Shetland trip.

[Kelsae2]

Wondering if there is a better way to keep the contents of the fridge freezer from dropping too much during the crossing. We will be boarding 15.30 ish with departure 17.00.
Concerned that it is a long time to be without the gas on.
Thanks in advance.
Charlie.

 

[Gizmouk]

Wondering if there is a better way to keep the contents of the fridge freezer from dropping too much during the crossing. We will be boarding 15.30 ish with departure 17.00.
Concerned that it is a long time to be without the gas on.
Thanks in advance.
Charlie.

I thought the ferry to Shetland (from Aberdeen) was about 15 hours ?
I wouldnt pack anything fresh - just stock up when you get to Lerwick.

 

[garry f]

When we go and are going at end of the month. Will not take mutch for fridge as there is a Tesco in Lerwick to stock up on.

 

[chippie]

We did the journey too shetland and did not have any issues, did not take frozen food but put in freezer blocks..food kept ok...there's a good tescos in lerwick which is no more expensive than at home and you won't be short of places to stock up so don't worry about it too much.

 

[Kelsae2]

Thanks for the replies.
I was thinking about putting some freezer blocks in the fridge. Mainly concerned about the freezer as we have made up packs of chicken curry, bolognaise to have as fallbacks.
We will go into Tesco for fresh stuff and shop locally as we travel about.

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[Bailey58]

Ice blocks and keep the freezer closed, if it stays frozen on the crossing to Spain the Shetlands are a walk in the park.

 

[Hezbez]

2 litre carton of frozen milk in the fridge compartment thaws out slowly, keeps fridge cool and is ready for using when you arrive.

I assume it's the 'Via Orkney' ferry you're on.

 

[Puddleduck]

A litre bottle or two (or smaller bottles depending on what fits where) of frozen water put into the freezer works a treat. If you need more freezer blocks as a lend just private message me.

Jealous of going to Shetland? Well just a little
Actually a lot jealous. I've been to Orkney quite a few times but never in a motorhome. Shetland and the Scilly Isles are on the bucket list though. Might have to be a cruise now.

 

[nicholsong]

Ice blocks and keep the freezer closed, if it stays frozen on the crossing to Spain the Shetlands are a walk in the park.

Have you seen Pentland Firth in a Force 8?

I have but from 2,000' and we were getting spume on the aircraft windscreen - could hardly see out landing at Wick

 

[bigtwin]

Concerned that it is a long time to be without the gas on.

Amateur! That’s half the duration of the Spanish ferries.

Just freeze water filled milk containers to increase the frozen mass and transfer a couple to the fridge when you board.

Ian

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[gpat]

Just leave the fridge door open. That'll keep everything nice and cold.

 

[Kelsae2]

Great tips. Freeze water bottle for the fridge and some freezer blocks to maintain temperature in the freezer.
Visit Tesco on arrival for fresh stuff.
Thanks everyone.

 

[Scottish Scrutineer]

Have you seen Pentland Firth in a Force 8?

I have but from 2,000' and we were getting spume on the aircraft windscreen - could hardly see out landing at Wick

I’ve been on the ferry from Aberdeen to Lerwick in something approaching F8. Spent to evening in the cinema watching Cool Runnings, and when it finished thought I’d go to the bar for a nightcap. The bar and lounges were deserted, not a soul to be seen. Crew member said all the other passengers had retired early as it was so rough. That was a February crossing IIRC.

 

[Gizmouk]

A litre bottle or two (or smaller bottles depending on what fits where) of frozen water put into the freezer works a treat. If you need more freezer blocks as a lend just private message me.

Jealous of going to Shetland? Well just a little
Actually a lot jealous. I've been to Orkney quite a few times but never in a motorhome. Shetland and the Scilly Isles are on the bucket list though. Might have to be a cruise now.

Visited the Scilly Isles last year as whilst on a cruise, can highly recommend visiting.

 

[Bailey58]

Have you seen Pentland Firth in a Force 8?

I have but from 2,000' and we were getting spume on the aircraft windscreen - could hardly see out landing at Wick

I was referring to the OP's question on the freezing food on a journey of half the time of a Spain crossing, but you knew that.

