My portfolio
See my words in action…
My clients range from Ireland's leading chauffeur hire company to a transformative women's expedition brand taking travellers deep into Uganda and South Africa.
Different businesses, with the same belief: the right words bring in bookings.
I can't share everything here — some of my best work lives behind NDAs, which is exactly how my clients like it.
But this portfolio gives you a sense of what I do, and how I do it.
Want more examples, or something specific? Just ask.
Email sequence solo female travellers brand
EMAIL 1: THE PEEING STORY
Subject: 3 women, one ranger and an awkward moment
Hi |FNAME]
I need to tell you a story that perfectly captures what my trips are like.
We were on a game drive in Kruger, just as dusk was falling. The temperature had dropped from 32°C to about 10°C in the space of an hour. Everyone had thrown on sweaters and cardigans.
And then three women announced they really, really needed to pee.
Something you need to know about peeing in the African wilderness:
You can't just duck behind a bush. Not when leopards are hunting. Not when crocodiles could dart out of the water and grab you. Not when lions are on the move.
The ranger chooses your spot. And the ranger watches to make sure you don't get eaten.
So Jurgen (our ranger) points to a fairly "open" spot (meaning no cover, completely exposed) and says to Remke, Nicole, and Ilse: "You pee here where I can see you. I'll turn around."
Picture this: three women who've known each other for maybe 48 hours. Crouching in a row in the dirt. In full view of each other. Giggling nervously because what else can you do?
You have two choices: pee or die.
And then Remke accidentally farts. Loudly.
They absolutely lost it. Laughing so hard they couldn't breathe. The ranger immediately yells at them to be quiet because of the wild animals, which only made them laugh harder.
Ilse wrote in her diary that night: "We literally peed our pants laughing, but we'd just emptied our bladders."
Here's why I'm telling you this:
Because this is what happens on these trips.
It’s not the Instagram version. Or the polished safari-with-wine version.
It’s the trip where you're crouching in the dirt with women you barely know, laughing so hard you can't stand up, while a ranger with a rifle makes sure a leopard doesn't eat you.
The trip where you realise: I can't believe I just did that. And I can't believe I don't even care.
That's when the transformation happens. Not in the planned moments. Not in the "you're going to find yourself" retreat bullshit.
It happens when you have no choice but to let go of your embarrassment. Your dignity. Your carefully constructed image of who you're supposed to be.
It happens when you're so far outside your comfort zone that all you can do is laugh.
And here's what happens next:
Those three women? They’re bonded for life.
That's what happens when you pee in a row in the African wilderness.
That's what happens on Wild at Heart.
We have 5 spots left for May 11-24.
One woman's already in. She might end up being the one who farts. Or the one who can't stop laughing. Or the one standing guard with the ranger.
Could you be one of the others?
Hit reply and tell me what's on your mind.
Even if it's just "I can't believe you just told that story."
I promise I'll write back.
Carla
P.S. Jurgen always carries a rifle during bathroom breaks. And yes, we've had elephants walk past while women were mid-squat. This is real wilderness and it's absolutely worth it.
EMAIL 2: ERIKA'S ELEPHANT STORY
Subject: She sat there for two hours
Hi [FNAME],
Erika came on one of my trips last year.
She’s an American. A grandmother of four with five children. And a life absolutely full of people who needed her.
Her aunt had just died at 99 and left her a house. She'd spent months sorting through decades of someone else's life while managing her own.
When we first met, I could hear it in her voice – that bone-tired sound of someone who hasn't stopped in years.
On day five, we were at Lone Tree Wilderness Camp in Botswana.
No fences. No other tourists. Just us, the canvas tents, and whatever wildlife decides to wander through.
I'd learned by then not to over-schedule Erika. She's an introvert in a group setting – she needed space. So when she said she wasn't coming on the morning game drive, I just said "perfect."
Later that afternoon, I found her still on her tent porch.
She'd been sitting there for two hours. Just watching elephants.
Not photographing them for Instagram. Not journalling about them. Not doing anything except watching a family of elephants move through the clearing in front of her tent.
And when she finally came to dinner that night, she looked…different.
She told me later: "That was one of the biggest moments of change for me. This real harmony connection. Really slowing down. Really watching them. I don't think I'd sat still for two hours in my entire adult life."
Here's what she didn't expect:
She thought she'd come home and slot back into her old life. She didn't.
She's coming with me to Uganda later this year.
And in 2027, she's bringing a whole group of friends –because when she got home and emailed 18 women about my trips, three said yes within days.
All three have experienced profound loss. One just lost a son. One's husband died from Parkinson's. One's recovering from breast cancer.
They all knew they needed this. The same way Erika knew.
So here's my question for you [FNAME]:
What would happen if you gave yourself two hours to just sit? To not be needed by anyone? To not have your phone? To just watch the world move around you?
That's what this trip is. 14 days of permission to finally stop.
We leave May 11. Five spots left.
If this is landing somewhere in your chest, hit reply. Tell me what's happening in your life right now. I read every email.
Carla
EMAIL 3: THE WIDOW'S STORY
Subject: The fear that stops most women
BODY:
Hi [FNAME],
I had a woman on a trip a few years ago – I'll call her Anne to protect her privacy.
She'd been married for 32 years. She and her husband had travelled all over the world together. Africa was always "their dream" for when they retired.
Then he suddenly died of a heart attack.
She was 64 and terrified.
Anne told me later that the hardest part wasn't the grief – it was the guilt. The guilt of going to Africa without him. Of doing the thing they were supposed to do together.
"What if I love it?" she said. "What if I have this incredible experience and he's not there to share it?"
I didn't have an answer for her. I just listened.
Here's what happened:
On the second night, around the campfire, she started talking about him. Really talking – not the polite "he passed away" conversation you have at home, but the real stuff. How they met. Their first trip together. The dreams they'd made.
The other women listened. Some cried with her. A few shared their own losses – divorce, death, estrangement.
By day five, she seemed lighter.
On day eight, she said something I'll never forget:
"He would have wanted this for me. He would have pushed me to come even if he couldn't. And I can feel him here. Not in a sad way. Just... I can feel him in the beauty of this place.
In the fact that I'm finally doing it."
She came on another trip the following year. Then she brought a friend.
Here's what I want you to know:
If you're waiting for the "right" time to do this – after the kids are older, after you retire, after you feel less guilty about spending money on yourself – that time might never come.
But May might be exactly the right time. Not because everything's perfect, but because nothing ever is.
We have this tiny window – 6 women maximum, 5 spots left [GW9] – where you could be one of them.
One widow. Maybe one divorcee. Maybe someone whose nest just emptied. Maybe someone who just needs to remember who they are.
What's holding you back?
Not logistically –I mean really. What's the thing you're afraid of?
Hit reply and tell me. Even if you don't book, even if you're just thinking about it, I want to hear what's in your way.
Sometimes just saying it out loud (or writing it down) changes everything.
Carla
P.S. Anne told me something else after that first trip: "You better regret something you did than what you didn't." She's right.
EMAIL 4: ILSE'S CONSERVATION STORY
Subject: The phone call that changed everything
Hi [FNAME],
Ilse came on one of my trips from the Netherlands.
Maternity nurse. Dreamer. The kind of woman people called "impractical" her whole life because she wanted things that seemed impossible.
She'd worked extra jobs just to afford the trip. Raised the required R10,000 for conservation. Then, because she got so caught up in the work of the Endangered Wildlife Trust, she raised another €1,500, just because she wanted to.
It was a surprise. She didn't tell me she was doing it.
On the Sunday evening, we were with the EWT team, and Ilse handed them the extra money. They were stunned and emotional.
The next day, we got the call.
124 vultures had been poisoned in Kruger Park. It was devastating.
But here's what happened next: because of monitoring equipment funded by previous trips, the EWT team tracked the vultures' movements and responded immediately. They had a vulture ambulance. They had medical backpacks. All funded by donations from groups like ours.
They saved 90 birds.
90 vultures that would have died without that equipment and those rapid response systems. Without the money that women like Ilse had raised.
The EWT team was heartbroken about the 34 they lost. But they also realized: Ilse's €1,500 could go straight to continuing that emergency response. Right then. Right when it was most needed.
I watched her face when she understood what had happened. Not just that she'd contributed, but that the timing was... I don't know, it felt like it was meant to be.
She later said:
"That's what your trips do. You see how passionate these people are. You come back with renewed hope because if you just read articles about Africa, you'd think everything is terrible. But you would never see all these passionate people working so hard."
Here's the thing most safari companies won't tell you:
Tourism can be extractive. Take your photos, check your boxes, move on.
Or it can matter.
On this trip, you'll spend a day with the EWT team. You'll see vulture rehabilitation up close. You'll understand why wild dogs matter. You'll meet the people doing the unglamorous, critical work of keeping species alive.
Your R10,000 contribution isn't a donation you forget about. It's tangible. You'll see where it goes and you’ll meet the people it supports.
And you'll come home with something most travellers never get: hope.
Hope that there are still people fighting for wild places. Hope that your money makes a difference and that you were part of something that mattered.
May 11-24. Five spots.
If this story speaks to you – if you want your travel to mean something beyond pretty photos – this is your trip.
Want to know more about the conservation work? Just reply and ask. I could talk about EWT and Kaingo Foundation all day.
Carla
EMAIL 5: EYES WIDE OPEN (FINAL INVITATION)
Subject: Are your eyes wide open?
Hi [FNAME],
There's a man named Lloyd who works with one of the conservation projects we visit.
He's passionate about the Bushmen – the first people of Africa – and he taught us their traditional morning greeting.
They don't say "good morning" or "how are you?"
They say: "Wake up, wake up. Are your eyes wide open?"
It's not just polite small talk. It's a question with weight:
Are you seeing what's happening around you?
Are you connecting to what's happening today?
Are you present, or are you sleepwalking through your life?
One morning on a trip, Lloyd took us to watch the sunrise. We all sat there in silence as the sun came up over the African bush.
Nobody spoke. Nobody took photos. We just sat.
It's one of those moments that changes you and that you never forget.
It's February [DATE].
Wild at Heart leaves May 11.
I have [insert number] spots left. Maybe [insert number] by the time you read this.
You've heard a few stories from me over the last few weeks. The peeing story. Erika's elephants. The widow's journey. Ilse's conservation work.
Now I'm asking you the same question the Bushmen ask each morning:
Are your eyes wide open?
Open to the fact that you've been waiting for the "right time" that might never come?
Open to what your life could feel like if you finally stopped performing for everyone else?
Open to the possibility that May 11 could be the day you finally say yes to yourself?
Here's what I know about the women who book:
They don't wait for permission. They don't wait until everything is perfect. They don't wait until their kids are older or their finances are sorted or they've ticked every box.
They just know.
The same way Ilse knew when she went back to school to earn money for these trips. (She's been four times now and has "Dream. Believe. Dare. Do." tattooed on her back.)
The same way Erika knew when she came home and immediately emailed 18 friends saying "I'm going back." (Three said yes within days, all women who'd experienced profound loss and knew they needed this.)
The same way Anne knew when she decided to honour her late husband by finally doing the thing they'd dreamed of together.
You've read this far. That means something.
So let's talk. Not a sales call. Just a conversation.
