A Tour of WICK in Caithness Scotland + Old Man of WICK | NC500 E3

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  • čas přidán 1. 07. 2024
  • NC500 E3: Taking a self-guided tour of Wick, the largest town in Caithness & home of the world’s shortest street. Also exploring the Old Man of Wick - a nearby castle forming part of historic Scotland.
    ➡️ See more from my NC500 Road Trip here → bit.ly/mwt_NC500
    As I was heading for Wick along the North Coast 500 I decided to stop by the Old Castle on route and see a piece of historic Scotland with my own eyes. The ruins of the 12th century castle are a 10 minute walk from the car park, to get there I followed a slightly uphill unpaved trail along a stunning cliff edged coastline.
    Once there I was able to follow the cliff edge around to a tiny peninsula where the old castle was built nearly 900 years ago - as long as you're careful it's possible to walk amongst the ruins and admire its historical importance. Although windy I was able to get the drone up for some aerial shots of the castle and miles of beautiful Caithness countryside.
    After making it back to the car I headed into the town of Wick to do a bit of sightseeing and a self guided walking tour. Wick is a lovely little town to visit in the Scottish Highlands offering a glimpse of everyday life along the North Coast 500. I always enjoy walking the streets and soaking in the atmosphere of all the places I visit, it also continued the theme of historical sights in Scotland owing to the fact that it’s a former Viking settlement - as a consequence it is set on the mouth of a beautiful river making it easy to access from the sea. Evidence of life there can be traced back to the Iron Age.
    It was great to spend an hour of two walking around Wick and breathing in some of that fresh Scottish air. I walked the High Street, followed a short river trail, took a look at the harbour, learnt a thing or two about Alexander Bain and the electric clock, and got to see Ebenezer Place - the world's shortest street.
    My road trip around the NC500 is starting to warm up - there is literally something to see wherever you go and choosing where to stop becomes a series of choices as to what I have time for and what I don't. Anyway, loving Scotland so far and looking forward to seeing more in the coming days!
    📖 CHAPTERS:
    📖 00:00 Intro
    📖 01:02 Old Man of Wick (Castle of Wick)
    📖 07:07 Exploring Wick, Scotland
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    🎙️ Feel free to ask any questions! All FEEDBACK and COMMENTS welcome!!
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Komentáře • 106

  • @MattWhitingsEurope
    @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +7

    Thanks for watching! If you'd like to support my channel please consider subscribing - it's very much appreciated! --> bit.ly/2RyPwto
    See more from my NC500 Road Trip here → bit.ly/mwt_NC500 | Connect on Instagram here → bit.ly/mwt_instagram

  • @morgsjoboo2247
    @morgsjoboo2247 Před 5 měsíci +1

    Thanks fir sharing
    Lots of great info, we're planning a trip this summer so this has helped a lot.
    Hope you're having a lovely week
    Morgs Jo and Boo 🐕 ❤

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 5 měsíci +1

      Thanks for watching, hope you have a wonderful trip - if you're doing the North Coast 500 then buckle up, it's going to be one heck of an incredible ride! Enjoy!!

  • @jnrb13
    @jnrb13 Před 3 lety +5

    Nice video of my hometown. I now live in California and don't miss the Wick weather, however you seem to have caught it on a lovely day.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks for watching Justin! Yes it was a lovely day - I really enjoyed my stroll around the town. It is a very pretty little place! Yeah I bet you notice a difference with the weather, no more of those harsh Scottish winter's for you! Thanks again for watching.

    • @ronzombie6541
      @ronzombie6541 Před rokem

      Did you know of any Nicol family in that area?

  • @johnlad1481
    @johnlad1481 Před 4 měsíci +2

    I live in wick its very busy in the summer with local events caithness county show gala week very friendly people cana get a better community 🙏

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 4 měsíci +1

      Enjoyed my time in Wick, it did feel like there was a nice community spirit. Cool little town!

  • @simonmitchell9910
    @simonmitchell9910 Před rokem +1

    Love the Duster lol....

  • @VStrom2019
    @VStrom2019 Před 3 lety +4

    Grew up there, brilliant place.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Yes I really enjoyed visiting and taking a walk around. Lots to do in the area too! Has it changed much over the years?

