Stack of Old Wick

Stack of Old Wick

Stack of Old Wick Group Walks | Join a Walk

30m Elevation
30m Prominence
Scotland Country

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Classifications

0-99m Tump

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Elevation

30m

98 ft

Prominence

30m

Coordinates

58.4202, -3.0836

ND368485

OS Map

12

Explorer: 450E

At the Summit

At the summit, you will find a magnificent rocky outcrop and the remnants of an ancient Pictish fort, a reminder of the region's rich history. Not to forget, the panoramic views are a sight for sore eyes!

Terrain & Geology

Rocky cliffs and grassy slopes with occasional boggy patches near the base.

The Stack of Old Wick is primarily composed of basalt, a remnant of ancient volcanic activities. The rugged cliffs that impose their presence are a result of millennia of erosion, creating an impressive and dramatic landscape.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the dramatic cliffs of Caithness, the North Sea, and on a clear day, even as far as Orkney. The sight is breathtaking, and the seagulls might even applaud you for your ascent.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Stack of Old Wick' likely derives from the Old Norse word 'stekkr', meaning stack or pillar, referring to its towering cliffs. Not very original, but catchy nonetheless!

Historical Significance

The area around Old Wick has historical significance, with remnants of Pictish fortifications and ancient coastal settlements.

Popular Routes

Old Wick Bay Trail

Moderate

A scenic route that starts at the nearby Old Wick Bay. This trail offers stunning coastal views and takes you around the scenic cliffs.

4.5 km 2 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available at Old Wick Bay Car Park. It's a small area but enough for several vehicles.

Public Transport

While public transport options can be sparse, the nearest bus service operates from Wick, approximately 8 miles away.

Nearby Facilities

Wick provides various facilities including cafes, restaurants, and public toilets.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Potential for slippery paths due to mud after rain. Be sure to keep an eye out for loose rocks, especially near the cliffs.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

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Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Stack of Old Wick?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Stack of Old Wick through the maps

Are there other walkers around Stack of Old Wick?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Stack of Old Wick search or of course create your own walk for Stack of Old Wick

Can I organise a walk to Stack of Old Wick?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Stack of Old Wick.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Stack of Old Wick?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Stack of Old Wick here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible