Mainland destinations including Vidlin, which can help with stage starts, finishes, or shortening sections without a car.

Dogs can generally be taken on the Coastal Walk of Shetland - East, but in Scotland they must be kept under proper control, especially near sheep, cattle, lambs, and ground-nesting birds. On Shetland’s coast and farmland edges, that usually means using a short lead or keeping a dog close at heel through sensitive sections.

Late spring through early autumn is usually the most practical season for the Coastal Walk of Shetland - East. Longer daylight and more reliable transport make May to September the simplest window, while summer also brings Shetland’s seabird season and very long northern daylight for covering bigger distances.

Yes. The route is divided into stages, including shorter sections as well as full-day walks. Early examples include a 14.7 km stage from Lerwick to Veensgarth, a 20.2 km stage from Veensgarth to Wadbister, and a short 4.5 km section ending at Neap, so it can be sampled without committing to the full 212.48 km.