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[Rog NotJane]

If it defrosts a bit and you heat it through thoroughly you'll be OK. The risks of defrosting/re-freezing are over stated.

Think about how long you'd be happy with the same meal or that fresh food you buy from Tesco sitting in your fridge - I don't think 15 hours is a long time.

 

[Montecatini]

Wondering if there is a better way to keep the contents of the fridge freezer from dropping too much during the crossing. We will be boarding 15.30 ish with departure 17.00.
Concerned that it is a long time to be without the gas on.
Thanks in advance.
Cha

I work on one of the 2 ferries that cover the Aberdeen - Kirkwall - Lerwick route. We carry a lot of MHs with numbers steadily increasingly at this time of the year & obviously peaking through the summer.

As others have stated your stuff should probably be ok stored as they have advised.

Also just to confirm as others have said there is no shortage of shops locally to stock up in. There is a really well stocked Co-Op practically next door to the Ferry Terminal & Tesco is less than 5 min away. Also no shortage of smaller local & community shops throughout the Islands.

If you are 1530 hrs loading then likely be catching the 1700 departure which calls into Kirkwall briefly at 11pm on the way North. Arrival in Lerwick 0730

Yes the weather can be unpredictable in these parts , my favourite description from an old local was Shetland has 9 months of winter followed by 3 months of bad weather

That said, been great weather the past week.

Sure you'll enjoy your trip.

 

[Apacheman]

Enjoy your Shetland trip, something we’ve been considering. Be good to know how you get on!

 

[Purrfecttune]

I have researched a few times about refreezing different types of food that has previously been frozen and generally, there is no problem, particularly if it remains sealed and does not get too warm. This includes things like fish that I have had no problems with.

Freezing, defrosting then freezing again cooked food is particularly safe.

On the crossing, it is very unlikely to become completely defrosted, so safer still.

 

[GrahamPye]

Our strategy was to spend a day or two in Orkney on the way, and then you pick up the Shetland ferry late in the evening thereby making the journey short enough not to worry about the fridge defrosting.
Highly recommend Orkney and Shetland though!

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[gpat]

I work on one of the 2 ferries that cover the Aberdeen - Kirkwall - Lerwick route. We carry a lot of MHs with numbers steadily increasingly at this time of the year & obviously peaking through the summer.

As others have stated your stuff should probably be ok stored as they have advised.

Also just to confirm as others have said there is no shortage of shops locally to stock up in. There is a really well stocked Co-Op practically next door to the Ferry Terminal & Tesco is less than 5 min away. Also no shortage of smaller local & community shops throughout the Islands.

If you are 1530 hrs loading then likely be catching the 1700 departure which calls into Kirkwall briefly at 11pm on the way North. Arrival in Lerwick 0730

Yes the weather can be unpredictable in these parts , my favourite description from an old local was Shetland has 9 months of winter followed by 3 months of bad weather

That said, been great weather the past week.

Sure you'll enjoy your trip.

And, as well as shops where you can buy fresh food, there are also some good pubs and restaurants where you can eat without the bother of freezers/cooking/washing up.

 

[Otter Spotter]

And, as well as shops where you can buy fresh food, there are also some good pubs and restaurants where you can eat without the bother of freezers/cooking/washing up.

Forget Yell for Restaurants and Pubs, there are non, but you may find a small cafe.
On Unst I don’t think there are any but must admit we look out for any community halls having an event and join them.
Mainland is well serviced with Pubs, Restaurants and Cafes though sparse outside Lerwick and Scalloway as for food we always sniff around the marinas for returning fisherman who normally are glad to give you some very fresh fish in return for a good chat.

 

[Purrfecttune]

Our strategy was to spend a day or two in Orkney on the way, and then you pick up the Shetland ferry late in the evening thereby making the journey short enough not to worry about the fridge defrosting.
Highly recommend Orkney and Shetland though!

In 2023 when we planned to go to Mull, Outer Hebrides, NW 500, Orkney and possibly Shetland, then home via the East coast, we had decided that the return ferry between Shetland and Orkney was preferable to the long return to Aberdeen.

