Lerwick, the capital of the Shetland Islands, is a region characterized by its rugged and dramatic coastal scenery, rolling hills, and tranquil lochs. This landscape provides a diverse setting for outdoor activities, making it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The area's unique blend of natural features and well-maintained roads offers varied terrain for exploration.
For those seeking outdoor activities, Lerwick offers more than 50 routes across several sports,…
58
Routes
4.6
(243)
Average rating
1689
People visited

4.6
(42)
174
hikers
7.47km
01:55
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(59)
216
hikers
14.6km
04:00
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.6
(12)
46
hikers
9.16km
02:30
60m
60m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.7
(6)
29
hikers
9.94km
02:42
140m
140m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.6
(31)
152
riders
24.4km
01:33
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
31
riders
48.1km
03:08
620m
620m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(4)
19
riders
52.6km
03:23
690m
690m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
22
riders
50.0km
03:11
610m
610m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(1)
53
riders
93.7km
04:38
1,200m
1,200m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

27
riders
85.7km
04:00
1,080m
1,070m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

3.0
(1)
32
riders
65.7km
03:07
840m
840m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

27
riders
50.0km
02:22
650m
650m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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38
runners
6.96km
00:43
30m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

29
runners
5.58km
00:35
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

29
runners
12.1km
01:23
80m
80m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

25
runners
7.70km
00:48
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Lerwick offers a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, road cycling, jogging, and touring cycling. The region features 81 routes across these sports, catering to different preferences. More than 7,000 visitors have explored these routes, which hold an average rating of 4.5 stars.
Lerwick provides 35 hiking routes, ranging from coastal walks to trails with historical landmarks. Options include the Knab Coastal Walk – Clickimin Broch loop, which is 9.2 miles (14.8 km), and the Lerwick Coastal Walk and Clickimin Loch, a 4.6-mile (7.5 km) path. Explore more options in the Hiking around Lerwick guide.
Lerwick offers 13 road cycling routes and 11 touring cycling routes. The region's roads are known for good surfaces and gentle climbs. Notable routes include the Cunningsburgh Loop and the Kergord Loop, which passes through Shetland's only substantial woodland. Find more details in the Road Cycling Routes around Lerwick guide.
Yes, Lerwick has easy hiking options suitable for various fitness levels. The Lerwick Coastal Walk and Clickimin Loch is an easier 4.6-mile (7.5 km) path. For more accessible routes, consult the Easy hikes around Lerwick guide.
Lerwick offers family-friendly routes, including those around Clickimin Loch. These paths often combine natural beauty with historical landmarks. Specific family-friendly options can be found in the Family-friendly hikes around Lerwick guide.
Trails near Lerwick often incorporate historical sites. The Clickimin Broch, an Iron Age structure, and Fort Charlotte, a 17th-century fort, are prominent landmarks. Routes like the Knab Coastal Walk – Clickimin Broch loop combine scenic views with visits to these historical points.
The Staney Hill, Lerwick's highest point, offers dramatic coastal vistas. Many coastal walks also provide panoramic views of Bressay and the Kirkabister Ness Lighthouse. Trails are available that specifically feature viewpoints.
Lerwick's outdoor routes are popular on komoot, with more than 7,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The 81 available routes have an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users.
Komoot offers several guides for Lerwick, including Hiking around Lerwick, Easy hikes around Lerwick, and Road Cycling Routes around Lerwick. Other guides cover family-friendly hikes, city hikes, and running trails.
Lerwick offers 22 jogging routes, often featuring rugged coastal paths and scenic lochs. Terrains vary from smooth paved sections to more challenging trails with ascents. Routes like the Shetland Museum and Archives – Clickimin Loch loop combine natural beauty with historical landmarks. More information is available in the Running Trails around Lerwick guide.
The official tourism website for the Shetland Islands, which includes Lerwick, is Shetland.org. This resource provides comprehensive information for visitors planning outdoor activities and exploring the region.

