Scotland/Shetland Wool Week 2026
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. After a brief city tour, 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 1692 ‘Massacre of Glencoe’, as well as the Caledonian Wool Co. for a needle-felting workshop.
From Fort William we journey to Mallaig via the Jacobite Steam Train. Described as one of the great railway journeys of the world, the 42 mile trip takes you past impressive sights including Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in all of Britain, and Lock Morar, to the most westerly amainland railway station, Arisaig. From Mallaig we take the scenic ferry to Armadale on the southern tip of the Isle of Skye.
From Orkney we will take the overnight ferry to our final destination, the amazing Shetland Islands for Shetland Wool Week 2025 Tour, full of great classes, tours, and lectures that folks have pre-registered for. 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.
This tour promises to be a captivating experience that appeals to textile lovers and cultural enthusiasts alike.
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!
THE COST OF THE TOUR IS $5,495.00 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
“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, 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 2025 Tour
Dates: September 22 - October 4, 2025
TRIP OPEN FOR ENROLLMENT NOVEMBER 14, 2025!
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 Lock 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 of the world, we travel pass 42 miles of stunning scenery, past 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 Hansspinner Having Fun wool shop, we will check into the Sligachan Hotel where we will enjoy a group dinner and spend the next two nights while we further explore the beautiful Isle of Skye.
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 the traditional gansey and can spend a little time knitting, then a visit 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 Peiinsula 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. Our first stop 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 was 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 from Aberdeen to Lerwick
Today we depart Perthshire and head to Aberdeen for our overnight ferry to Lerwick, Shetland. On the way we will experience a half-day workshop at the Scottish Crannog Centre, where we learn how to craft what would have been essential items, including
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 have preregistered for, 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 $4,995.00 DOUBLE OCCUPANCY
“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 2025 Tour is $5,495.00
Included in the price:
All accommodation (based on double occupancy)
All breakfasts on mainland
4 group dinners
1 afternoon tea
Guided tours and activities including entrance fees while in mainland Scotland
Transportation via ferry and bus during the tour
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
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: $350
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 if the trip is cancelled for any reason. Elegant Ewe Travel highly recommends trip insurance for all excursions.