Scotland Shetland Wool Week 2026 Tour
Sept 22 - Oct 4, 2026
Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2026 Tour
Join us for the Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2026 Tour, an unforgettable thirteen-day adventure from September 22 - October 4, 2026. The highlight of this year’s trip is a visit to the Isle of Skye via the…. Jacobite Steam Train! Our starting point will be Glasgow, the European Capital of Culture. From there we head to Fort William for a group welcome dinner and overnight stay at the Cruachan Hotel. On the way we will visit Glencoe, known for its stunning mountain scenery and the massacre of 1692, as well as the picturesque village of Luss on the banks of Loch Tay.
From Fort William we journey to Mallaig via Hogwarts and the Jacobite Steam Train. Described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world, the 42 mile trip takes you past impressive sights including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in all of Britain, and Loch Morar, to the most westerly mainland railway station, Arisaig. From Mallaig we take the scenic ferry to Armadale on the southern tip of the Isle of Skye. While in Skye, we explore several scenic sites, including The Old Man of Storr, Kilt Rock, Dunvegan Castle and Gardens as well as scenic towns and villages along the way, including Portree.
Several fiber events are taking place while on the mainland and in Skye, including hands-on workshops and lectures at the Caledonian Wool Co, Island at the Edge, Skye Weavers, and the Scottish Cranog Centre as well as yarn shop visits to Shilasdair Yarn and Handspinner Having Fun. And no visit to Scotland is complete without a distillery visit for a wee dram - this year it will be at the Ben Nevis Distillery.
Our mainland journey ends in Aberdeen where we take the overnight ferry to our final destination, the amazing Shetland Islands for Shetland Wool Week 2026, full of great classes, tours, and lectures that folks pre-register for independently (program and event registration expected to be in June 2026). Travelers will be staying in renovated historic homes all located within downtown Lerwick, in order that we all remain close yet have the freedom to wander and explore all Wool Week has to offer at our own pace.
NEW THIS YEAR: Because we have been allocated more double rooms than usual, we will be offering a discount of $400 per couple ($200 per traveler) when registering as a couple. And what constitutes a couple? Those that are willing to share a bed throughout the trip, and there are only a total of 5.
PLEASE NOTE: while this tour promises to be a captivating experience that appeals to textile lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike, it is not for everyone. The weather this time of year in Shetland can be rough and unpredictable, causing delays in travel (travel insurance is highly recommended). The itinerary is subject to change often at the last minute so flexibility is required. The hotels in Scotland, while often old and charming, have small rooms and small beds, often no lifts and no portage, so travelers must be able to handle their own luggage on stairs. Although our homes in Lerwick are all centrally located, a bit of walking will be required, sometimes on slippery wet cobblestones. It is up to each traveler to sign-up independently for any Wool Week classes, lectures or tours when they become available. Although we can guide you through the process ahead of time, it has its challenges due to popularity. Elegant Ewe Travel daily excursions are available for those that do not get into class, but space is limited. While these factors certainly add an element of annoyance, it can also make the trip more memorable, one you will not soon forget!
ALSO PLEASE NOTE: Due to the high demand and popularity of this trip, enrollments will be accepted based on the date Preregistration forms were submitted!
COST OF THE TOUR IS $5,495.00 PER PERSON TWIN OCCUPANCY,
$5,295.00 PER PERSON DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (FIRST 5 COUPLES),
international airfare not included.
Single Supplements are available, see below, but are VERY LIMITED.
“I can honestly say that I returned home with more than just yarn, mementos and fiber related goodies stuffed in my suitcase…it’s those special memories made from sharing all of what this ‘Priceless’ trip offered.”
Diana
“Thank you for planning such a wonderful Shetland Wool Week program, it really made the whole experience more navigable …. and I enjoyed every moment of it!”
Linda
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Shetland Wool Week 2026
This 7 day event is hands-down the most extensive and engaging fiber event in the world, with classes, tours, and lectures located throughout the islands.
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Historic Mainland Scotland
Explore historic Glencoe, village of Luss on the banks of Loch Tay, Fort William and Dunkeld areas, with a visit to the iconic Eilean Donan Castle, with a wee dram at Ben Nevis Distillery.
