Wick - the name comes from the norse 'vik' meaning bay. The town was one of europe's largest herring ports in the 19th century

Once Europe’s largest herring port, the Caithness town of Wick still has a close connection to the sea and this can be explored through museums, one of many coastal walks or even a trip out to sea. The town was named Vik, meaning bay, and it was they who first used the mouth of the Wick River as a harbour for their longships and trading vessels.

Perhaps one of the most unique features on the coast, and not to be missed by those who are able, is Whaligoe Steps. 365 flagstone steps lead down the 250ft cliffs to what was once a small fishing port. Boats would land their fish – herring, ling, cod or haddock – to be gutted and hauled up the steps by women for sale in Wick.

The old ‘Pultneytown’ area of Wick is home to the Wick Heritage Museum, a cultural centre showcasing the town’s seafaring past. The Nuclear and Heritage Archives is well worth a visit, as much to see the building as its contents – the spectacular architecture won a prestigious award.

The town has an unusual claim to fame – boasting ‘the world’s shortest street’! Ebenezer Place measures just over 2 metres and has just 1 door.

Castles can be found close by – Keiss Castle, Castle Sinclair Girinigoe and the Castle of Old Wick, also known as ‘the Old Man of Wick’. Both sit atop spectacular coasts – Castle Sinclair Grinigoe in particular seems to morph into the rocks themselves.

Even the whisky in Wick is inspired by the sea – Old Pultney is known as the ‘maritime malt’. Don’t miss a visit to the distillery, where you can take a tour and see how Scotland’s ‘Uisge Beatha’ – or water of life – is made.

A visit to such a maritime-inspired town would of course not be complete without getting out onto the waves yourself! Local boat trips will take you up and down the coast to explore towering sea cliffs, seabird colonies, white sand beaches – and if you’re lucky, you could spot a dolphin or whale!

Wick’s fishing fortune may have faded into the past, but it’s people’s connection with the sea is still strong. A visit here will not only transport you back to the heyday of the North Sea herring fishery though its cultural museums, but show you the best of the Caithness coastline from the land or the sea.

Perhaps one of the most unique features on the coast, and not to be missed by those who are able, is Whaligoe Steps. 365 flagstone steps lead down the 250ft cliffs to what was once a small fishing port. Boats would land their fish – herring, ling, cod or haddock – to be gutted and hauled up the steps by women for sale in Wick.