Logo

lighthouse-index

Wick North Lighthouse

CWQ9+P8, Wick KW1 5HA, UK

Name and Location

The Wick North Lighthouse is located in Wick, Highland Council, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Construction and History

The Wick North Lighthouse was constructed in 1851 during a period of rapid industrialization and technological advancement. Designed by renowned architect William Thomson, the structure has guided vessels through the treacherous waters of the North Sea for centuries.

Architecture and Materials

The lighthouse stands at an impressive height of approximately 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level. Its striking architecture blends Victorian Gothic Revival and Scots Baronial styles, showcasing the region's unique cultural heritage.

Light and Navigation

The Wick North Lighthouse features a distinctive Fl(3)W.15s light characteristic, comprising a white light flashing three times every 15 seconds. This unique pattern allows for easy identification and navigation through the surrounding waters.

Accessibility and Visiting

Visitors are welcome to explore the surrounding area, which offers breathtaking views of the North Sea and the Wick coastline. Accessible via various transportation modes, including car, bus, and train, the lighthouse is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in maritime history and architecture.

Notable Views and Landscape

The nearby fishing village of John o' Groats and the picturesque coastal towns offer stunning views and landscapes to explore.

Anecdotes and Folklore

No information available on this section.

Technical and Operational Details

Originally operated by manual means, the lighthouse was automated in 1985, significantly reducing maintenance requirements and enhancing overall efficiency. Today, the lighthouse is still functioning as a vital aid to navigation, with its light visible up to 18 kilometers (11 miles) away.

Further Information

The Wick North Lighthouse holds significant cultural and historical importance, with its designation as a Category A listed building by Historic Environment Scotland recognizing its architectural and historical value.

Details

NameWick North Lighthouse
CityWick
CountryUnited Kingdom
Coordinates58.4394511, -3.0818214
Year of construction1851
Eventsnull
Keeper storiesnull
Storiestestament to human ingenuity and perseverance
Architectural styleVictorian Gothic Revival and Scots Baronial
ArchitectWilliam Thomson
Tower height26
Renovationsautomated in 1985
Access descriptionAccessible via car, bus, train
Accessibletrue
Landscape typerocky coast, dunes, island
View descriptionbreathtaking views of the North Sea and Wick coastline
Guided tourstrue
Facilitiestoilets, cafe, gift shop
Opening hoursarranged through local authorities or authorized tour operators
Nearby attractionsWick Museum, Wick Heritage Centre, John o' Groats
Light characteristicFl(3)W.15s
Light range11