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Wick Away-Day: History and Heritage

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Wick Away-Day: History and Heritage

Here you'll find castles around every corner and fascinating tales of the history of the north Highlands. From the herring trade to Viking invasions, the Highland Clearances to mysterious ancient structures, Wick and Caithness are at the heart of the story.

Wick Away-Days

It’s true – you really can get a taste of what Wick and Caithness have to offer in a day:

  • 9:30am – Fly Aberdeen to Wick John O’Groats Airport
  • 10:10am – Arrival at Wick John O’Groats Airport
  • AM – A full morning of exciting activities! What will you choose?
  • Lunch – A tasty treat or a full-blown banquet spread, the choice is yours.
  • PM – A full afternoon of adventure or relaxation, or both!
  • 5:50pm – Fly Wick John O’Groats Airport to Aberdeen
  • 6:30pm – Arrive at Aberdeen Airport – time now to go enjoy dinner and your evening out!

Your day

There is no escaping it, this corner of Caithness is steeped in history, from ancient castles, Iron Age Brochs and the trail of the Silver Darlings. But did you know that Caithness wasn’t always part of Scotland? Until the reign of William the Lion (1165 – 1214) it was part of Norway, indeed the name ‘Wick’ is thought to have derived from vik, the Norse word for bay.

10.30 – 11.30 Collect your pre-booked hire car from Richards Garage Car Rental; first stop, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe.

If you were sitting on the correct side of the plane, you might have seen these ruins which sit on a cliff-top a mile or so north of the airport. They have an enviable position on the south curve of Sinclair’s Bay.

Follow the road signs to Noss Head and a car park; a path will lead you across fields towards the 15th and 17th Century ruins, and interpretation boards will explain their strategic importance. On wild, stormy days Sinclair’s Bay is still used as a safe harbour for tankers and other commercial vessels waiting to pass through the treacherous Pentland Firth.

Take note of the stretch of golden sand at Ackergill Links. You’ll want to come back and explore the beach the next time you visit.

11.45 – 1.15 Enjoy the short drive into Wick town centre and join a guided walk. There are several companies who offer these, so take your pick, depending on your interest. Discover the town’s origins, its hey-day as the largest herring port on the east coast, and its vibrancy today as a hub for renewable energy.

1.15 – 2.15 After all that fresh air, exercise, and discovery you’ll be ready for lunch. Where better than on the world’s shortest street, Ebeneezer Place? No 1 Bistro is renowned for its careful preparation of prime, seasonal, local produce. You’ll be tempted to linger, but the clock is ticking, and there’s more history waiting to be unearthed!

2.00-4.00 Wick Heritage Centre really needs several visits to do justice to the wealth of its treasures. Located in the heart of the Thomas Telfer designed Pulteneytown, it contains several furnished rooms that accurately portray Wick life in past times.

The story of the town’s fishing heritage is told, and the Wick Voices project has captured local voices and stories from the past. The Johnston Collection is a stunning photography archive that stretches from the 1860s to 1975. You’ll also find displays of militaria and the area’s rich musical scene.

4.30 Too soon it will be time to make the short drive back to the airport and enjoy a quick refreshment before your flight back over the wide expanse of the Moray Firth to Aberdeen. You’ll fly over the Beatrice wind farm. Use the time to reflect on your visit and plan your return. There’s so much more still to discover!

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Photos on this page by Friends of Caithness Seacoast, Angus Mackay.

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