Day 1: Arrival Day

Arrive mid-day: Sumburgh Airport

This afternoon,  we’ll explore the south mainland visiting Sumburgh Lighthouse, enjoying the stunning views while taking a short, dramatic cliff top walk. 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. 
Lunch: Sumburgh Hotel
Welcome Dinner in your Shetland Home for the Retreat

Day 2:  Island Excursion  Day

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. After lunch, we’ll 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!

Lunch: Hoswick Visitor Centre
Dinner: Home 

Day 3: Felting Day

Today is our first felting day. We’ll talk about your designs and ways to achieve them, working with colour, pattern and line, working with inspiration from your Shetland travels so far! 

On one of our felting days, we’ll be visiting the Jamiesons of Shetland Wool Mill for a tour to see the wool through its entire processing from fleece to yarn to jumpers ( sweaters!).

Lunch and Dinner at home.

Day 4: Town Day

Today we’ll head into Lerwick, to learn more about the history of wool in Shetland and see some fantastic textile displays. We start at Jamieson and Smiths ( the Wool Brokers) with a discussion and demonstration by the amazing Oliver Henry, and then head over to the Shetland Museum for a guided tour by expert curators of their extensive textile collections.

Then you’ll have the afternoon to explore the town. We’ll provide you with maps and suggestions to best suit your interests, whether that is shopping, local history or coastal walks. 

Lunch: Independent, in town. We’ll provide you with some suggestions.
Dinner: Home

Day 5: Felting Day

We’ll be adding to your wool layouts including your new inspirations, and starting to felt these, integrating all of the elements of your visit so far.

Lunch and Dinner at home.

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

Day 6: Island Excursion Day

Today we head north to Britain’s most northerly point on the Island of Unst. We’ll visit the Viking replica ship and longhouse beside the bay at Haroldswick, the Unst Heritage Centre. We’ll stop on the island of Yell to visit Muness Castle and the Shetland Gallery. 

Lunch:Victoria’s Vintage Tea Rooms
Dinner: Home 

Day 7: Felting Day

Today we’ll complete all felting on our projects, so they have time to dry and be ready for you to take home!

Lunch and Dinner at home.

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

Day 8: Open Town Day 

Or stay at home day if preferred

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.

Lunch: Independent, in town. We’ll provide you with some suggestions.
Our farewell dinner is tonight in town at 6:00pm

Day 9: Departure Day

We’ll drop you off at the airport or ferry for you to make your journey onward. 
You’re likely to have collected some treasures as well as many memories to bring home! 

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!