Neist point lighthouse, Scotland

Neist Point is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland and can be found on the most westerly tip of Skye near the township of Glendale. While the walk down is an easy one, the concrete path does get quite steep at times. From the path you will see stunning views of the high cliffs and the lighthouse itself, at sunset the view is made even more spectacular making this a top destination for landscape photographers.

 

There is only the one safe route, so this walk uses the same path both ways down and back. It covers a distance of 2.2km, with the average time to complete the walk being 45 minutes (with no stops). More time should be allowed for exploring at the lighthouse and we'd recommend a few breaks on the way back up the steep path.
We have classed this walk as ‘Short’ in length and ‘Medium’ for difficulty, check the rating guide for details.

Location

Neist Point is situated in the West Coast of Skye in the area known as ‘Durinish’. The start of the walk is at the very end of the single track road near Glendale.

Weather

This walk is not suitable in all weather conditions. As it take you near high cliffs so it cannot be recommended in windy conditions or if it’s misty (low visibility).

Parking

The carpark is located at very end of the single track road 10.5miles from Dunvegan (taking 30 minutes to drive). If traveling from Portree it is 31miles and will take about 1 hour to drive.
The carpark is not that big so fills up quickly, further back along the road there are more spaces by the road.

The Walk

From the very start at the carpark there are impressive views of the surrounding cliffs, but the lighthouse itself cannot be seen unless you walk back along the cliff to the right of the carpark (worth doing as it offers a great view or photo).
There will be sheep grazing by the path, keep dogs on a short lead.
Make sure your look through the Walk SlideShow, as it give a step by step account of what you will encounter.

Stage 1

At the end of the carpark there is an old shed which is damaged by the gales that batter the point during the winter. Pass the shed and immediately you will see the start of the concrete path.
After a few metres turn left, then ahead you will see the hand rail as the path turns right and down the cliff face.
As the concrete path heads down there is a hand rail on your left side. The trail is very steep and the path becomes steps. Carry on down.
At the bottom of these steps you will notice a shed and a wire system that was used for getting equipment down the cliff.
Pass the shed and continue along the path.
You will notice worn grass paths braking away to the right from the main concrete path, these take you to the very high cliff top, good for a photograph but do take care.

Stage 2

The concrete track starts to climb up the next cliff section with a hand rail on your left. As you reach the highest point of this raise you will get your first view of the light house.
Look down to your left and you will see the landing point for boats that used to drop of supplies.
Follow the path on as it drops downhill and on to the lighthouse.

The lighthouse

Neist Point Lighthouse was built in 1900 when it was a manned lighthouse. Since then the internal light system has be updated to an automated system that no longer requires daily maintenance. The light is 43 meters above sea level and can be seen up to 16 nautical miles offshore.
The keeper’s cottages that surround the main tower are now privately owned, for a few years were used as holiday lets, but recently don’t seem to have been used.

Explore

Once you have reached the lighthouse take some time to explore, but do take special care when near the cliffs.
If front of the lighthouse there is field of stone towers, all built by walkers. Over to the left there is the landing point where supplies used to be delivered by boat, the crane remains in place.
The rocks by the lighthouse are especially good for fishing from, large Pollock can be caught. Off the point in the summer months whales are regularly see as are Basking Sharks.