This sample itinerary gives a good overview of the way our days are structured and the range of experiences you can expect. There may be some small changes to times, or locations.

Day 1: Arrival Day

Fiona and Graham will greet you on arrival and help you get settled into your accommodations in Lerwick.  Transportation from the airport or ferry will be provided.

Welcome drinks and light snacks in the early evening  7:00-8:00pm

Day 2: Island Excursion Day

9:30am- 6:00pm

Settle into your new environment and get to know this magical, textile rich place.

While taking in the dramatic environment, we’ll start our wool study by heading south to Hoswick to visit the studio of contemporary knitwear designer, Nielanell. We have time here to enjoy hearing about Niela’s design process and see her gorgeous work. Then we visit the historical displays at the Hoswick Visitor Centre. Elizabeth Johnston, a master natural dyer, spinner and knitter, will present a short talk on her work, after which we’ll enjoy lunch at the visitor centre cafe.  

After lunch,  we visit a working organic farm, Uradale farm in East Voe at Scalloway, where our host, Ronnie Eunson, will talk with us about native Shetland Sheep. We’ll get our hands in the wool of these beautiful fleeces, that we’ll be using in our felt projects.

This is a really special day, with special people!

We’ll arrive back in Lerwick at our accommodation by late afternoon, so you’ll have some personal time for relaxing or exploring town. Open Evening. 

meals included-breakfast, lunch

Day 3: Felting Day

9:00am – 4:00pm  Felt Studio

Evening Activities: 5:30pm to 9:00pm (Mousa Boat Trip/ Eshaness/ St.Ninians Isle-weather depending) . 

meals included-breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4: Museum + Felting Day

10:00am – 12:00pm Shetland Museum Visit:  Traditional Shetland Textiles +  Pictish and Norse Art Work

12:30pm- 4:30pm Felt Studio

Open Evening. 

meals included-breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5: Island Excursion Day

9:30am – 5:00pm  This morning we’ll head south to visit the Croft House Museum in Dunrossness, to hear stories of life in a traditional 19th century thatched crofthouse. We’ll head south to Sumburgh and stop for lunch at the Sumburgh Hotel. After lunch we’ll explore the best known prehistoric archaeological site in Shetland. Jarlshof has been described as “one of the most remarkable archaeological sites ever excavated in the British Isles”. We’ll explore the history of this place and also observe the beautiful forms of the remaining, grass topped, stone work constructions.

In the afternoon, we’ll visit Sumburgh Lighthouse, enjoying the stunning views while taking a short, dramatic cliff top walk 

Return to Lerwick in the late afternoon. Open Evening.  

meals included-breakfast, lunch

Day 6: Felting Day

9:00am – 4:00pm  Felt Studio

Optional Evening Activities: 5:30pm to 9:00pm (Mousa Boat Trip/ Eshaness/St.Ninian’s Isle. Weather depending).

meals included-breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7: Felting Day

9:00am – 4;00pm  Felt Studio

Optional Evening Activities:  5:30pm to 9:00pm (Mousa Boat Trip/ Eshaness/ St.Ninian’s Isle. Weather depending) 

meals included-breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8: Open Day 

Open day to explore Lerwick or beyond at your pace.

Our past week has been so full, today is a day to do some shopping on Commercial street, go for a long walk, or just experience whatever best suits you for the last day of your Shetland Retreat.

You will have no shortage of ideas for activities after our time together!  Fiona has a range of suggestions for you to round out your trip and can help make any necessary arrangements.

Our farewell dinner is tonight at 6:00pm.  

meals included-breakfast, dinner

Day 9: Departure Day

You’re likely to have collected some treasures as well as many memories to bring home! 

Whether you are leaving by ferry or plane, we wish you safe travels home!

Shared shuttles to the airport or ferry can be arranged for you.

This is an example itinerary that includes most of the activities we usually do during the Felting Tour Retreats. 

This itinerary may change based on the month of the retreat and the weather. We will always take you to most of these locations, and if we make any adjustments/replacements, it will only be to make the experience more full and well rounded for you!