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| Thurso - Wick Coast Guide Thurso is the most northerly mainland town in the UK - it is a port and ferries operate from nearby Scrabster to the Orkney Islands. In the past Thurso was the main port for trade with Scandinavia across the Norwegian Sea. It comes as a surprise to realise that both Thurso and Wick are closer to Stavanger in Norway, than to London.
In the 17th and 18th centuries Thurso enjoyed a considerable export trade in meal, beef, hides and fish as the local fishing resources became more fully exploited . In the early 19th century with the growth of the Caithness flagstone industry, Thurso regularly exported cargoes of paving stones throughout Britain and the continent. Today Thurso operates more as a tourist destination and gateway to the Orkney and Shetland Islands to the north. Thurso is also situated on the A836 which is the UK's most northerly A road, - it traverses the northern Atlantic coast and offers some spectacular views. Be warned that some of the road is still single track and you need to be watchful.
Wick Wick is situated fifteen miles to the south of Thurso on the North Sea coast. Wick was one of the busiest herring fishing ports in the country up until the middle of the twentieth century. At the height of its success the fishing industry employed around fifteen thousand people engaged in fishing and ancillary industries. Today however there are only around 30 boats engaged in fishing. The town today is a mixture of port, commercial and tourist activities. There is also an airport at Wick which serves the North Sea oil industry.
What to see around Thurso and Wick Dounreay Visitor Centre - Dounreay, Thurso, Caithness KW14 7TZ Tel: 01847 806086 Wick Heritage Centre - 18, Bank Row, Wick, Caithness KW1 5EY Tel: 01955 605393 Dunnet Head - Britain's most northerly headland with views to Orkney and Cape Wrath.
Map of Thurso and Wick < Inverness Guide Orkney Guide >
Other sections of the guide you might also enjoy - see below. We will bring you feature articles about the coastline and news items about life in the coastal area. contributions to this section are welcome. Attractions - see listings pages
The National Marine Aquarium - Plymouth
The listings section will also have details of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and shops available in the locality. Restaurants and shops coming soon..... The Beach Pub - Exmouth
Other sections of the guide you might also enjoy - see below. We will bring you feature articles about the coastline and news items about life in the coastal area. contributions to this section are welcome. Attractions - see listings pages
The National Marine Aquarium - Plymouth
The listings section will also have details of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs and shops available in the locality. Restaurants and shops coming soon..... The Beach Pub - Exmouth
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| Copyright: UK Coast Guide 2005- 2008 |
For details of Thurso and Wick Hotels and Holidays, Guest Houses,
Cottages and
Attractions. Go to 
A
huge selection of attractions are available within the coastal area and this
section will have details of many of them. From piers and harbours to fun fairs
and roller coasters, the listings will have details of what's available in your chosen
area. For details of attractions look in the resort pages. 
Whether
your idea of an ideal activity is sunbathing or you prefer something more
strenuous, the chances are that you will be able to pursue this at the
coast. There is a wide selection of activities that can be found on our
coastline - these range from a gentle stroll to the next bay, to swimming and snorkelling,
to more energetic activities such as sailing, surfing, windsurfing and kite
sailing. See Activities section.
Pubs, restaurants and shopping
guide