I've blocked out time this week specifically for women considering May.
[BOOK A 30-MINUTE CALL WITH CARLA]
We'll talk about:
Or if you're not ready for a call yet, just hit reply and tell me what's on your mind. I'll write back personally.
May 11-24. Fourteen days. Five spots left.
One of them might be yours.
Wake up, wake up.
Are your eyes wide open?
Carla
P.S. Erika told me something before her second trip: "I wouldn't want to convince someone who's hesitant because you have to be ready to completely let go."
She's right. If you're not ready, you're not ready. But if you've been ready for years and just need permission? This is me telling you: it's time.
P.S. And once again, here’s that link to book a call. [insert link]
Booking Page: solo female travellerbrand
THIEF OF HEARTS
Uganda • 13 Days • August 16–28, 2026
WILL YOU BE ONE OF THE FIRST?
This is the first time Carla Geyser of Blue Sky Expeditions and Irene Nalwoga of Women Tour Uganda are running this trip. That means there are no testimonials for this journey – no women have done it before you.
But there will be two extraordinary leaders, one extraordinary country, and eight women who are brave enough to go first.
Uganda isn’t a destination you stumble into with your eyes closed: it’s one you choose with both hands. Trust us though: when you choose it, you won’t come back the same woman as when you left.
Thief of Hearts • 13 days • Uganda • August 16–28, 2026 • Only 2 spaces remaining
Your husband doesn’t travel. Your friends can’t afford it. You’ve been waiting, for years, maybe, for the right moment and the right person to go with.
This is for the woman who has decided, finally, to stop waiting.
Uganda is not a destination that shouts about itself. It doesn’t need to. More than fifty tribes living side by side, ancient forests giving way to savanna, savanna giving way to mountains — white rhinos, mountain gorillas, tree-climbing lions, golden monkeys, chimpanzees, the full unhurried force of the Victoria Nile, and almost none of the crowds that follow the famous-name destinations elsewhere on the continent.
The women who find their way here are never, not once, disappointed.
This is thirteen days moving through one of the most biodiverse and least-touristed countries in Africa, with two hosts who will trek every trail right beside you, pamper you from arrival to departure, and may, at some point tell you to wink at a mountain gorilla.
If it winks back (and it might) that’s Uganda getting you. It won’t be the last time.
"Uganda will steal your hearts."
— Irene Nalwoga, Women Tour Uganda
The Uganda Effect.
It happens when you’re standing in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest and a mountain gorilla locks eyes with you. It happens when a group of women you met five days ago become people you’ll know for the rest of your life. It happens when your phone has no signal and you realise you don’t miss it at all.
We won’t pretend otherwise: this is the first time Carla and Irene have run this trip together. There are no past guests to quote, no one to tell you what happens when Carla’s philosophy of purposeful, conservation-led travel meets Irene’s extraordinary on-the-ground knowledge of Uganda.
But here’s what we do know. Irene has been hosting women in Uganda for years, and her guests message her when they get home. They don’t talk about the animals, at least not first.
They say things like: “I’ve changed. I feel more present in my life”.
They come back more grateful, more present, more certain of what matters. Some of their husbands call Irene to say thank you: “What did you do to her? She’s different.” Some of the women come back a second time, just to feel it again.
What happens when you put Irene together with Carla, in one of the most biologically rich and least-touristed countries in Africa?
Nobody knows yet. You could be the first to find out.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
RHINO TREKKING & MURCHISON FALLS
Your adventure begins at Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary – one of the only places in Uganda where you can track white rhinos on foot, a genuine conservation success story in a country that takes its wildlife seriously. Then on to Murchison Falls, where the entire force of the Victoria Nile bursts through a narrow gorge in a display of raw, thundering power. This is Uganda announcing itself.
CLASSIC SAFARI & NILE BOAT CRUISE
Game drives through Uganda’s national parks at a pace that lets you absorb what you’re seeing, not rush past it. Hippos, elephants, and crocodiles line the banks on a scenic boat cruise along the Nile and Kazinga Channel – no scramble, no crowd, just you, the water, and the wildlife moving at their own unhurried rhythm.
CHIMPANZEE TREKKING IN KIBALE FOREST
Step into the rainforest for an intimate encounter with wild chimpanzees, followed by a conservation experience supporting primate protection. Kibale is home to one of the highest densities of primates in the world, and you’ll feel it. This a place so alive it hums.
LION TRACKING IN QUEEN ELIZABETH NATIONAL PARK
Join researchers in hands-on lion monitoring: real conservation work, not a show. Uganda is one of the few places on the continent where you can spot the famous tree-climbing lions, and potentially elusive leopards too, in one of Africa’s most spectacular national parks.
GORILLA TREKKING IN BWINDI IMPENETRABLE FOREST
There is nothing quite like this. Deep in the ancient forest, you’ll come face to face with endangered mountain gorillas in their natural habitat – and spend one full, extraordinary hour in their company. Irene, who has led this trek more times than she can count says it’s her favourite activity in all of Uganda. After you’ve done it, you’ll understand exactly why.
Find your gorilla and play hide and seek with it – move your head slowly, and watch it follow. If it winks at you, wink back. And yes, you’ll want to wear your brightest lipstick. Ask Irene why.
A note on the trek: gorilla trekking can take up to six hours depending on where the gorillas are. Permits are booked three months in advance to keep your group together, and a porter is a must – non-negotiable, and worth every penny.
CULTURAL CONNECTION & COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT
Learn to cook Ugandan dishes, wear a traditional Gomesi – yours to keep as a reminder of where you’ve been – and spend time with the Batwa community, one of Uganda’s oldest indigenous peoples. These experiences aren’t optional extras. They’re the heartbeat of the trip, and the reason Irene’s guests go home and never again complain about the same things.