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Natural Beauty in the Isle of Skye
Full of ancient ruins and brochs, wildlife and natural beauty, we will visit Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, enjoy scenc drives along the Trotternish Peninsula with views of the old man of Storr and Kilt Rock.
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Jacobite Steam Train
Described as one of the greatest railway journeys in the world and filmed in Harry Potter, the Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Mallaig includes 42 miles of stunning scenery.
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Fiber Art Workshops Mainland Scotland
Experience lectures and hands-on workshops while visiting Caledonian Wool Co, Island at the Edge, Skye Weavers, Shilasdair Yarn, Handspinner Having Fun, and The Scottish Crannog Centre.
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Shetland Nature Adventures
Explore the magic of the Shetland Islands from the northern tip of Hermaness south to Sumburgh Head with day excursions by Elegant Ewe Travel.
Activity Level 2: Moderate
This is the majority of our tours, with a balance of time spent on sedentary activities, such as sightseeing on the bus and attending classes or lectures, and physical exertion. The more strenuous activities, such as hiking, horseback riding, kayaking, and paragliding, are often optional, with other less exerting activities or free time, making this tour suitable for most fitness levels. Travelers participating in the more strenuous activities need to be able to walk up to 3-4 miles, or 2-3 hours, over uneven, sometimes hilly terrain with a day pack. There will be some early morning starts and late day finishes.
Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2026 Tour
Dates: September 22 - October 4, 2026
TRIP IS NOW FULL, WAIT LIST ONLY
Please note: Due to the high demand and popularity of this trip, enrollments will be accepted based on the date Pre-Registration forms were submitted.
Early Arrival (Monday, September 21, 2026)
Arrive a day early to acclimate and explore Glasgow, known as the European Capital of Culture. This is an independent option and not part of the tour, hotels will be recommended.
Day 1: Tuesday, September 22, 2026 – Arrival in Glasgow, Fort William
After meeting up at the Glasgow Airport, we begin our journey to Fort William. Along the way, we will stop at the charming village of Luss on the banks of the famed Loch Lomond. Then on to the Glencoe Visitor Centre to learn about the area’s rich history, geology, and wildlife. The day finishes with a 2-hour needle felting class at The Caledonian Wool Co, where we will make a Highland Flock wall-hanging. Tonight we overnight and enjoy a group welcome dinner at the Cruachan Hotel in Fort William.
Day 2: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 – Jacobite Steam Train to Isle of Skye
Today we journey on the famed Jacobite Steam Train from Fort William to Maillag. Known as one of the great railway journeys in the world, we travel past 42 miles of stunning scenery including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in the UK, and Loch Morar, arriving at the most westerly staion in the UK, Arisaig. After some free time and lunch in Mallaig, we cross on the scenic ferry to the Isle of Skye. After a stop at the Handspinner Having Fun Wool Shop, we will check into the Sligachan Hotel where we will enjoy a group dinner and spend the next two nights.
Day 3: Thursday, September 24, 2026 – Island at the Edge, Dunvegan Castle, Skye Weavers, Portree
Our first visit of the day is Island at the Edge, where we learn about their traditional fisherman ganseys, Hebridean sheep and partake in a hands-on workshop learning about natural dyeing using the natural materials at hand. Then on to Skye Weavers, where we learn how they turn local wool into beautiful tweed, scarves and more! After a fiber filled morning we head to Dunvegan Castle and Gardens, the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland. In the afternoon we will drive along the coast of Trotternish Peninsula and see The Old Man of Storr and Kilt Rock. Then another shopping stop at Shilasdair Yarn and natural dye shop. We’ll finish the day with a few free hours to explore Portree before returning to our hotel for another group dinner.
Day 4: Friday, September 25, 2026 – Eilean Donan Castle, Ben Nevis Distillery
Today we say farewell to the Isle of Skye and head to Dunkeld in Perthshire. Our first stop along the way is Eilean Donan Castle, one of the most iconic images of Scotland, located on the Isle of Donan where three great sea lochs meet. The first fortified castle was built here in the 13th century, the current castle being partially destroyed in the Jacobite uprising of 1719. Since its restoration, started in 1911 and lasting for 20 years, the castle is in its full glory, surrounded by the amazing scenery of the Highlands. After a packed lunch we will visit the Ben Nevis Distillery for a wee dram. Tonight we have a group dinner and overnight stay at the lovely Dunkeld House Hotel.