As it happened, we didn’t get to Shetland. It was our first tour longer than two weeks since having our MH (6 weeks) and we were ready to return.

 

[Montecatini]

Our strategy was to spend a day or two in Orkney on the way, and then you pick up the Shetland ferry late in the evening thereby making the journey short enough not to worry about the fridge defrosting.
Highly recommend Orkney and Shetland though!

I think a lot of folk follow similar strategy to take in Orkney & Shetland.

There are a few options depending on where else you are touring.

If using Aberdeen Apr-Oct ship sails 1700hrs Tues, Thu, Sat, Sun (no Tues call-in to Orkney in winter) arrives in Kirkwall (Hatston Pier) around 2300hrs. Normally 45 min turnaround and the head to Lerwick for 0730hrs arrival.

Very often loading & unloading MH's in Kirkwall whether we're heading North or South at this time of the year

Other option a lot follow is using the Pentland Firth route. In the summer there are generally 3 return trips a day between Scrabster (near Thurso) on the mainland to Stromness on Orkney. Lovely scenic trip on MV Hamnavoe past the Old Man of Hoy on the way over.

From Orkney you then obviously have the option to return same way or catch the Kirkwall boat to either Lerwick or Aberdeen. The southbound sailings from Kirkwall are Mon, Wed, Fri in peak season (no Monday call-in during the winter)

 

[gpat]

Our strategy was to spend a day or two in Orkney on the way, and then you pick up the Shetland ferry late in the evening thereby making the journey short enough not to worry about the fridge defrosting.
Highly recommend Orkney and Shetland though!

Be careful as wouldn't this be 2 sperate journeys and cost a lot of money.

Another option is to go to Scrabster and get the ferry to Orkney from there. Then the Kirkwall to Shetland 3 days later

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[barryd]

In 2023 when we planned to go to Mull, Outer Hebrides, NW 500, Orkney and possibly Shetland, then home via the East coast, we had decided that the return ferry between Shetland and Orkney was preferable to the long return to Aberdeen.

As it happened, we didn’t get to Shetland. It was our first tour longer than two weeks since having our MH (6 weeks) and we were ready to return.

When I did it on a boys trip about twenty years ago we did that. We did Aberdeen to Sheltand overnight and had a great time. I ended up playing guitar in an REM tribute band on the ferry until about 3am. As you do. It would have been a long boring haul otherwise though. We came back via Orkney and worked our way down through Scotland. Made it feel like two separate adventures.

 

[Apacheman]

Looked at ferry options when we were thinking of doing this. There’s no way to get to Shetland with a Moho without an overnight ferry. Long sailing Aberdeen direct, coming back via Orkney then Scrabster would be our preference. There’s not a lot in the price whichever way you do it, around £750-800 is what we came to with a pet friendly cabin for the overnight leg.

 

[The Ice Man]

We’ve been doing the Orkney’s for a number of years now but back in the pre Covid days we decided to do the North Ronaldsay sheep festival to help repair the waaall, we got on the ferry at Kirkwall and the banksman that’s the guy who guides the ships crane ! looked at my van on the jetty prior to us boarding and said
“ I it’s quite big but we’ll give it a go “
I knew we would have to be lifted off onto Ronalsay but i thought it might not be too bad surely they have lifting devises for larger vehicles ? ? ?
They did . . . Cargo nets and a spreader beam.
Tried to upload the video of the lift onto the pier but it’s too big for the server.
here’s a couple of stills from video.
To say it was squeaky bum time is to say the least, on the return trip most of the islands population turned out to watch us leave. Fortunately we were mainly in one piece. But NEVER again.

 

[Puddleduck]

Mainly in one piece????

 

[Millcourt]

We lived and worked in Shetland for 14 years, so very familiar with the ferry service. Just a word of warning. In summer (especially school summer holiday times, which are earlier in Scotland than England) the Northlink Ferries serving Orkney and Shetland get fully booked, not least with Shetland/Orkney folk going away on holiday and returning. Book early or most likely you will not make it. Northlink make changing dates easy with no additional charges (subject of course to availability) and in the event of needing to cancel (obviously before the sailing you are booked on) we have always received a full refund. Return bookings are same price as two singles.

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