CONSERVATION IN ACTION
Meet the wildlife vets and rangers doing the daily, unglamorous, vital work of protecting Uganda’s animals. This is the behind-the-scenes story that most safaris never tell – the people who’ve dedicated their lives to conservation, and what it really costs. Your $800–$1,000 conservation contribution goes directly to supporting this work, and it earns you something most tourists never get: real access, real conversations, and the full story.
LAKE MBURO — WHERE AFRICA SLOWS DOWN
The journey ends at the tranquil shores of Lake Mburo, where game drives give way to extraordinary birdlife and the unhurried pleasure of sitting with everything you’ve experienced and letting it settle.
MEET YOUR EXPEDITION HOSTS
CARLA GEYSER — EXPEDITION LEADER, BLUE SKY EXPEDITIONS
Carla is the founder of Blue Sky Society Trust and Blue Sky Expeditions. Since 2012, she has been creating purposeful journeys for women across Africa: adventures built on conservation, connection, and the firm belief that women travelling together can do extraordinary things.
She doesn’t overschedule. She doesn’t manufacture Instagram moments. She creates space for you to just be and lets Africa do the rest.
In 2026, Carla was named winner of the JourneyWoman Woman-Owned Business Award, chosen from over 150 nominations. The award goes to a woman over 50 who has built a travel business in genuine service to women.
Which is to say: other women saw what Carla does, and they voted for it. That's the kind of leader you're travelling with.
"Carla has an uncanny ability to read the room. Like any elephant matriarch, she holds the herd — vigilant, watchful, making sure every single one of her people is safe and seen."
— Cath — came on one trip, moved to Zululand
IRENE NALWOGA — YOUR ON-THE-GROUND HOST, WOMEN TOUR UGANDA
Irene grew up in the ghettos of Kampala. As a child, she watched tourists drive past in their safari vehicles and felt something stir in her: a love of meeting people, a hunger for a different life, a certainty that the world was bigger than her street. She became a banker. Then she became something far more interesting.
She built Women Tour Uganda to solve a problem she knew personally: women who want to travel alone, can’t find anyone to go with, and end up paying punishing single-supplement prices for the privilege. She created a company that makes solo travel not just affordable but joyful –small groups, women-only, guided by women who understand exactly what it feels like to arrive somewhere completely alone.
She employs 90% women. She personally accompanies every gorilla trek, every chimp trek, every rhino track – something most operators simply don’t do. Every morning, every guest gets a good morning hug. Every evening, a good night hug. All of them, without exception. (One guest tried to run. Irene caught her.)
Solo travel changed Irene. It built her confidence, shaped her personality, and taught her –above everything else – that a guest’s peace of mind is the most important thing she can offer.
"I know and I understand what they go through. The decisions they make, the fears, the anxieties. When someone writes to me, I always write back with a calming spirit. Don’t worry. All will be okay."
— Irene Nalwoga, Women Tour Uganda
Carla’s description of Irene? “Sunshine in a glass.”
YOUR ATTITUDE WILL CHANGE.
YOUR MINDSET WILL CHANGE.
YOU WILL NEVER COMPLAIN ABOUT THE SAME THINGS AGAIN.
When you connect with a country this alive, this generous, this unhurried – something changes. Irene sees it every time.
THIS TRIP IS FOR YOU IF:
• You’ve always wanted to see gorillas in the wild and you don’t want to wait any longer
• You want meet your tribe and travel with them
• You’re a solo traveller who doesn’t want to pay solo traveller prices
• You want to contribute to something real, not just observe from a distance
• You’re ready for an experience that will genuinely shift your perspective
• You want the intimacy of a small group: maximum 8 women
• You like the idea of being among the first women ever to do this, before anyone else has written the story
THIS TRIP IS NOT FOR YOU IF:
• You need five-star luxury and constant WiFi (the lodges are excellent; the signal is not always)
• You want a packed, minute-by-minute schedule
• You’re not comfortable with moderate hiking: gorilla and chimpanzee trekking require a reasonable level of fitness
• You want a large group experience
THE PRACTICAL BITS
The dates | August 16–28, 2026 (13 days / 12 nights) |
The place | Uganda — Murchison Falls, Kibale, Queen Elizabeth NP, Bwindi, Lake Mburo |
The group | Minimum 4, maximum 8 women + Carla and Irene |
Fly in/out | Entebbe International Airport (EBB) |
Accommodation | Mix of lodges, chalets, and safari tents (single and sharing available) |
Fitness | Moderate — you need to be able to hike and climb in/out of safari vehicles |
Spaces left | Only 2 |
Investment (per person, USD): $10,150 (single) • $9,100 (sharing)
Plus a compulsory conservation contribution of $800–$1,000 per person (can be fundraised). This gives you exclusive access to meet the wildlife vets and conservation teams working on the ground.
What’s included:
All accommodation, all meals and water, national park fees, all activities in the itinerary, airport transfers during the expedition, all road transport, one chimpanzee and one gorilla trekking permit, a traditional Gomesi gift, and your full-time English-speaking driver/guide.
What’s not included:
International flights, visa ($50, available online), gratuities (approx. $10–$20 per guide), alcohol, personal expenses, travel insurance (compulsory), and any activities not listed in the itinerary.
BUT WHAT ABOUT…
Safety?
You’re in expert hands. Irene knows Uganda’s parks, roads, and people. She tracks gorillas personally with every group. And as she puts it: “Our country is not about the history of Idi Amin. It is not about the terrorist threats you hear. Uganda is a very safe country with loving people.”
