Activities

HURDIBACK BACKPACKERS

BUNKHOUSE

There are various activities to be enjoyed on the island, including:

Seals

There are numerous colonies of Common and Grey Seals scattered on the coast all around the island. The Common Seal pups in June or July and the larger Grey Seal pups in October.

Whales and Dolphins

Whales and Dolphins are sighted in the waters off of Papa Stour, particularly in the summer and include Killer Whales (Orcas), Minkie Whales and very occasionally Humpback Whales. Harbour Porpoises may be sighted throughout the summer. Twenty two species of Cetacean have been recorded around the Shetlands, although some are very rarely seen and others have only been seen as washed up corpses.

Otters

Although a very shy animal otters are often seen feeding on small fish and crabs in the kelp beds around the island.

Bird Watching

Papa Stour is an important Ornithological area. There are at least 18 species of breeding seabirds.

Scuba Diving

Papa Stour lies within a candidate Special Area of Conservation. The waters contain a vast array of reefs and corals, with many submerged and semi-submerged caves. The waters are clean and clear with wrecks dotted around the coastline. Keep an eye out for Seals, Otters, Dolphins, Whales (Orca and Minkie), Skate and Dogfish. A launch slip is available at Papa Stour Harbour, Air is available at Lerwick. Tipton Skerries in Hamna Voe has claimed numerous French, Norwegian, Dutch and German ships. The Steamboat SS Highcliff was claimed by Forwick Holm, in 1940.

Walking

There is a marked walk around the island.

Photography

There are numerous subjects for photographers including Wildlife, Coastlines and dramatic seas and skies.

Archaelogical Sites

The island has many archaelogical sites including Bronze Age dwellings, and the site of a 13th Century Viking Stofa.

Fishing

Both Saltwater and Fresh Water fishing are available. There is a Brown Trout Lake on the croft. Fishing Permits are available from the Rod and Line Fishing Tackle shop in Lerwick.

Canoeing

There are plenty of sheltered bays to enjoy canoeing, but be aware of tides and currents.

Northern Lights

If you are lucky you will get a sight of the Northern Lights, visible from October until March.