    • @VStrom2019
      @VStrom2019 Před 3 lety +3

      @@MattWhitingsEurope actually it has changed hugely. It was a very very bustling town and area mainly due to the Dounreay employment factor . Unfortunately though, the town itself has now all but turned into a ghost town. The local councils decisions are largely responsible for this reputedly. I still miss the place though and very much enjoyed your video, thanks.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you John, yes I imagined that in times gone by it was a hive of activity, it certainly seemed quite but I put that down to COVID more than anything else, interesting to know there are other factors at play.

  • @WandernfuerGeniesser
    @WandernfuerGeniesser Před 3 lety +3

    great shots and picture quality, very nice. Thank you for your contribution and best regards from Austria 😊👍

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety

      Thank you Reinhold, hope all is well in Austria! I very much enjoyed my tour of Wick, I think I got lucky with the weather! All the best!

  • @paul85439
    @paul85439 Před rokem +1

    Wick Heritage centre is great

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před rokem

      I don't think I visited the Heritage Centre but really enjoyed my lazy walk around the town. Got to say I loved northern Scotland and will return someday for sure!

  • @Ali-uz8qg
    @Ali-uz8qg Před 2 lety +1

    Excellent commentary and video, thanks.

  • @totalplay9364
    @totalplay9364 Před 3 lety +2

    Fantástic Video :)

  • @keithireland6627
    @keithireland6627 Před rokem +1

    Fab video lived there many years ago fabulous friendly people whom i remember with great fondness.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před rokem

      Glad you enjoyed it, Keith. I enjoyed my walk around, seemed like a really nice place. Has it changed much over the years?

    • @keithireland6627
      @keithireland6627 Před rokem +1

      Yes theres less people and it looks a bit rundown. The first nuclear power station Dounreay was placed on the north coast as it has low population density in case anything went wrong. Its now in decommissioning phase. The biggest employer is the nhs now there is a fine hospital there. Thanks again. Keith

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před rokem

      Thanks Keith, very interesting. All the best!!

  • @HTAaB2024
    @HTAaB2024 Před 3 lety +4

    Fantastic video , I live here

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +2

      Thanks Henri, really enjoyed my walk around Wick - it was a beautiful day! Loved the castle too. Hope all is well up there!

    • @HTAaB2024
      @HTAaB2024 Před 3 lety +1

      @@MattWhitingsEurope certainly is all well what would be even better is when I can go on a bus or a train

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +2

      Yeah I know how you feel. I think we’re all looking forward to things opening back up and normality returning. Hopefully it will be sooner rather than later!

    • @HTAaB2024
      @HTAaB2024 Před 3 lety +1

      @@MattWhitingsEurope yes hopefully so

  • @alexshepherd1558
    @alexshepherd1558 Před 2 lety +2

    one half is poultneytown hence the whisky old poultney is made there

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Thanks for the information Alex, interesting stuff. Are you from the area?

  • @ABCDEF-yf4yu
    @ABCDEF-yf4yu Před 2 lety +1

    A long long way from Penzance. I've only been to the far north, Caithness once to Wick, Thurso and John O'Groats.

  • @Arcangel99997
    @Arcangel99997 Před 2 lety +1

    Beautiful place, scotland is amazing...Some day i'll travel to there...Greetings from Venezuela!

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Yes it's a wonderful place, hopefully you get to explore it one day. Hope all is well in Venezuela, another beautiful country I hear!

    • @Arcangel99997
      @Arcangel99997 Před 2 lety

      @@MattWhitingsEurope Yes...2 questions... Are you british??? and Have you traveled to south america??? Greetings!

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Yes I'm British and no I have not been to South America.....yet! 😀

  • @McCaithnessfilms
    @McCaithnessfilms Před 3 lety +1

    i stay in wick and have various video of the town and county hope u had a good time up in wick

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Yes it was a cool place to visit, glad I stopped by! Best of luck with the channel, I'll stop by and take a look tomorrow.

  • @Mayamo0
    @Mayamo0 Před 2 lety +2

    I live right near wick lol

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Cool little town, enjoyed my visit. I think if you're driving the North Coast 500 you almost have to pop in for a look! Thanks for watching!!

  • @rogermellie8068
    @rogermellie8068 Před 2 lety +1

    I once ran down Ebenezer place, was knackered when I got to the other end 🥵

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Haha, it was tough enough walking down it let alone running! 😂👍

  • @smileypuppy6770
    @smileypuppy6770 Před 2 lety +2

    I live in wick 😃😃

  • @benmackay3518
    @benmackay3518 Před 3 lety +3

    You should visit the heritage centre if you ever come back up it will tell you all about wick and you should visit all the other castles too.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +2

      Thanks Ben, I will look it up if I head back, I didn't realise there was a heritage centre. I made it to Wick Castle and Castle Sinclair-Girnigoe, are there others in the area?

