Island Trails
Island Trails
5
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About
Join Island Trails to discover the real Shetland, it's beautiful scenery, history, culture and wildlife. Owned by crofter and wildlife enthusiast James Tait who also has a keen interest in local history. With his extensive local knowledge James can plan a tour or walk to suit your interests and timescale. Check out the Island Trails website for more information and to read recent customer testimonials.
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5.0
52 reviews
Excellent
51
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Dagmar PB
1 contribution
Aug 2023 • Couples
From the first contact to the end of the tour, everything was perfect. James is an excellent guide and created a customized tour for us. He taught us a lot about Shetland and we will remember it fondly. THANKS !
Written 31 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cardiganweather1788
Ijamsville, MD48 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
My husband and I had a fantastic day with James touring Shetland. We arrived via cruise ship at Lerwick and James picked us up from the port. The itinerary was customized and flexible based on our interests. We loved the scenery and interesting historical facts about Shetland. The price point was extremely reasonable and we felt like it was money well spent for the experience.
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eileen D
Sebastian, FL167 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
James did a superb job of sharing the highlights of Lerwick and the main island in these Shetland Islands! We visited the Croft House Museum, and Sumburgh Head Lighthouse. We saw sea bird nests, petted Shetland ponies and the miniature Shetland ponies. We drove through Lerwick, saw the sand tombolo, drove through the Tingwall Valley and Viking Parliament site, saw the village of Scalloway and spent time exploring the Jarlshof archeological site. We had lots of opportunities to stop and take photos, ask questions. He was very informative and helpful at all times. We highly recommend him if you are every in the area.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma J
Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom14 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
We went on a private tour at the end of July for our honeymoon. I apologise for the lateness of this review! We had an absolutely wonderful time with James. He is extremely knowledgeable, friendly and also has an excellent sense of humour. We really enjoy our trip and got to see some beautiful places and amazing wildlife ranging from rare sea birds, puffins and also wonderful chunky seals
We could not be more grateful for James's expertise and company on our tour. We are looking to book again ASAP.
We could not be more grateful for James's expertise and company on our tour. We are looking to book again ASAP.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cynthia
Mainland, UK4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Excellent time with our very knowledgeable guide. Even answered my husband difficult questions. We both had a really good full day around all the landmarks across the South. Stopped for lunch at the Hoswick tourist centre. We both highly recommend this company. Money well spent.
Written 26 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carol C
Woori Yallock, Australia8 contributions
Oct 2019
My daughter and I found James to be thoughtful and flexible, we were travelling late October, so the weather was fickle. James ensured we saw as much as possible, including the journey to Unst in good weather! James was informative on many subjects and our conversations included history, geography, farming practices, television series just to name a few. He kindly planned our days around airport pickup and drop off. Such a wonderful experience - felt more like travelling with a well informed friend! Thank you James - sorry it has taken so long to put this in writing!
Written 19 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
douglas t
Benicia, CA11 contributions
Oct 2019
We were on the Shetland Islands to do family research on my brother-in-law's family. We decided to take James Tait tour of the South Mainland. We are so glad we did. James was very informative of all things Shetland and we now know so much more of the Islands. Even though it was a scheduled tour it was a small group and James was willing to make adjustments to meet the interests of the group. Highly recommend a tour with James.
Written 20 October 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Douglas thanks for your review and kind words. Much appreciated and I am glad you enjoyed your time in Shetland. James.
Written 22 October 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
LaurensRotterdam
Rotterdam65 contributions
Sep 2019
Thanks to James we had a great day out. Only wished we had longer (cruise ship had to be caught in time:-)
James is very knowledgeable about not only today's Island life but also the islands past.
He picked us up from the pier and showed us a great deal of the Southern main land .
When we get back to the island for a longer stay we're sure to take James as our guide again!
James is very knowledgeable about not only today's Island life but also the islands past.
He picked us up from the pier and showed us a great deal of the Southern main land .
When we get back to the island for a longer stay we're sure to take James as our guide again!
Written 7 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review, I enjoyed showing you some of what Shetland has to offer during your short visit and hope to see you again someday! Kind regards, James.
Written 9 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Susan F
Nambucca Heads, Australia18 contributions
Jul 2019 • Couples
Thank you James for a great tour over the past 3 days. We thoroughly enjoyed every moment. Beautiful scenery, fabulous commentary, “atmospheric” weather! James, you gave us a wonderful insight into all things Shetland. Highly recommended👍👍👍👍
Written 13 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for your kind review which is much appreciated. Best wishes, James.
Written 9 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
pcrimmins1
Arvada, CO5 contributions
Jun 2019 • Family
James Tait of Island Trails provided a wonderful custom tour of central Shetland for our family of eight adults. We wanted to see the areas around Trondra and Burra where our ancestors lived before coming to the U.S. plus get a general feel for life as it was in Shetland and as it is now. James was so knowledgeable about the history of the islands and even helped us locate the grave of our great-great grandparents who died in the 1800’s. He also showed us many areas of historical significance And talked about current conditions and economics, as only a local can do. Our day with him was exactly what we had hoped for, and was a highlight of our trip! We highly recommend him.
Written 2 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks your your very positive review. It was a real pleasure to show you around and to help you with your family history research. Best wishes, James.
Written 9 September 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
BobcatTraveler
Cleveland, OH39 contributions
Wife and I are arriving on the Viking Jupiter August 9th and I am looking for a highlight tour of Lerwick.. We dock at August 9th at 8AM and depart 5PM. Do you have availability?
