Wick: Coastal Scenery, Culture and Whisky

When looking for a hotel in Wick, it’s worth first deciding what you want to focus on during your trip: coastal scenery, maritime history, photography or whisky each offer a different perspective. Wick is shaped by sweeping beaches and rugged cliffs on the North Sea. Routes also play a part alongside the coastal scenery. For planning purposes, you can distinguish between them: the North Coast 500 passes through Wick; many walkers use the John O’Groats Trail.

Coast, routes and getting there

The South Head to March Road Circular Path near Wick is 7 km long. This gives you a concrete reference point for planning your route. A path from the end of Trinkie Road to the Castle of Oldwick has been improved. The Grey Bools are large boulders believed to have formed during the last Ice Age. Near Wick, the ruins of the Castle of Old Wick stand on a rocky spur jutting into the North Sea, between two deep, narrow ravines.

The rail connection can also be factored into your travel plans: ScotRail runs from Inverness to Wick, where the line ends. Check the current timetable before travelling. Wick Harbour has a marina with 80 berths.

Photography and maritime history

The Johnston Collection features work by three generations of photographers from Caithness, who documented life in and around the region between 1863 and 1975. This span of more than a hundred years provides a broad historical context. The Isabella Fortuna offers a different connection to the past: this traditional Fifie fishing vessel was launched on 15 September 1890. It is normally moored in Wick Harbour; in winter, it is moved seasonally. A photographic collection spanning several generations and a single, precisely dated fishing vessel thus offer contrasting ways of exploring the past.

Whisky and events

Pulteney Distillery is located on Huddart Street in Wick. As of 1 September 2026, its offerings include a tour that follows the production of single malt from milling through to maturation and ends with a tasting. Also available is a whisky and chocolate tasting featuring handmade chocolates from a local chocolatier. The two experiences focus on different things: the tour follows the stages of production, while the second tasting pairs whisky with chocolate. Check the latest information about the experiences before making plans.

Gala Week and Harbour Day are annual events in Wick. If either event is relevant to your trip, check the dates in advance.

Discover more destinations: Kyle Of Lochalsh, Dalchreichart, Glenelg, Fort William, Duirinish, Dundreggan, Foyers, Keiss

Back to the main travel overview: Highland.