7k Run Wick: Coastal Loop Around Old Wick Harbour

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 6.8km loop offers a refreshing blend of Caithness coastline and heritage, starting at the historic Harbour Bridge in Wick. With only 23m of ascent, the route is predominantly flat and accessible, featuring a mix of paved roads through Pulteneytown and rugged coastal paths leading out to the dramatic cliffs. As you head south, runners can enjoy the bracing North Sea air and wide-open horizons that make running in the Scottish Highlands so unique. The terrain transitions smoothly from the urban streets of the town's south side to the grassy, windswept trails that overlook the crashing waves below.

Local runners often consider this a favorite for the views of the Castle of Old Wick, often referred to as "The Old Man of Wick." Built in the 12th century by the Earl of Caithness, the castle remains one of the oldest in Scotland and serves as a spectacular turnaround point for your run. Pulteneytown itself was originally designed as a model fishing village during the herring boom of the 19th century, and passing through its planned streets offers a sense of the industrious maritime history that built this community. Keep an eye out for local wildlife; it is not uncommon to spot seals near the harbor or seabirds nesting along the jagged limestone stacks during the summer months.