Shetland

The new Bradt Shetland guidebook is the first full-length guide from a major travel publisher to focus exclusively and in depth on this fascinating northern Scottish archipelago. Lying closer to the Arctic Circle than it does Manchester (and closer to Norway than to the UK mainland), Shetland is a natural and historical treasure-trove, famed for its archaeological sites, seabird colonies and Viking-infused heritage.

In an archipelago where nowhere is more than 3 miles from the sea, the new Bradt Shetland guidebook covers all 16 inhabited islands plus several that are uninhabited but still accessible to visitors. The largest island - called Mainland, confusingly - is crammed with places worth exploring:
. Lerwick, a traditional fishing port, is Shetland's capital;
. The puffin-flanked cliffs of Sumburgh Head host Shetland's southernmost lighthouse;
. Remarkable archaeological sites include Jarlshof and the Iron Age settlement of Mousa Broch;
. West Mainland harbours some of Scotland's most enticing coastal scenery, while the north's moorland and lochs sees Shetland at most raw.

Other islands featured in the new Bradt Shetland guidebook offer unique experiences.
A traffic-free nature reserve, Noss has one of Britain's greatest seabird colonies. Out Skerries attract divers to explore the wreck-strewn coastline. Sea alone separates Unst's stunning, deserted beaches from the Arctic Circle. Fair Isle, a dot in the sea between Mainland and the Orkney archipelago, is famed for knitwear, while Foula is Britain's most remote inhabited island.

Few UK destinations boast the variety of outdoor pursuits available in Shetland, and without the crowds. Some 1,700 miles of coastline call for kayaking, canoeing or coasteering. Hikers can choose from 19 hills called 'Marilyns'. Wildlife watchers can enjoy orca pods, Europe's highest density of otters, rare shorebirds like red-necked phalarope, and two of the UK's largest gannet colonies. Alternatively, take things easier by enjoying the simmer dim (summer's midnight sun) or the aurora borealis (northern lights), or go cultural by attending the Shetland Folk Festival, the fire ceremony of Up Helly Aa, or by retracing the steps of Jimmy Perez, detective in the BBC crime series Shetland. Whatever your interest, the new Bradt Shetland guidebook has it covered.