Puffin watch

Have you ever considered visiting Shetland Isles, Scotland? I have just had some avid explorers return from this tree-less region, having had an incredible holiday tracking the beautiful puffin and visiting historical sites throughout the islands.

Britain's most northerly point provides a haven for thousands of seabirds, overlooking the North Sea. Although native to the Atlantic Ocean, these unmistakable birds with their black and white under-parts, distinctive heads and brightly coloured bills, can be found on the northern tip of Unst. There are seven main puffin colonies in Shetland and your most likely to spot then from April to mid-August, particularly at Hermaness Nature Reserve. Travel by hire car or on an organized trip is by far the best way to get around up here - and having your own car means you can then go at your own speed too.

For a dramatic sight, visit just before sunset where these fascinating creatures sit looking out to sea. If you're there during chick rearing season (June-early August), you might spot adults bringing beaks full of fish to feed their young too.

An absolutely amazing couple of weeks, highly recommended and definitely worth a return visit and these islands really do offer something quite extraordinary. The biggest shock on returning to England - was quite how many trees we have surround us here! Will definitely be heading back there in the future some more puffin watching.