    • @benmackay3518
      @benmackay3518 Před 3 lety +1

      @@MattWhitingsEurope ackergill tower And kiess castle are nice you should look at the all harbours up here too, they are interesting.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks for the tips Ben, I'll make a note of both those places. Unfortunately I just couldn't fit anything else into this trip but I'm sure I'll be back on the North Coast 500 again before long, I really enjoyed it. Lots more to see that's for sure. Thanks again!

  • @robanks3895
    @robanks3895 Před 3 lety +1

    My dad was born in Wick. Alexander Bain is probably an ancestor of mine, everyone else is there , so few surnames
    , lol

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Hi Ro, well you never know - he might just be in the family chain somewhere! He's certainly an important part of the region's history - I enjoyed learning about him whilst in Wick!

  • @nathanaelmini2595
    @nathanaelmini2595 Před rokem +1

    Live Scotland. Live the Scots. Live what is Scottish.

  • @WITYTRAVELS
    @WITYTRAVELS Před 3 lety +3

    Wick looks beautiful! Glad you pointed out the Guinness World Record street or we would have missed it!

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +3

      Yeah I walked past it twice myself before I realised it was there! I knew it was short, just not that short. Thanks for joining me, hope all is well with you both.

    • @VrotGlas
      @VrotGlas Před 3 lety +2

      I've stayed in Mackays many times and was never disappointed. Excellent all round hotel and very friendly. Also worth a visit is the Old Pulteney whisky distillery in Huddart Street. Great video.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      @@VrotGlas Thank you Jack, I didn't realise that Whiskey Distillery was there so thanks for bringing it to my attention. Unfortunately when I visited a lot of them were either closed due to COVID or severely limiting the number of people allowed inside. Perhaps next time I'll check it out! If I do visit again maybe I'll see if I can stay at Mackays! Thanks for watching, it was a lovely area to visit.

    • @thebigcheese1723
      @thebigcheese1723 Před 2 lety

      I live here everyday and it's terrible
      As A tourist I see the appeal but being here everyday is horrendous

  • @mariexb1993
    @mariexb1993 Před 2 lety +1

    Liked seeing ya Videos, it gives me inspired watching to.it 😁 had a Boyfriend from Scotland Xxxxxx the Scenery was Nice 😁 etc
    Watching: from Philippines🇵🇭🧡

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks for watching Jessmarie, Scotland is certainly full of spectacular scenery and cool places to visit. Hope all is well in the Philippines!

    • @mariexb1993
      @mariexb1993 Před 2 lety +1

      That's great. Thanks for the feedback have a great day/ night Xx i hope i could visit Scotland One day. Also to Visit my Boyfriend🙂
      Thank you, appreciate it. 🇵🇭🧡
      Take care

  • @lisamore801
    @lisamore801 Před 3 lety +1

    If you go out to John O’Groats and to the sea view hotel not only do they do great food they will be able to help you about how to get to stroma, the owners of it do trips over frequently

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety

      That's interesting, I was thinking about Stroma just the other day. I would love to have visited the island and spent some time exploring - such a mysterious place! I'll keep that in mind so if I'm in the area again I'll look into it, and maybe have some lunch whilst I'm there! Thanks for watching, I appreciate the tip.

  • @Rachelvehiclespotting
    @Rachelvehiclespotting Před 3 lety +1

    Great video. U sure do know about Wick. I'm only 16 miles from Wick and been there alot of times.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Thank you Rachel, I appreciate you saying. I must say you live in a wonderful part of the country, I really enjoyed taking a walk around Wick and seeing some of the sights! Did a bit of reading up before I travelled.

    • @Rachelvehiclespotting
      @Rachelvehiclespotting Před 3 lety +2

      @@MattWhitingsEurope Yep Caithness is a great scenic place to live in. Wick is nice for its scenery as well so is Thurso

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Yes indeed. I wanted to stop off at Castletown too but ran out of time - so much to see and do up there!

    • @Rachelvehiclespotting
      @Rachelvehiclespotting Před 3 lety +2

      @@MattWhitingsEurope Castletown is where I am. It's small but nice place to live in. Nice and Quiet

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      That's cool, is it worth a stop? There just weren't enough hours in the day! Do you know much about Stroma (the island just off the coast)? Apparently nobody lives there but local fisherman will take you over for a price. It looked really fascinating!