Day 5: Saturday, September 26, 2026 – The Scottish Crannog Centre, overnight ferry to Lerwick
Today we depart Perthshire and head to Aberdeen for our overnight ferry to Lerwick, Shetland. On the way we will visit the Scottish Crannog Centre. After visiting the museum which houses wooden, ceramic, metal and textile artefacts dating from 500BC, we will have a hands-on experience learning how to craft essential items from the Iron Age, including pottery, wire jewelry, fire making kits, leather pouches, and yarn from a drop spindle, using raw materials that would have been gathered. The day ends with our overnight ferry crossing from Aberdeen to Lerwick in lovely cabin accommodations on the North Link Ferry.
Day 6: Sunday, September 27, 2026 - Arrival in Lerwick, Begin Wool Week Activities
This morning we will awaken in the magical Shetland Islands. On arrival we will be met by our private bus and transferred to our lovely downtown homes, all historic, recently renovated and within walking distance to major Lerwick venues. Once settled in we are free to explore Lerwick and begin the Shetland Wool Week program based on what travelers have pre-registered for, including Opening Ceremonies.
Day 7 - 12, Monday, September 28 - Friday, October 2, 2026 - Shetland Wool Week 2026
Travelers spend the next 6 days participating in the amazing Shetland Wool Week 2026 program based on what they preregistered for (the program and registration for Wool Week 2026 events expected to be available in June 2026), including an extensive array of classes, tours and lectures located throughout the islands. Limited seating will be available on Elegant Ewe Travel Excursions held daily, weather dependent.
Day 12, Saturday, October 3, 2026 - Last Day in Shetland, Overnight Ferry to Aberdeen
This morning we all board our private bus and bring our luggage and belongings to the Lerwick Ferry Terminal. We then have the day for further exploration and to attend the Makers Market. In the afternoon we will meet and board the overnight ferry for Aberdeen.
Day 13: Sunday, October 4, 2026 – Arrival in Aberdeen and transport to airport for departures
After the overnight ferry ride to Aberdeen we will be met at the ferry terminal and transported by private bus to the Aberdeen Airport for flight departures back home.
Note: While we strive to follow the itinerary, changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances.
THE COST OF THE TOUR IS $5,495.00 TWIN OCCUPANCY, $5,295.00 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY (FIRST 5 COUPLES). Single supplements are available but very limited, see below.
“Thank you for organizing such a wonderful trip! I really stepped out of the box to travel on my own, but from the moment I met everyone, I felt welcomed and included … a trip I will fall back on with wonderful memories of new friends, beautiful scenery, and a lot of sheep, ponies and yarn!”
Melonie
The cost of the 13-day, 12-night Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2026 Tour is $5,495.00 per person twin occupancy, $5,295.00 double occupancy (first 5 couples)
Included in the price:
All accommodation (based on twin occupancy)
All breakfasts on mainland
4 group dinners
1 packed lunch
Guided tours, lectures, workshops and other activities including entrance fees while in mainland Scotland and Isle of Skye
Transportation via ferry and bus during the tour
Passage on the Jacobite Steam Train
Guide and driver tips
Taxes and service charges for all included services
Transfers to and from the airport
NOT Included in the price:
International Airfare (travelers are responsible for making their own on-line flight arrangements)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs, snacks, and any other personal expenditures
Wool Week attendee expenses including classes, lectures, tours, transportation to events during wool week
Travel insurance (always highly recommended for this tour)
SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS:
Single supplements are available at an additional cost but are very limited and can not be guaranteed at time of sign up:
Single supplement on Mainland Scotland: $500
En-suite private room with bath while in Shetland: $650
Single room with shared bath while in Shetland: $400
All deposits and payments are non-refundable/non-transferable if the trip is cancelled for any reason. Elegant Ewe Travel highly recommends trip insurance for all excursions.