Each October, Lerwick, Shetland’s main town, becomes a vibrant hub for wool enthusiasts from around the world during Shetland Wool Week. The air hums with eager conversations, the clacking of needles, and the warm scent of freshly spun yarn. This week-long event celebrates the region’s renowned wool heritage, combining workshops, market stalls, and community gatherings that invite both novices and experts to engage with Shetland’s unique fiber traditions.

The festival’s heart pulses through venues scattered around Lerwick’s compact center, easily explored on foot. Practical workshops guide participants in spinning, dyeing, knitting, and weaving techniques, rooted in centuries-old knowledge. Beyond indoor activities, there are field trips to local farms where hardy Shetland sheep, fiercely resilient in the northern winds, graze on open moorland—a living link to the wool’s origin.

Outdoor hikes during the event offer a grounded experience—walking on firm peat and grassy trails around the cliffs overlooking the North Sea. Expect routes varying from gentle 3-5 km walks to more ambitious 10 km coastal trails, with elevation gains mostly modest, rarely exceeding 150 meters. The terrain shifts from soft moor to rugged cliff paths, where waves dare to crash against stubborn rock underfoot.

For visitors planning their experience, timing is key: Arrive mid-morning to absorb some workshops before lunch, then hit the market to examine hand-dyed skeins and authentic Shetland patterns. Footwear should be solid, waterproof boots to handle occasional wet patches from morning mists or autumn rains. Layered clothing will respond to Shetland’s notoriously fickle weather—a brisk wind can shift to calm sunshine within minutes. Hydrate often and pack snacks to maintain energy for full-day immersion.

Shetland Wool Week is not only about making but understanding the landscape that shapes the wool’s character: a land fiercely itself, challenging yet generous. The rugged environment, with its stubborn sheep breeds and wild weather, demands respect but rewards with unmatched cultural depth and inspiring natural beauty.

Whether you are here to spin your first skein, shop exquisite yarns, or explore coastal hikes framed by panoramic ocean views, the week offers a practical fusion of learning and adventure. Shetland Wool Week is a call to engage directly with a living tradition, from the shearer’s blade to the final knitted garment, all set against the elemental forces of Shetland’s countryside.