Wick Paths Group map of walking routes ‘for visitors and locals alike’
Tourists and local people will be encouraged to explore Wick by using a handy new map setting out six walking routes around the town and surrounding area.
It has been produced by Wick Paths Group and will be available free of charge from hotels and other outlets.
One side of the fold-out map gives details of walks of various lengths, from coastline to riverside, on paths that are maintained by the group, along with photos and information about points of interest along the way.
The other side features a detailed map of the Wick area with colour-coded directions for each route.
The idea came from Allan Bruce, the group’s vice-chairman. He helped to put together the information along with chairman Willie Watt, secretary John Bogle and treasurer Allan Tait.
The map was designed by Inverness-based cartographer Helen Stirling.
Some of the paths group volunteers gathered for the launch at Wick library. The building was recently named as one of four new green hubs across High Life Highland libraries.
In a short speech, Mr Watt said: “The map is for visitors and locals alike, because even as a local you’ll learn what we are all about and the places of interest that you can find.
“We are here to promote a healthy lifestyle, promote the paths that are there and create more paths if we can. But all in all we’re a bunch of volunteers building and maintaining paths, picking up litter wherever it lies and making sure the town is represented in a positive way.
“I’ve had Americans and tourists from England and various places in Scotland who say our town is very well looked after. However, when we as locals look at things we are more critical, which drives us to say ‘we can do better’.
“I think that’s the way it needs to be. We will keep trying to improve the look of the town for the benefit of all.”
Mr Watt made it clear that the group would be pleased to see younger volunteers getting involved.
“We look after seven miles of paths,” he said. “It doesn’t get any easier, we’re not getting any younger.
“Eighty per cent of us are over 60, so we need to try and encourage youth to get involved with some of the activities that we do and make sure we’ve got a succession plan.
“Our town benefits from organisations like ours and also from the ‘lone rangers’ who quietly do their bit cleaning areas and regularly picking up litter. There’s a lot of people who go unnoticed, under the radar, but they’ve got the same plan as we have – to make the town look good.
“And then there’s Highland Council, local companies and other organisations – we enjoy their support. What I would like to say to everybody that’s involved in anything we do is – thanks.”
Mr Watt added: “Walking is a huge part of the Scottish economy. I think it’s worth over £1 billion every year.
“We’re very fortunate in Wick that you can visit castles within walking distance, beaches within walking distance, geos and cliffs, rivers and bays. You name it, we’ve got it.
“I think we’ve got a jewel in the crown in the north and we just need to keep it shining bright. This map will hopefully help us get there.
“I’d like to thank everybody that has been involved in getting the map to where it is.”
Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner attended the launch on Friday. He said he prefers to have a paper map in his hands rather than having to rely on technology.
“It’s far more practical than it can sometimes be online,” he said, adding: “The best thing about walks in the Wick area is the variety.”
In addition to local hotels and the library, copies of the map – entitled Paths around Wick – will be distributed to Wick River Campsite, Wick Heritage Museum, Pulteney Distillery, the Pulteney Centre, Wicker’s World and other locations.
Secretary John Bogle said: “We would welcome accommodation providers and other local businesses getting in contact if they would like maps, which are free, for their customers.”
After the map launch, paths group volunteers carried out a litter-pick in the grounds of the East Caithness Community Facility.
Wick Paths Group will be involved in the annual Spring Clean Scotland litter-picking events around the town.
These are scheduled for the area around the Grizzly Park and South Head on Sunday, March 23 (meeting at the old herring mart); the airport industrial estate and nearby forest area on Sunday, April 6 (meeting behind Sutherland Brothers’ premises); and Sunday, April 20, covering general areas around Wick (meeting at the car park opposite the Norseman Hotel).
All three have a 10am start time.
Organiser Allan Bruce, who is also vice-chairman of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council, said: “I think it has grown a bit of momentum this year again because the primary schools are getting involved.”
