In reply to annakyn:
Have ordered mine. Great to hear and hopefully it will encourage more climbers up. I would certainly like to return. People looking for info in the mean time should also consult the Shetland climbing website where there are lots of useful mini guides.
We had a good time when we went a few years ago. Ross Jones met up with us and showed us around. He was keen to point us at new routes and took us to repeat others. The climbing community is small, although growing and there is a vast quantity of good climbing. We found the 'scene' very refreshing; an open, encouraging and all inclusive stance on trad climbing that i hadn't experienced on the mainland. This is of course not surprising given many of the good routes won't be repeated and many lines will remain unclimbed without some local info, tip offs etc but it was refreshing none the less.
All that in mind, my friend has a family home and wheels up there and therefore the otherwise steep ferry price was reasonable and the accommodation free. Trip cost is perhaps the major obstacle for climbers given similar style trips to Orkney or the Outer Hebrides would be cheaper. I suppose you just fill your car and book some cheap accommodation - perhaps a 'böd'. Another thing worth bearing in mind is that it can be pretty cold and exposed up there. There are plenty crags to hide away in whatever the weather but for a longer trip you are probably best aiming to go in the summer with a reasonable forecast. The rewards are plenty though.. big cliffs, remoteness and the simmer dim!