  • @Piotr11269
    @Piotr11269 Před rokem +2

    I live in Wick and I been in the old Wick castle you are the best of visiting my town and country scotland❤

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před rokem +1

      Thanks very much, very kind of you to say. I enjoyed my visit, the castle on the edge of that cliff was spectacular - what a beautiful place!

    • @Piotr11269
      @Piotr11269 Před rokem +1

      Yeah

    • @Piotr11269
      @Piotr11269 Před rokem +1

      Am the kindest 8 year old yes or no?

  • @Fingerempirofficial
    @Fingerempirofficial Před rokem +1

    It’s weird to see wick were I live wedisor😅

  • @kevm4035
    @kevm4035 Před 2 lety +1

    Ebenezer place October 4th 1991..

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Hi Kevin, is that when the record was set?

    • @kevm4035
      @kevm4035 Před 2 lety

      @@MattWhitingsEurope No personal event happened on that day, That place.

  • @Fingerempirofficial
    @Fingerempirofficial Před rokem +1

    I have walked near the mill tray shooting range I did no see the flag an a shhot was heard and I ran

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před rokem

      Crikey! Glad you made it out alive. I bet that's one mistake you won't make again.

  • @jasonwaters8276
    @jasonwaters8276 Před 2 lety +1

    Like your video s I was up lockinver ullapool durness nice please s

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Thanks Jason, glad you like the videos - it was an amazing trip! Did you say that you have been up there? If so which coastline was your favourite?

  • @alexshepherd1558
    @alexshepherd1558 Před 2 lety +2

    it's pronounce week and we are durty weekers

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety +1

      Thanks Alex, I didn't realise it is pronounced that way. I appreciate the feedback.

  • @greghumphries
    @greghumphries Před 3 lety +1

    Thurso is the largest town in Caithness, both by geographic area and population size.

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 3 lety +1

      Thanks for pointing that out Greg - very much enjoyed my stroll around town! Thanks for watching.

    • @robanks3895
      @robanks3895 Před 3 lety

      Really ? I went there and hardly saw a soul. I am related to the Carnaby family that came from there

    • @wickwicker8575
      @wickwicker8575 Před 2 lety

      Very little difference between Wick and Thurso in size and population.

  • @jack0609
    @jack0609 Před 2 lety +1

    I have lived there all my life and it’s a great place to live over the years famous people have visited too
    Paul McCartney,I think John Lennon has he had a car crash in golspie,John/Jim Belushi (I forgot his name),The Proclaimers

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Hi Jack, thanks for watching the video. I bet you have seen some changes in Wick over the years? I'm glad I got to spend a few hours there, I enjoyed strolling around and seeing it for the first time. I had no idea about the Lennon/McCartney connection - just did a little bit of digging and you are spot on! John Lennon did indeed have a car accident just down the road in Golspie in 1969 - amazing! Thanks for the information.

    • @jack0609
      @jack0609 Před 2 lety +2

      @@MattWhitingsEurope no problem I have seen some changes we have new schools because the old ones were there since I think the early 1900s and new shops have opened up too I think they are planning to do the high street up at some point

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Well maybe if I visit again in the future the High Street will look a little different. Lovely place!

    • @jack0609
      @jack0609 Před 2 lety +1

      @@MattWhitingsEurope it really is I appreciate how small it is because in big places your crammed with others and I’m not a fan of that

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety +1

      @@jack0609 Yes that's why I loved my drive around the north of Scotland! Wide open spaces, little towns, small villages, the feeling of remoteness. Such a wonderful place in my humble opinion.

  • @steveboable
    @steveboable Před 2 lety +1

    Been there all ready nothing there

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Interesting to hear your opinion. I quite liked it... especially down by the river and walking through the High Street. Thanks for watching!

    • @steveboable
      @steveboable Před 2 lety +1

      @@MattWhitingsEurope well each to there own me er no 2 baqrs shops er not many would i go back i would rather watch paint thanks

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      @@steveboable Fair enough. Sounds like you really disliked it! Always interesting to get other peoples opinions.

    • @johnlad1481
      @johnlad1481 Před 4 měsíci

      ​@@steveboablego and watch paint then

  • @yudhabagaskara98
    @yudhabagaskara98 Před 2 lety +1

    john wick is scottish then

    • @MattWhitingsEurope
      @MattWhitingsEurope  Před 2 lety

      Hi Yudha, I'm not convinced the two are related but I could be wrong!