Tour operators join forces to offer eight-day walk

Three tour operators are joining forces next summer to offer an eight-day walking holiday.

Bry­don Thomason of Shetland Nature, Allen Fraser of Shetland Geotours and James Tait of Island Trails are collaborating to bring their expertise to the venture, which will take place in July.

Brydon said the walks would explore Shetland’s “wild side” and givean insight into the isles’ culture and heritage.

He said: “A collaboration of three native guides, each offering a different insight and area of exper­tise ensures the most comprehensive itinerary to explore the Shetland Islands available.

“We are very excited about this. I was really pleased when they (Allen and James) were both so enthusiastic with my idea to run a walking holiday itinerary in July 2013. We feel the coming together of three native run tour companies is a very positive step forward and sends out a very good signal for tourism in the isles.”

Taking in lots of different walks, the eight-day itinery will explore seven of Shetland’s islands and bring in different attributes. Brydon specialises in wildlife and photo­graphy, Allen in history, geology and archaeology and James in history.

All three already do holidays – Brydon offers a full programme through the seasons while Allen and James do day trips – and the special eight-day itinerary is to launch working together.

Brydon said: “Coming together on such a venture is a wonderful way to celebrate Shetland as a truly world-class holiday destination and to ensure our commitment to offer a first class visitor experience. These companies send out the signal that Shetland tourism is now offering a unique, informed and exciting experience that will celebrate Shetland’s extraordinary heritage to the full.”