Carla has been safely leading women through African wilderness since 2012. You will be with two experienced hosts at all times.
Travelling alone?
Every woman on this trip chose it alone. Irene built her entire business around the solo woman traveller, and she understands the fears and anxieties that come with it better than most. As she puts it: “You may have a husband who doesn’t travel. Friends who can’t afford it. Sisters in hospital. We live different deadlines in life. I want to see women pick up their bags and travel without waiting for anyone.” What tends to happen – reliably, on every trip – is that strangers become friends. And those friends have a way of lasting.
The fitness requirement?
Gorilla trekking can take up to six hours. Chimpanzee trekking requires navigating rainforest terrain. You don’t need to be an athlete — you need to be willing. Irene watches the group carefully in the days before the gorilla trek and specifically requests a gorilla family suited to your fitness level. She will be right beside you the entire way.
The conservation contribution?
This isn’t a token gesture. It goes directly to the organisations protecting Uganda’s wildlife, and it earns you something most tourists never get: real access. Time with the vets. Conversations with the rangers. The full story. It can be fundraised before you travel — Carla will walk you through how.
URGENT DETAILS
Only 2 spaces remain on this trip. This is the inaugural Uganda expedition – a first of its kind journey that will not run again in 2026.
To secure your place:
• 40% deposit due at booking
• 30% due six months before departure
• 30% due six weeks before arrival
Credit card payments: please add 3.5% processing fee. We don’t partner guests — single rooms available at the single rate. Visa: online application, $50 per person.
ARE YOU READY TO GO FIRST?
Uganda is a thief of hearts. That’s not a warning – it’s a promise. Irene knows it. Carla knows it.
And the eight women who come on this trip in August 2026 are going to know it too, before anyone else does.
Two spaces left. Your name could be on one of them.
What if this was your year?
[ I’M READY — LET’S TALK ]
Or if you’re not quite ready:
Download our detailed trip information pack [LINK]
Email Carla: carla@blueskysociety.co.za
Please note: this itinerary and pricing may be subject to slight changes. Some activities may be weather-dependent. Wi-Fi may be minimal or unavailable in certain areas. The safety of all wildlife is our top priority, and all conservation activities are guided by expert conservationists. Terms and conditions apply.
Travel and tourism blog posts
Blog posts for Promote Shetland
For three years, I’ve been a regular blogger for Promote Shetland, helping attract visitors to the beautiful islands I call home.
You can read my collection of blog posts here. Below you’ll find two blog posts describing some of the islands’ seasonal delights.
Spring in Shetland: the fight of the year
In his poem The Fight of the Year, Roger McGough imagines a boxing match between spring and winter, where winter is beaten into submission after being relentlessly pummelled by spring’s flowers, lambs, tadpoles and general joyousness.
Here in Shetland, this annual boxing match is particularly dramatic. Winter’s seeming reluctance to throw in the towel (no matter how many head blows spring deals out) means that gales and sleety showers can persist until April and even May. Yet, in the end, spring inevitably triumphs, and the fact that its victory is so hard-won makes it doubly worthy of celebration.
The gift of light
So just what makes spring in Shetland extra-special? Lengthening days is the first sign that winter is losing its bottle. And after long, dark nights spent indoors, a gradual increase in daylight hours is a gift.
Spring means lots more time spent outside, whether that means getting busy in the garden, exploring new places, or trying a new sport. No more nights spent indoors after work. Spring evenings can mean packing a picnic and heading off to a favourite beach or beauty spot for an invigorating stroll.
As everyone knows, this gradual increase in light heralds the countdown to the Simmer Dim. It is a headily intense period of near-constant light which is far too good to waste on sleeping. Why sleep when you can experience some of the world’s most dramatic scenery come to life before your eyes?
Bursting into life
In spring, Shetland’s nature jumps out of bed after its long winter sleep, and roadsides and cliffs burst into riots of colour. Primrose, Devil's-Bit Scabious, and Red Campion all enliven spring strolls, while sea cliffs (rightly known as “Shetland’s hanging gardens”) are carpeted in sea pink, spring roseroot and bird’s-foot trefoil among many other botanical delights.
These islands also welcome many a feathered visitor during the spring months. For many Shetlanders, spring would not be spring without the promise of a trip to Sumburgh Head to admire the gorgeously clown-like little harbingers of spring who arrive en masse to breed here. Puffins are perhaps Shetland’s most famous spring visitor, but they are by no means the only one: spring-time guests include the rustic bunting, red-throated pipit and thrush nightingale. In recent years rare species such as the common rosefinch, red-backed shrike, and golden oriole have delighted birders too.
On the water
Inspired by the natural world’s activity, spring can seem the ideal time for many of us humans to shed some of the sedentary habits (and extra pounds) gained over winter.
Luckily, Shetland boasts a host of opportunities to get active in the great outdoors. If you fancy taking to the water in a traditional Shetland yoal (rowing boat) you are likely to be welcomed with open arms by one of the several rowing clubs dotted around the isles. The rowing season runs from May to September.
Wild swimming is also an option which has become increasingly popular recently, and while some hardy souls enjoy sea-swimming all year round, the uninitiated may prefer to wait until spring before dipping a neoprene-d toe into the water (a word of warning, the sea temperature is a nippy 8.6 degrees, even in spring).
Kayaking, sailing and coasteering are also popular choices, but if you don’t fancy immersing yourself in the water, why not try hiking, golf, pony trekking, geocaching or cycling? The possibilities are endless.
Shetland’s spring clean
In a blog post listing the delights of the season, there may seem little place for a word on cleaning. Never fear, we’re not going to tell you to hoover or dust! Shetland style spring-cleaning is much more fun.
