Northern Exposure: How to drive from Cork to the Shetland Islands

In every sense, Shetland proves to be the ultimate highlight, writes Tom Breathnach 

On paper, the 1300km journey from Cork to Shetland seemed like quite the intrepid schlepp.

They say that sometimes, the journey is the destinaton, so surely, a road trip from Cork to the Shetland Islands would rank as one of the most epic escapades. Factor in the North Sea and Atlantic waters between Scotland, Norway and the Faroe Islands; Shetland’s remote location has traditionally left it off course for most travellers. But with a recent travel boost from Brits-on-lockdown, the growing appeal of nature-rich destinations and budding screen tourism due to BBC crime series Shetland, the islands are starting to emerge as an outdoors haven. All the more reason, then, I thought to load up the car boot and enjoy a winter escape to Scotland’s true north.

On paper, the 1300km journey from Cork to Shetland seemed like quite the intrepid schlepp. In practice, however, this ferry-drive adventure hopscotching through Antrim and Aberdeen would prove, pretty much, plain sailing. After setting off from Cork on a Sunday afternoon, by evening, my friend and co-pilot, Crona, and I were rolling aboard the P&O service from Larne to Cairnryan and following that two-hour crossing along the North Channel, we’re soon checking in to North West Castle Hotel in Stranraer, our budget overnight pitstop.