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Castle Of Old Wick

Castle

Terrain:

Activities

Best Time To Visit

Coastal, Cliffs

Walking, Photography

Spring to Autumn

Photo: Chris Andrews via Geograph.org.uk

The Castle of Old Wick is a gaunt stone tower on a narrow spit of rock jutting into the North Sea south of Wick. Deep sea-cut gullies fall away on either side, leaving the ruin cut off on three sides by cliff and water. A grassy cliff-top path of about half a mile leads out to it from the edge of to...

10

Parking nearby

3

Food Spots nearby

0

Staycations nearby

Parking:

Food:

Staycations:

3 day, 7 overnight

Mackay’s Hotel Bar – Wick, The Alexander Bain (Wetherspoon) – Wick, The Camps Bar – Wick

Nearest Hidden Gem 2

Nearest Hidden Gem 3

FAQ's/Things to Know

Where is Castle Of Old Wick?
Gazing out across the Caithness coast reveals this dramatic clifftop landmark on the rugged north-east edge of Scotland. Hikers usually walk down from the nearest town to see the solitary square tower gripping the rocks.

What type of place is Castle Of Old Wick?
Castle Of Old Wick is a ruined twelfth-century fortress on the coast of Caithness in northern Scotland.

When is the best time to visit Castle Of Old Wick?
Crisp autumn afternoons paint the ancient stone walls in beautiful golden hues when the low northern sun breaks through the clouds. Spring and summer also provide fine conditions for exploring the grassy clifftops safely.

What can you do at Castle Of Old Wick?
Walking along the exposed headland path offers dramatic views of the North Sea waves crashing into deep rock chasms. People also enjoy watching nesting seabirds like fulmars and cormorants wheeling through the northern sky.

How long should I spend at Castle Of Old Wick?
Allowing roughly an hour provides plenty of time to take photographs and soak up the desolate maritime atmosphere. Anyone wanting a longer trek can easily combine the castle with a full day of coastal hiking along the cliffs.

Where do I park at Castle Of Old Wick?
A total of ten spaces exist nearby, providing three day and seven overnight spots for your vehicle. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I eat near Castle Of Old Wick?
Mackay’s Hotel Bar, The Alexander Bain (Wetherspoon), and The Camps Bar offer three spots in the nearby town where you can grab a proper drink or meal. Full details are available on the UK Hidden Gems app.

Where can I stay near Castle Of Old Wick?
There are no staycation spots recorded immediately near Castle Of Old Wick, check the UK Hidden Gems app for the nearest options.

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Last Updated:

02 July 2026

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