During the annual “Voar redd-up” (spring-clean), groups of friends, families and community organisations take to the beaches and spend the day clearing up the “bruck” that the tide has deposited there, leaving everyone pristine beaches to enjoy.
The tempo and energy of a Shetland spring is guaranteed to leave you feeling revitalised. With so much to see and do, the challenge is deciding how best to enjoy it to the fullest.
Reasons you should visit Shetland in October
As October approaches and the long, light days of summer start to fade Shetland undergoes its annual change of pace. As the sun shifts lower in the sky, the solar-powered 'buzz' of the previous season fades into something more muted.
We say farewell to the carnivals, country shows, cruise ship visits, and the sailing and rowing regattas that punctuate summertime. But that means October is the perfect time to experience another side of the islands and relish the gentle cadence and golden light of hairst (the Shetland dialect word for autumn).
Throughout the month, plenty keeps locals and visitors entertained.
Fabulous festivals
The islands have a vibrant cultural timetable. And October is no exception, hosting two of the year’s most popular events: Shetland Wool Week and the Shetland Fiddle and Accordion Festival.
Wool Week, a festival dedicated to Shetland sheep, wool and knitting, falls at the beginning of the month. In Shetland, wool is never out of season but in October, it really comes into its own. Each autumn, the islands host hundreds of visitors from around the world, united in their love of natural fibres and textile history.
The Wool Week posse roams the islands, attending workshops, visiting shops and learning about spinning wool, Fair Isle patterns, felting, wire knitting and more. They are always identifiable by their hand-knitted toories (hats), as each year the festival releases a hat pattern designed by its patron.
If you’re a knitter, you’ll be in heaven. And even if you’re not, it’s delightful to be around for Wool Week as the knitters’ camaraderie and community are so apparent.
And, just days after Wool Week, it’s time for the music lovers to have their moment. The Shetland Accordion and Fiddle Festival celebrates two instruments synonymous with Shetland, and traditional Scottish dance music.
In a busy programme of live performances and informal tune-swapping, one of the most popular festival events is the Grand Dance, which has been described as a “traditional rave”. It’s an occasion that sees revellers spin and whirl the night away with over a thousand fellow traditional music enthusiasts accompanied by tunes from some of the best musicians in the genre.
Festivals aside, the lengthening nights mean many Shetlanders start to busy themselves with indoor pursuits. Look around, and you’ll find a range of workshops and classes: from well-being writing to yoga. Many events are drop-in, meaning you’ll be guaranteed a warm welcome if you fancy joining in.
Despite these activities and festivities, October is generally quieter than the busy summer months. For one thing, the local children are back at school and fewer visitors are aware of the charms of the islands’ autumn months.
This means there’s a chance that you’ll be able to drink in the atmosphere of some of the islands’ world-class archaeological sites in perfect solitude. You’ll also be able to walk along beautiful beaches, which you may have to yourself. And after you've walked up an appetite, you can dine at Shetland’s top cafes and restaurants.
Though things are quieter on the ground, overhead is a different story. October is one of the best times to visit Shetland to see impressive migratory birds.
The islands are a rest stop along the way for many rare and exotic avian visitors, returning to warmer climes. You might be lucky enough to see a Siberian Thrush or a Pechora Pipit, both regular autumnal guests. Occasionally, even rarer birds, seeking respite from October storms, find their way to Shetland, much to the delight of birdwatchers.
And, while thinking about the sky, one consolation of the nights “drawing in” is the chance to see the most famous light show in the world – the northern lights, or mirrie dancers as they’re called locally. Join local social media groups to ensure you have the best chance of knowing when and where the action is happening. Remember that spotting the northern lights is never guaranteed, and clear skies are needed to witness them. Even if you don't see the mirrie dancers, Shetland's skies are always fascinating and you should check out the Unst-based Wild Skies Shetland.
October offers rich pickings for wildlife enthusiasts. Perhaps you dream of spotting seals on the rocks or yearn to see an otter in the wild. You’ll find various wildlife tour companies offer you to chance to get up close with Shetland’s wildlife while you benefit from the knowledge of local guides.
If you’re one of those people who believes there’s no such thing as bad weather, only the wrong kind of clothes, you’re likely to find the October weather invigorating. A blustery walk with fresh sea spray blasting into your face is worth a hundred facial peels. You may even enjoy the warmth of a new jumper or toorie knitted from Shetland wool. And, of course, exploring the spectacular landscape is free!
It’s not all wind and rain in October though. The windiest days are often preceded by golden days of calm, where the air smells of peat smoke – burnt as a fuel in many Shetland homes – and the sun tinges everything golden. You’ll see glorious sunrises and sunsets and, unlike in summertime, you won’t need to stay up all night to see them.
The cooler days and the fresher air which arrives in October may put an edge on your appetite. Luckily, there is an array of heartwarming local food and drink. After a blustery hillside walk, what could be better than a plate of hot reestit mutton soup with a buttered bannock on the side? Followed, of course, with some fine Shetland beef, lamb, or seafood and seasonal veg washed down with a locally brewed beer.
There’s something special about these islands at this time of year. October offers you the chance to relax and revitalise in equal measure and shows a different side to Shetland.
Tour Descriptions
Whether you want to explore the city’s rich history and heritage or revel in its cutting-edge culture our guides will tailor the tour to suit your tastes.
Dublin was one of Europe’s most important cities in the 17th century. Then a series of catastrophes brought it to its knees until, by 1910, it became Europe’s biggest slum.
Since being reborn as a thriving global capital, today’s Dublin is a beguiling mix of history and innovation infused with Ireland’s trademark warmth and wit. The result of Dublin’s changing fortunes is a multi-layered city where ancient ringforts sit alongside hi-tech structures of steel and glass.
