During the war, RAF Wick, RAF Skitten, and RAF Castletown were hubs for top-secret missions, including reconnaissance flights and sabotage operations like Operation Freshman and Operation Servant. The beaches of Sinclair’s Bay were considered prime targets for German landings due to their proximity to Scapa Flow, Britain’s key naval base.

Centered around Wick and nearby Sinclair’s Bay, the trail guides visitors through a landscape once braced for invasion and buzzing with covert military activity. The self-guided trail features 46 information panels—each highlighting a unique wartime story, from daring missions to local defence efforts. An augmented reality app can also be downloaded.

Visitors can explore by walking or driving, discovering bunkers, airfields, and memorials while learning about the sacrifices made by aircrews from across the globe. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or a curious traveller, the Caithness at War Trail offers a powerful journey into the region’s wartime legacy.