Stage 12: Whaligoe to Wick

Distance | 10.6 miles / 17.0 km     Status |  Green 

This stage starts from the stunning Whaligoe Steps. (To start the walk heading north, go round to the left of the stone building (a private residence) and follow the markers from there. Please do not go in the private garden gate below the stone building.) It then goes along cliff tops, through farms small and grand, and passes a fascinating hole with a view straight down to the sea, to arrive at the pretty harbour of Sarclet. Then it reaches one of the most magnificent sea arches in Britain before passing several other lovely coastal features. After passing the ruins of Old Wick Castle, it finally ends in Wick.

Challenges
There is a risk of death from falling off cliffs along most of this stage. Please also note that like much of rural Scotland, ticks may be an issue in areas of long vegetation. There are no barbed wire fences to cross. The path is narrow between the fence and and high cliffs at Ellen’s Geo.

Stage End Information
Wick is a large town by Caithness standards. It is on the A99 and is well served by bus and rail. Buses arrive at the centrally located station near the Norseman Hotel. The train station is on Station Road. Take Station Road to the roundabout at Bridge Street to start the next stage. The town has a multitude of hotels and B&Bs, many of them near the centre, as well as a good selection of pubs and restaurants.

More information: https://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/sutherland/whaligoe-wick.shtml

Accommodation