Your tour, your way.
Experience:
And explore our itinerary suggestions:
In a nutshell - the number one reason people come to Ireland is to meet Irish people, so come and meet our guides! They are an attraction in themselves!
This 8 hour tour takes you through some of Ireland’s most beautiful countryside. You’ll drive through rugged heather-covered highlands, stroll through stunning Powerscourt Estate House & Gardens and visit the 10th century monastic ruins of Glendalough.
These are two of Ireland’s most popular destinations for good reason, and we will get you there in optimum comfort. Sit back and relax as we drive you through the quieter, more scenic routes and you’ll experience all the wild beauty Wicklow has to offer you.
On this tour, you’ll soon realise why Wicklow is known as the Garden County – you’ll have the chance to see and enjoy stately homes and gardens galore.
Your tour, your way.
Experience
And explore our itinerary suggestions:
In a nutshell - the Irish name for Wicklow is Cill Mhantáin, ‘Church of the Toothless One’. There are a few stories behind this – and you’ll hear them all on this tour.
Tour Itineraries
It’s not just about the food though. Our expert guides will share the highlights of Irish culture with you, and develop your understanding of how contemporary Ireland came to be.
These two cities hold the secrets of Ireland’s reinvention in their museums, galleries and libraries. Behind the impressive facades of these buildings you’ll find the compelling story of the international influences who have helped forge a new Irish economy.
Your tour, your way.
Day One - on arrival, you will be met by your driver and taken to the Merrion Hotel. Freshen up in your luxurious surroundings before heading out to experience the city’s charms. A private walking tour of the National Museum of Ireland and the National Gallery of Ireland will develop your understanding of how Irish history has been shaped by internal and external forces. The story you hear in this engaging and accessible tour will set you up for the rest of your stay. You’ll have dinner in one of the excellent nearby restaurants.
Day Two - take the coastal route through Dublin’s leafy suburbs with its grand residences. Arriving in the Wicklow hills, stop off at the magnificent Powerscourt House and Estate for a stroll around the stunning Italian Gardens. A visit to a family-run restaurant with a unique collection of rare books makes a memorable lunch-stop. Continue onto Glendalough. You’ll visit an early Christian monastic city nestling in one of Ireland’s most serene mountain valleys.
Day Three - departing for the north of Ireland you will visit the Boyne Valley National Park, an innovation developed by The Irish Government to protect one of Europe’s most historic sites. The park’s central structure, Newgrange, is a passage tomb which is over 5,000 years old – a must-see for any visitor to Ireland. Have lunch locally in the medieval town of Drogheda or Carlingford before continuing to Belfast, where you will check into the five-star Merchant Hotel.
Day Four - let a local guide help you uncover the delights of bright and bustling Belfast. Having left its troubled past far behind, the city is experiencing a renaissance, and you’ll see signs all around you that Belfast is booming. An afternoon tour by limousine can take you on an optional trip to west Belfast for a tour of the history of ‘The Troubles’ and their aftermath. Round off a memorable day with a trip to Queen’s University Belfast and the Titanic Quarter.
Day Five - explore the stunning scenery and small idyllic villages of the north Antrim coast and the Causeway Coastal Route. You’ll see that Scotland is so close you could almost touch it! The highlight of the day will be your visit to that mysterious natural wonder, Giant’s Causeway. A visit to a young family practising sustainable farming makes for a special lunch stop with delicious local produce. And, if time permits, Bushmills Distillery and the Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge could also be on the agenda before returning to Belfast for dinner.
Day Six - you will drive back to Dublin via the coastal roads, passing through Dundrum with its historic castle. Crossing over onto the Cooley Peninsula you will hear about Queen Maeve and the greatest story of all Irish stories – The Cattle Raid of Cooley. Coming down the east coast why not savour a final pint of the black stuff in the Man O’ War pub with its open fire and friendly patrons? Arrive back in Clontarf Castle and spend your final evening there reflecting on your Irish odyssey.
Day Seven - depart via Dublin airport.
This six-night tour gives you the opportunity to meet the people at the vanguard of Ireland’s cultural renaissance. You’ll leave Ireland with a head full of the country’s stories and a heart full of hope for her future.
You’ll stay in three of Ireland’s top hotels and experience magical coastal drives on the very edge of Europe. You’ll also encounter the artisans, chefs and food producers whose skills combine to create the unique atmosphere and lifestyle of Ireland’s west coast.
Our expert guides are skilled in helping you find that sweet spot between doing and simply being – how do we do it? That’s our secret!
Overview:
Experience:
Day One - arrive in Shannon, where your driver will meet you and take you to Killarney. Settle down in your beautiful surroundings, before heading out to explore the spectacular landscapes the surrounding area is renowned for. Lake cruises, visits to historic homes, garden walks or scenic drives are all options.
Day Two - time to explore the Dingle Peninsula, where you’ll experience the magic of the Slea Head Drive and see why it has become one of Ireland’s most popular routes. The historic sites you’ll find here date back thousands of years – and they’re just one example of possible stops and detours along the way. The Slea Head drive leads to Dingle town, one of Ireland’s finest. Let us guide you through its beautiful streets and artisan stores.
Day Three - as you leave Killarney behind, you’ll head north, crossing the River Shannon to Co. Clare, before heading to the wilds of the Loop Head. This up-and-coming corner of Ireland is renowned for its stunning beauty, lighthouse, incredible artists and local seafood cuisine. It’s also off the beaten track! You’ll then retire to Dromoland Castle to relax in an armchair and reminisce on a memorable day.
