Castle of Old Wick, Caithness

Castle near Caithness

Old Castle Wick
Old Castle Wick
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Flaxton

Old Wick Castle is one of the top sights in Wick, a stark and atmospheric ruin perched on a narrow promontory high above the North Sea. Often called “The Old Man of Wick,” this ancient tower house dates back to the 12th century and is considered one of Scotland's oldest surviving castles. Its lonely silhouette, lashed by sea winds and waves, offers a powerful sense of how remote and defensive medieval life could be along the Caithness coast.

A highlight of any walking tour of Wick, the castle sits at the end of a spectacular clifftop path that adds drama to the approach. With crashing waves below and seabirds wheeling overhead, Old Wick Castle is a place where landscape and history merge in unforgettable fashion.

History and Significance of Old Wick Castle

Old Wick Castle is believed to have been built in the 1100s, possibly by Harald Maddadson, Earl of Orkney and Caithness. If so, it would make the tower one of the earliest surviving examples of a Norman-style keep in Scotland. Its location on a razor-thin headland, defended on three sides by sheer cliffs, made it a formidable stronghold during the turbulent medieval period.

The castle consisted originally of a tall rectangular tower house, with thick walls and narrow windows suited more to defence than comfort. Over time, additional outbuildings and defensive structures filled the promontory behind it, though only traces of these foundations remain today. The keep itself-now roofless and partially collapsed-still gives a strong sense of its original vertical scale and austere design.

Old Wick Castle changed hands many times, especially during conflicts between the Earls of Caithness and the Earls of Orkney. By the 18th century it had fallen into ruin, but its dramatic placement has made it one of the most evocative medieval sites in northern Scotland.

Things to See and Do in Old Wick Castle

The approach to Old Wick Castle is one of its great experiences. A coastal path winds south from Wick, following cliffs alive with seabirds and wild coastal flora. As the tower comes into view, the promontory narrows, creating an unmistakable sense of arrival at a truly ancient outpost.

Visitors can walk around the base of the keep, examine remaining wall sections, and trace the outlines of the courtyard and defensive works that once extended across the entire headland. The setting is superb for photography: the castle’s jagged profile stands stark against the Atlantic, making it a favourite for dramatic landscape shots.

Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy watching fulmars and other seabirds nesting on the cliffs, while those with a passion for history will appreciate the castle’s raw, untouched character.

How to Get There

Old Wick Castle is located just south of Wick and is most easily reached by car via local roads that lead to a small parking area near the start of the coastal path.
Visitors arriving by train can walk from Wick Station to the coastal path or take a short taxi ride to the trailhead. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.
Regional travellers can fly into Wick John O’Groats Airport for quick access to the area. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Caithness on Booking.com.

Practical Tips on Visiting Old Wick Castle

  • Best time to visit Old Wick Castle: Late afternoon for atmospheric light over the cliffs.
  • Entrance fee in Euros: Free.
  • Opening hours: Open year-round.
  • Official website: Listed under Historic Environment Scotland.
  • How long to spend: 45 minutes to 1 hour.
  • Accessibility: Path is uneven and can be muddy; steep cliffs require caution.
  • Facilities: None on-site; Wick has shops and restrooms.
  • Photography tip: Shoot from the cliffs north of the promontory to capture the castle framed against the sea.
  • Guided tours: Occasionally offered by local guides.
  • Nearby food options: Wick offers cafés, bakeries, and restaurants.

Where to Stay close to Old Wick Castle

Wick offers several excellent accommodation choices for visitors exploring the castle and coastline. A comfortable option is Mackays Hotel, offering friendly hospitality. Another nearby choice is Norseman Hotel, close to the river and town centre. For a unique coastal stay north of Wick, consider Ackergill Tower Hotel.

Is Old Wick Castle Worth Visiting?

Absolutely-Old Wick Castle is one of the most atmospheric medieval ruins in Scotland. Its remote clifftop position, early history, and sweeping sea views create a visit that feels both dramatic and deeply authentic. Anyone interested in castles, wild landscapes, or early Scottish history will find it unforgettable.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.4 (510)

Castle Of Old Wick sits on a coastal promontory near March Rd, Wick KW1 5TY; the ruins are fenced off for safety and renovation so you can't get inside, but an easy short walk from the nearby car park along the coast rewards visitors with dramatic cliff-top views, striking rock formations, abundant seabirds (including guillemots) and a memorable seaside atmosphere—ideal for a brief visit or a longer coastal stroll.

Alex Haas
2 months ago
"After the impressive Sinclair Castle we've had some time left and came here for a quick visit. There were only a handful of other visitors that day.We knew there isn't much to see or left of the castle. But the short walk along the coast with its wonderful rock formations and the views were really worth our time. The official carpark is an easy and short walk away only and leads along the coast. The date of the castles origins are a not exactly known, but it was somewhen around the later 14th century it is assumed. The ruin sits on a spine of rock. There used to be drawbridge, which is long gone and lots of the four-storey tower has collapsed. It's currently fenced of and access denied. But you can still get nice views of the ruins - and it must have been quite the sight back then when it was still standing. Here on the coast, looking over the sea. It's not the longest thing to visit, but worth a quick look. And the scenery is just really pretty...."
Aleksandrs Malinovskis
2 months ago
"Easy parking and easy walk up to the ruins. Ruins are currently closed and cordoned off for renovation. However, it's a stu ing coastal walk aroundthe ruins with breathtaking views, a must see if in the area, highly recommend!..."
Helz C
a month ago
"Castle ruins on the top of a cliff, amazing scenery and a short 15 minute walk from the carpark past the mound and through the gate across the cliffsis an amazing sea stack. We stayed overnight in the campervan in November very quiet but windy good mobile signal even caught the northern lights..."

FAQs for Visiting Old Wick Castle

Around 20-25 minutes each way along a scenic clifftop path.
Take great care-winds can be strong and the cliffs are sheer.
No, the tower is unstable, but you can explore around its base.
Yes, but keep them on a lead near the cliffs.
Yes, with close supervision, especially near cliff edges.

Nearby Attractions to Old Wick Castle

The Castle of Old Wick appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Caithness!

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Moira & Andy

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Planning Your Visit

Address: Castle Of Old Wick, March Road, Wick, UK
Caithness: 20 km

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