7 top tips for planning your Shetland Wool Week trip
As I write this, we are in the throes of the 14th Shetland Wool Week festival, which sees the arrival of knitters from all over the world in the islands to take part in the week-long celebration of Shetland’s textile heritage.
Wool Week is a hugely popular festival and marks the end of the busy summer season here in Shetland, and with this popularity comes high demand for accommodation, tickets and transport.
This blog is aimed at those planning to visit for Wool Week and how best to do this without too much stress!
All images are by Alexa Fitzgiboon — @lex_in_the_north_sea
Get your accommodation booked as soon as the festival dates are announced
Accommodation books up fast when the festival dates are announced. Generally, the event takes place at the end of September, sometimes spilling over into the first week of October, so with this in mind, why not come for a little longer than a week and use the days before and after the festival to explore further – or to chill out after a busy Wool Week.
Wool Week dates are usually announced towards the end of the festival or soon after, so look out for them if you are waiting for definite dates before you book accommodation.
Make sure that you have looked at accommodation beforehand and have a few options to try so that you can get in quickly with the dates.
I have done several accommodation reviews, which you can read here.
Or check out the Shetland Accommodation Guide, which has a comprehensive list of Shetland accommodation providers.
If you want a printed version of the accommodation guide, pick one up for free in Shetland or post it to your address (all you pay is the post and packaging) from the Shetland Times.
Book travel
You can get to Shetland by boat or by plane. NorthLink Ferries operates an overnight sailing to and from the islands, and Loganair operates flights from Scotland’s main international airports.
For more information about the pros and cons of sailing or flying to Shetland, read this blog (which needs to be updated, but much of the advice still stands!).
You could also consider joining my Patreon site, where you can access lots of unpublished information and join ‘Zoom Planning sessions’, where we frequently discuss the logistics of getting to and from Shetland.
Points to consider when booking travel:
NorthLink Ferries only opens up their booking system several months before travel, so sign up for their Newsletter so that you know when booking becomes available.
Don’t worry about having accommodation booked without travel – you’ll still need to book accommodation months before you book travel.
Loganair often has sales, so look out for these to reduce the price of travel.
Check the luggage allowance and consider paying more to get more luggage allowance on flights. There is no luggage limit on the boat.
Ensure that you have travel insurance.
Allow a buffer on either side of flying to Shetland
If you are flying internationally, I recommend having a layover in Scotland before you fly to and from Shetland – particularly on the way back. Shetland flights are often delayed or cancelled, and the boat can often face disruption due to adverse weather, so allow a buffer and spend a night in Edinburgh, Glasgow or Aberdeen before flying back home.
Consider hiring a car
Wool Week takes place all over Shetland, and many events are in rural locations, which are harder to reach on public transport. Hiring a car will allow you to go at your own pace and visit many different areas.
Hire a car in advance and consider requesting an automatic. Cars can be hired from Bolts Car Hire or Grantfield Garage.
We drive on the left-hand side of the road, and Shetland has an excellent network of roads. The main road that runs north to south through the Mainland is the A970, a double road that leads from Sumburgh in the south to Hillswick in the north.
Many rural roads are single-track with passing places, which, for some reason, make visitors very nervous – but hopefully, the following will allay any fears and worries.
Passing place etiquette:
On meeting a car coming in the opposite direction: If there is an available passing place or verge (if necessary), pull over to allow other vehicles to pass.
If the passing place is on your left, pull into it. If it’s on your right, stop on the road – allowing the other car to pass by weaving in and out of the passing place (which will be on their left).
If the closest parking place is behind you, be prepared to reverse back into it.
Always give way to larger vehicles such as buses, trucks, farm machinery or anything towing.
Always give way to a vehicle coming uphill – because it’s harder to take off again on a hill.
Always thank other drivers. If a driver stops for you in a passing place, reverses for you or waits as you navigate in and out of a space, remember to give a friendly wave of thanks.
Pull over and let them pass if you have a car behind you – or are building up a queue. Many locals know the roads well and won’t appreciate driving 45 mph in a 60 zone. Similarly, on single-track roads, locals know them well and may be in a hurry to get to an appointment, pick up kids from school or get to work.
Never use a passing place for parking.
Pass cyclists safely, allowing them plenty of space. If on a single-track road, use the passing place to weave around them.
If you’re a cyclist, allow cars to pass and don’t let a queue of traffic build up behind you.
Remember that you are on holiday and may think the islands are remote and ‘slow paced’, but islanders are not on holiday, and many people have busy lives and places to be.
Enjoy! Driving in Shetland is fun, and there are some fantastic scenic road trips.
I created a video on my Patreon page, which shows you everything you need to know about driving in Shetland.
Buy a Wool Week membership
You don’t need to be a member to attend Wool Week, but buying a membership will give you early access to classes and events when the programme is released. It doesn’t guarantee you will get what you want, but you will have first access to the booking system.
Didn’t get booked on the events you wanted? Don’t worry!
Events, classes and tours sell out fast when the programme goes live, and many people don’t get booked on what they wanted. But don’t worry, there are things you can do if you don’t get booked on the official events:
Book a private tour. There are loads of fantastic guides in Shetland, and many can tailor an experience to suit your woolly needs! Try Lara Thomason, Anita Georgeson, Island Trails, Adventure Shetland or Shetland Minibus Tours, to name a few.
When in Shetland, check the Wool Week Hub Noticeboard, as many places become available last minute.
Check the Shetland Wool Week Facebook page, where you can often pick up available tickets.
Contact businesses and ask if you can book a private tour – many hosts will accept private bookings alongside the official programmed events.
Go it alone! There are so many things to do during Wool Week that aren’t part of the official programme – keep an eye on local media, and pick up the Shetland Times newspaper when you’re in Shetland and check the What’s On section.
If you want a crafty class, why not book one with Glansin Glass in Unst, Red Houss in Burra or Shetland Jewellery in Weisdale?
Please read my blog posts for suggestions for things to see and do while you’re here!
Give yourself some free time!
Booking as many classes as possible is tempting, but please remember that Shetland is a beautifully inspiring place. You will want to have time to mooch around the town centre and drive out to some of the local beauty spots – I’d recommend Eshaness and St Ninian’s Isle for a kick-off – or soak in the fresh sea air and simply chat and knit with other attendees at the Hub.
Finally, ENJOY!
Arranging a big trip and organising tickets can be stressful, and many people feel frustrated when they don’t get what they want. But be assured that the organisers work very hard to ensure there’s plenty for everyone to do, and even if you turn up with nothing booked, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!
Happy planning, and if you need any more advice on visiting Shetland, consider signing up to my Patreon site for access to more.
I hope this helps! Feel free to leave your top tips in the comments section.
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