Descending this remarkable staircase transports you back in time to the 1800s, when “herring girls” hauled heavy baskets of herring, salmon, whitefish, and shellfish up the steep steps each day. These catches were then carried on foot to Wick, some 7 to 8 miles away, to be sold.

These hardy fishing women were central to the fishing industry in Scotland and northern England, following the fleets from port to port and preparing fish for export. Their legacy lives on in the stories preserved by the Wick Heritage Museum, where exhibitions bring to life the region’s fishing, trading, and community traditions.

A brief history of Whaligoe
The name Whaligoe (from “whale geo” or “inlet of whales”) refers to this natural harbour, which was surveyed by renowned engineer Thomas Telford in 1786. He famously deemed it a “terrible spot” during his tour of Northern Fishing Harbours for the British Fishing Society. Undeterred, Captain David Brodie invested £8 — a considerable sum at the time — to cut what were then 330 steps into the cliffs. By 1814, his efforts had paid off, with the harbour supporting 14 herring boats.

Plan your trip
Whaligoe Steps is located just south of Wick in Caithness and can be accessed from a small car park at the top of the cliffs. Please note that the steps are steep, uneven, and exposed to the elements. Suitable footwear and caution are advised, especially in wet weather. The site is free to visit and open year-round, though best enjoyed in dry, calm conditions.