Whaligoe Steps, The Northern Highlands, Scotland

The Whaligoe Steps are man-made steps to access a very small "harbour" in 250 ft cliffs.  The steps were made in the early 1800's with up to 14 boats using the harbour to drop off their catch, and to pull boats out for repairs.  Women packed the fish with salt in barrels, which were strapped onto their backs, then carried up the 365 steps.  Once at the top they then had to walk seven miles to the town of Wick, to sell the fish.   Today, the steps are maintained and the grass cut in summer by the son of one of the last fisherman to use the harbour.