Wick is the largest town in Caithness, in Scotland’s far north-east, and a popular stop on the North Coast 500. Once the busiest herring port in Europe, it is a place steeped in fishing heritage, with a fine museum, a historic distillery and some spectacular coastline and castles close by.
A herring-fishing heritage
In the 19th century Wick was known as “Herringopolis” — for a time the busiest herring port in the world, with more than a thousand boats crammed into its harbour. Much of the town, the district of Pulteneytown, was laid out as a model fishing village designed by the great engineer Thomas Telford. The story of those boom years is wonderfully told at the award-winning Wick Heritage Museum.
Things to do in and around Wick
- Old Pulteney Distillery — the “maritime malt”, made in the heart of Pulteneytown; see our guide to Old Pulteney whisky.
- Castle Sinclair Girnigoe — a dramatic ruined clifftop castle just north of town, one of Scotland’s most striking coastal ruins.
- Ebenezer Place — recognised by Guinness World Records as the shortest street in the world.
- The Wick Heritage Museum — a treasure trove of local and fishing history.
A base for the far north
Wick makes a handy base for exploring the top of the Scottish mainland, including John o’ Groats and the towering sea stacks at Duncansby Head. It is a key waypoint on the NC500 and one of the gateways to the far north of the Highlands.
How to get to Wick
Wick lies at the far north-east tip of the mainland, reached by the A9 up the east coast (about 2.5 hours from Inverness), by the scenic Far North Line railway, or by air — Wick John O’Groats Airport has flights from the central belt, so you can even visit without a car.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wick known for?
Its herring-fishing heritage — it was once the world’s busiest herring port — along with the Old Pulteney distillery, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and the world’s shortest street.
Where is Wick?
In Caithness, at the far north-east tip of the Scottish mainland, on the North Coast 500.
How do you get to Wick?
By the A9 (about 2.5 hours from Inverness), the Far North Line train, or flights into Wick John O’Groats Airport.
What is there to do near Wick?
Visit the Old Pulteney distillery and Wick Heritage Museum, explore Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, and head to John o’ Groats and Duncansby Head nearby.
