Shetland Ponies & Scalloway
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Port
Lerwick, Shetland Islands, United Kingdom
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Activity Level
Easy
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Excursion Type
Local Sightseeing,All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$89.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 2½ Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Begin your tour with a brief panoramic orientation drive through Lerwick, the main town in Shetland. This tiny capital dates from the 1600s. From there, you'll head to the central and west mainland. A half-hour drive brings you to Scalloway, the former Shetland capital.
Watch for Scalloway Castle, built in 1600 by the pompous tyrant Earl Patrick Stewart by way of forced labor, oppression, extortion, and outrageous taxation of the poor. In completely unrelated news, Patrick and his equally unpopular son were later beheaded. Scalloway Castle was eventually used as the administrative center for Shetland and as a barracks for Oliver Cromwell's troops (1650s). Although the original tower house has been restored, the surrounding walls and buildings are long gone.
The Scalloway Museum houses the very special Shetland Bus exhibit, depicting the village's unique role in World War II. The story of the Shetland bus goes back to the German occupation of Norway, resulting in a stream of refugees heading to Shetland. Norwegians began training here with units of the British armed forces, knowing that there were thousands of Norwegian servicemen and -women hiding in their own country who needed only arms and communications to become an effective underground movement. It's a great story.
Stop to visit Carol's ponies. Carol breeds top-quality animals and is a true enthusiast. She, or a member of her staff, will be delighted to share with you their knowledge of these hardy beasts.
Passing through peat- and heather-covered landscapes, you'll begin the return journey to Lerwick. Snap some photos of the spectacular vistas of many of the islands that make up the Shetland archipelago and hear more about Shetland's culture and heritage from your local guide.
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Dress warmly in layers with a wind- and waterproof outer layer; bring gloves, a scarf and a warm hat.