The best walks and hikes around Wick

Yes, there's a wide variety of trails. You can find nearly 200 routes in the region, with over 100 classified as easy, making it accessible for most fitness levels. The options range from dramatic coastal paths to sheltered riverside walks.

The trails around Wick are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of over 4.5 stars. Hikers often praise the stunning coastal scenery, the rich history visible from the paths, and the mix of easy and challenging terrain.

For a rewarding loop, consider the Marcross Castle – Winston's Barrow loop from Wick. It's a moderately challenging route that combines coastal views with historical points of interest, offering a great overview of the local landscape.

The Wick River Path is an excellent choice for a gentle, family-friendly walk. It's a sheltered route that follows the river from the sea into the countryside. For a shorter coastal option, the Monknash Beach – Shaded Forest Path loop from Monknash is an easy trail that combines woodland and beach scenery.

Yes, Caithness is generally a dog-friendly region for walking. Coastal paths and country trails are great for exploring with a dog. However, always be mindful of livestock in fields and nesting birds along the cliffs, especially between April and July. It's best to keep your dog on a lead in these areas.

Wick is a fantastic base for coastal hiking. A popular walk heads north to the dramatic ruins of Castle Sinclair Girnigoe and Noss Head lighthouse. To the south, a well-trodden path leads to the Castle of Old Wick, perched on a narrow cliff-top promontory.

The area is rich in history. Besides the prominent castles like Sinclair Girnigoe and Old Wick, you can discover ancient sites like the Grey Cairns of Camster or the Yarrows Archaeology Trail, which features brochs, cairns, and standing stones from the Iron Age and Neolithic periods.

Absolutely. The cliffs at Noss Head and Dunnet Head are designated nature reserves and are fantastic for birdwatching. In the summer months, you can spot a variety of seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The Wick River estuary is also good for seeing wading birds.

For a unique and strenuous challenge, tackle the Whaligoe Steps. This historic flight of over 300 stone steps descends a steep cliff to a natural harbour. For a longer, more demanding trek, you can hike a section of the John O'Groats Trail, which offers rugged and varied terrain.

The coastal trails are generally well-defined grassy paths along the cliff tops. You can expect some uneven surfaces and gentle ascents and descents. The paths can be muddy after rain and are exposed to the elements, so sturdy footwear and windproof clothing are recommended.

Most popular trailheads have designated parking areas. For the Castle of Old Wick, there is a car park at the end of the road south of the town. Noss Head and the Whaligoe Steps also have their own small car parks near the start of the walks. Arrive early during peak season to secure a spot.

Late spring and summer (May to August) offer the best conditions, with longer daylight hours and the chance to see nesting seabirds like puffins. However, the weather in Caithness can be unpredictable year-round, so always be prepared for wind and rain, even on a sunny day.