Day Four - refresh your senses in the Burren National Park, a wonderful karst landscape with a unique wildflower bloom. As you travel along the coastline, you’ll drop in at surfing villages with boutique bakeries and artisan producers. Why not have lunch at a seafood restaurant on the edge of the ocean? This is also your chance to drink in the magic of the Cliffs of Moher. A full day of exploring, with lots of stops, plenty of photo opportunities and relatively little driving.
Day Five - en route to Ashford you will explore Galway, Ireland’s cultural capital. Immerse yourself in its narrow streets and hear the Irish language ringing out as you take a walking tour with a local guide. After lunch in one of Galway’s many great restaurants or pubs you’ll take the short journey to Ashford Castle. A late afternoon will facilitate a relaxed evening in sumptuous surroundings.
Day Six - take a day trip to remember into the wilds of Connemara with its mountains, lakes and rugged coastlines. Visit the gothic marvel that is Kylemore Abbey and Gardens. Or head out to the rugged mountain town of Clifden or stroll the pristine sands of Dog’s Bay. If the fresh air has whetted your appetite, then Roundstone village is a popular stop for lunch – once you’ve sampled the fresh local produce in the local pub you’ll know why.
Day Seven - on your final day, you’ll transfer to Shannon or Dublin. Having experienced the best of Irish hospitality and soaked in some of its most stunning scenery, you’ll have the essence of Ireland in your bones.
This tour is testament to the Irish saying: ‘the west is the best’. This deep dive into the stunning beauty of Ireland will give you a real feeling for our country. And it’s the best feeling in the world!
About Us page
The Problem & Our Solution
Planning Your Trip Shouldn't Be Overwhelming
The sheer variety of travel options available can make planning your UK trip an overwhelming chore. With so many monuments, landmarks, and locations to explore, you risk spending hours of your valuable time navigating in uncertainty. Meanwhile, the fear of missing out on something important becomes all too real.
When you book a trip with Bespoke England Tours, these layers of stress are removed, ensuring that your experience is memorable for all the right reasons.
Full-Service Concierge
Relax, We'll Handle the Details
From the moment you land to the day you depart, everything is taken care of – from hassle-free airport transfers to deluxe accommodations and meticulously planned tours. With our one-stop concierge service, you can sit back and enjoy the ride while we handle all the details.
Reliability & Expert Guides
Your Tour, Tailored to Perfection
Our highly trained, well-compensated driver-guides aren’t just drivers – they’re passionate professionals with extensive knowledge of the UK’s rich heritage. With our bespoke itineraries crafted to your interests, each tour is a unique journey.
Eco-Friendly Travel
Committed to Sustainability
At Bespoke England Tours, we’re pioneering eco-friendly travel experiences. Our fleet is equipped with ultra-low emission vehicles featuring BlueTEC® technology, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint. We also contribute monthly to global reforestation efforts through Treesisters and are dedicated to eliminating non-recycled, non-recyclable, single-use plastics on our tours.
Airbnb Listing
Airbnb Listing
Over to New Zealand’s South Island now, where my client had created a thoughtfully designed space using pre-loved furniture and recycled materials. Unfortunately, she found she was having to field frequent complaints about:
A discussion with my client revealed exactly who she wanted to attract to her property (environmentally minded people who appreciated conscious design and the chance to detox from modern life). You can read the rewritten copy below:
Barn Hideaway - escape to simplicity
Welcome to Barn 8! Nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Hawea Flat, this is the perfect place for nature lovers and star gazers. Our historic barn-turned-studio has been thoughtfully converted for the people who need quiet — birders up before dawn, couples who've forgotten how to slow down, anyone who just needs the world to stop for a bit.
Our cosy studio has been thoughtfully renovated to provide a relaxing environment without compromising on sustainability. The space features pre-owned furniture, a heat pump for efficient heating and cooling, and a fully equipped kitchen complete with a BBQ for making the most of serene summer evenings.
We’ve woven environmentally friendly elements into every aspect of your stay, from the solar panels that power our days, to the composting systems that give back to the earth. Plus, we’ve got refill stations for cleaning products, shampoos to cut down on plastic waste, and even our bin bags are compostable.
With no TV to distract from the natural beauty surrounding you, you can unwind with a selection of games and books, perfect alternatives to the constant screen time of everyday living. The bedroom, filled with lush plants, adds an extra touch of tranquillity, enhancing the sense of a rural retreat where you can relax and reconnect with nature.
Outdoor Living
Step outside onto your private deck and into a shaded garden area where you can cool off during the summer months and enjoy close encounters with native bird species. Our garden hosts an array of local birdlife, including bellbirds, the occasional tūī, and fantails. The highlight? An outdoor bath positioned perfectly
The studio offers a secluded, fully fenced garden and private entrance. It’s self-contained with no access to our private residence, ensuring your retreat is truly your own. Savor a glass of wine as dusk falls and the sky fills with stars.
Explore the Great Outdoors
Our location provides ample hiking opportunities with trails like Breast Hill and Isthmus Peak just a stone’s throw away. Fancy a gentle stroll? The back road behind our property offers peaceful walks across farmland with views of Mount Grandview. We're also just an hour away from excellent skiing opportunities, making it easy to enjoy a day on the slopes.
A Note for Winter Visitors
Our concrete floors are great for keeping cool in the summer but can be a tad chilly on the toes during the winter months (often May-June). We’ve stocked up on teas and plunger coffee to keep you warm, and we're happy to provide milk upon request.
Designed with Care
Crafted by your host, an architectural designer specializing in practical yet cosy spaces, this studio uses recycled and cost-effective materials to create a charming and sustainable environment. It’s not pretending to be a five-star hotel—luxury seekers may wish to look elsewhere. But if your heart yearns for an authentic eco-retreat, Barn 8 is waiting for you.