In the far North of Scotland lies a town in the royal burgh of Caithness. Straddling the river and bay of its namesake, Wick is a popular stop for folk who drive the legendary North Coast 500 (NC500) road trip, one of the most spectacular in the world.
Driving isn’t the only way of reaching Wick however as tourists have the option to fly into Wick/John o’Groats airport from Aberdeen.
Despite its small size of ~8,000 inhabitants, Wick is a gem of a town with plenty to do and is well worth a stop in itself. This was once one of the busiest herring ports in all of Europe and nowadays it’s a popular tourist destination.
You get two towns for the price of one in Wick because as it straddles both sides of the River Wick, you’ll come across two towns: Wick Proper, and Pultneytown!
Nature, sweeping bays, and heritage, Wick packs a punch!
Here are some of the best things to do in Wick, Scotland:
John o’Groats
John o’Groats is the most northerly town in all of mainland Britain and is just a 20-minute journey from Wick.
Sure, there’s not THAT much to do in John o’Groats, but it would be rude not to have a photo of the signpost when you’re in the neighbourhood already.
Additionally, the area around John o’Groats features some spectacular walking trails and gorgeous views of the meandering coastline.
Nybster Broch
The settlement of Nybster Broch dates back to more than 2,500 years ago. There are some clues around this ancient settlement such as an old stone fisherman’s building implying that it was once a thriving small fishing village.
Near the Broch, you’ll encounter some more spectacular Scottish coastline that’s renowned for wildlife such as dolphins and orcas, as well as a plethora of seabirds that come to feast in these rich waters.
Meet Alpacas
Did you know that Alpacas are native to the Scottish Highlands? Just kidding, but just south of Wick’s is Ulbster Alpaca Trekking, a popular alpaca centre that tourists love to visit.
These adorable fluff balls (native to South America if you’re wondering), sell themselves and it makes for a brilliant stop en route to the rugged coastlines and nature trails to this part of the Highlands.
Castle of Old Wick
This part of the Highlands is home to numerous old castles and ruins. A particularly popular ruin to visit is the Castle of Old Wick situated on the edge of a cliff overlooking the North Sea.
This is a popular area for walkers as the hike from the town to the castle provides panoramic coastal views for much of the route.
Like Nybster Broch, this area is a nature spotter’s paradise with the wild Scottish waters and its animals in abundance.
Explore the Historic Harbour
In Pultneytown, you’ll encounter the historic harbour of Wick. Originally designed by renowned engineer Thomas Telford in the early 19th century, the harbour was constructed to support the thriving fishing industry of the area.
Nowadays, the harbour reflects Wick’s historical character and is bustling with small businesses, shops and seafood spots.
Old Pulteney Distillery
It’s hard to write a guide to any Highland town without mentioning a distillery.
The same challenge is encountered when writing about Wick with its famous Old Pulteney Distillery. This is one of the most northern distilleries in mainland Britain and Old Pulteney has been producing award-winning single malt whiskies since 1826.
This is a distillery that’s been shaped by the landscape and coastline with the area’s maritime heritage reflected in its product line.
Stop off here for a tour and tasting. It would be rude not to!
What are some of your favourite things to do in Wick?
Let us know in the comments below!
