This calm fishing port on Scotland's northeastern coast has a 1000-year history and was once Europe's largest herring harbor. The town's harbor still sees active maritime trade.
Wick, a coastal town in the far north of Scotland, sits along both sides of Wick Bay where the River Wick meets the North Sea. Walk through the Wick Heritage Museum to see 50,000 historical photographs, sample maritime-influenced whisky at Old Pulteney Distillery, or hike to the dramatic ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe perched on coastal cliffs. Watch fishing boats unload their catch at the harbor while small yachts bob in the adjacent marina.
Getting to Wick
Eastern Airways operates flights between Aberdeen and Wick John o'Groats Airport, located just 1.5 miles north of town. Four daily trains connect Wick to Inverness, with the journey taking about 4 hours 20 minutes. The A99 road leads directly to town, branching off from the main A9 at Latheron.
Exploring the Coastline
Two medieval castles anchor the coastline near Wick. The Castle of Old Wick, built in 1160, stands as a lone tower structure on the cliffs south of town. Three miles north, walk to Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, where crumbling walls and towers tell stories of clan battles from the 15th century. The coastal path between these castles takes you past nesting colonies of fulmars and kittiwakes, with viewpoints overlooking the North Sea's rocky shoreline.
Museums and Cultural Sites
The Wick Heritage Museum displays fishing equipment, boat models, and the Johnston Collection - over 50,000 photographs documenting daily life from 1863 to 1975. Stop at Ebenezer Place, which at 2.06 meters holds the Guinness World Record for shortest street. The street consists of a single doorway to what was once the Mackays Hotel.
Maritime Activity
Three harbors form Wick's waterfront - the Outer Harbour, Inner Harbour, and River Harbour - each protected by stone breakwaters. Small fishing boats still land their catch here daily, while the Inner Harbour's marina accommodates sailing vessels and motor yachts. Walk along the breakwater for views across Wick Bay.
Whisky Making
At Old Pulteney Distillery, established in 1826, you can tour the production facilities to see how they create their single malt whisky. Learn about the copper stills, wooden washbacks, and how sea air influences the whisky's taste. The distillery closed during Wick's prohibition period (1922-1947) before resuming production. Daily tours run throughout the year, with tasting sessions included.