JTaitShetland
Lerwick, UK
Hi, I'm sorry but I have limited availability for cruise ship passengers over the summer and that is the case on 9th August when I am working with a private group visit not conected to your ship's visit. I hope you enjoy your visit to Shetland and regret I can't be of any help this time around. James.
Heather Reid
Roanoke, VA9 contributions
Do you have an availability on Sep 6, 8-5 or so, to include Jarlshof and other cultural/historic stops, small group tour. As long as I get to Jarlshof, I am interested in anything. Party of one interested in joining any small group.
JTaitShetland
Lerwick, UK
Hello, I do have a tour booked in which is going to the North Mainland of Shetland - the wrong way for Jarlshof site unfortunately which is right down at the South.
This tour leaves Lerwick 9.30am and returns at approx 5pm. It sounds like you are arriving off a cruise ship. If so you'll need to check what time you need to be back on board or time of last tender out from the harbour. Due to existing booking (not from your ship) I can't shorten this tour but do have spaces left.
Please email me to discuss further. Tripadvisor won't let me type an email or website address here but if you search for my website using Island trails Shetland, you can send me a message on the contact page. Kind regards, James.
Cecilia T
Houston, TX430 contributions
Hello, Do you by chance have room for two cruisers arriving by NCL Jade on Oct 1, 2018 @ 9am? The Jade departs 5pm. Thank you very much. Cecilia
JTaitShetland
Lerwick, UK
I'm already fully booked up with others from your ship that day. sorry can't be of help to you.
angelaherzig13
Phoenix, AZ
Hi,
Do you have availability for a cruise ship
group of 4 on June 4, 2018.
JTaitShetland
Lerwick, UK
I'm afraid that I have another non cruise tour commitment that day so can't be of service. I hope you enjoy your cruise and short visit to Shetland. Kind regards, James.
Note to all readers: You will see from the various negative replies I'm putting on here that due to other tours I have limited availability for short tours for cruise ship passengers and when I can I am often booked up months in advance.
Yasmin A
Boston, MA
Hi, yasminali1108. What would you like to know about this attraction?
I am on a cruise and have about six hours to see Lerwick. I would like to have a tour of Lerwick including the Eshaness Lighthouse
See the dramatic northern reaches of the Shetlands and visit a museum and a clifftop lighthouse. Here, heather and moss blanket wispy landscapes and towering sea stacks and craggy cliffs rise from the surf. After a brief sightseeing drive of Lerwick, you will head to the scenic northwest corner of Mainland, traversing a landscape shrouded in peat and heather. Pause at the picturesque hamlet of Voe, rich in Scandinavian influence. Later, marvel at the rock-hewn sea stack known locally as Drongs. For a glimpse of island history, visit the Tangwick Haa Museum, which lovingly preserves the past of Northmavine through cherished artifacts and photographs. Continue to the Eshaness Lighthouse, dramatically set on a towering cliff. If you would like, you can walk along the ridge and enjoy the most spectacular clifftop scenery in the United Kingdom.
please let me know the tour company and contact information . I am in Lerwick July 12 2018 and available from 8:00 to 2:00 pm
thanks
JTaitShetland
Lerwick, UK
I'm sorry to be putting on another negative reply but I have no availability for cruise ship passengers on July 12th. I hope you have a good cruise and enjoy your time in Shetland. Regards, James.
Note to all readers: You will see from the various"unavailable" replies I'm putting on here that due to other tours I have limited availability for short tours for cruise ship passengers and when I can I am often booked up months in advance.
wildivycreations
Naples, FL42 contributions
is it possible you have availability for two people on May 17, 2018. We are on Celebrity Equinox and arrive at 10 a.m. Cheryl
JTaitShetland
Lerwick, UK
Hello, sorry to say I'm booked up with another tour that day so don't have availability for cruise ship passengers. I hope you have a great cruise.
Regards, James.
Canadamichellej
Cambridge, Canada3 contributions
We are a family of 8 on a cruise visiting Shetland on May 26, 2018. The ship is in port from 8:00am-6:00pm. If you are available, what would be the cost of a tour with a van and driver. Is the price based on a per person rate? What length of tour would you recommend? We are interested in the scenery and wildlife, a bit of culture and history including some ruins, and seeing the north end. Thank you!
JTaitShetland
Lerwick, UK
I am fully booked up with others from your ship so can't be of help on the 26th sorry. There has been a very high level of demand for this day. I hope you enjoy your visit to Shetland and something works out for you. Kind regards, James.
Bobgloj
Rockwood, PA1 contribution
Just checking to see if you are in the office to answer my question regarding 5/17/18 tour availability for a group of 6.
I'm afraid I am all booked up on 17th May, sorry I can't be of service on this occasion.
Mary Gail U
Gordonville, TX207 contributions
Good evening. Do you have any availability July 19th? We are on the Zuiderdam cruise ship. We would really like to go to the Unst festival if it is possible to get there and back with sufficient time to be involved in the festivities. If you aren't available, could you recommend someone or at least tell me if it is reasonable to do that?
thank you for your time
gail ulrich
gordonville, tx
I'm sorry but I don't have availability for cruise ship passengers on 19th July due to another booking. (Regrettably having to turn lots of enquires away for this and other busy dates.)
Unst is a great place to visit but I don't normally recommend that for cruise ship passengers. You would be tight for time and also if there was any delay with either of the 2 inter island ferries that you need to travel on to get to Unst you may miss your cruise ship departure.
Kind regards,
James.