Filiscleitir chapel, Sgiorgarstaigh, Ness

Summary

A fairly straightforward walk in north Lewis, heading out past the peat cuttings of today's crofters on the moors to reach the remains of the traditional summer sheiling village of Filiscleitir. From here the dramatic clifftop ruins of an old chapel and the site of a fort can be explored.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Rough track, faint boggy path down to coast.

Getting there

Start

Parking area near last house Seilastotar, Sgiorgarstaigh.

Public Transport

Bus to Lional (1.5km from start).

Start Grid Ref

NB543612

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 10.9km / 6.75 miles
Time: 2.5 - 3 hours
Ascent: 150m (Profile)

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Explorer 460 - North Lewis

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Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

If driving, turn off the A857 just before Port of Ness, at Lionel to head south along the B8015, continue straight ahead at the crossroads to the township of Sgiorgarstaigh. When the main road bends left keep on straight ahead; there is a small parking area on the left near the last house - take care not to block any turning areas or entrances. If taking the bus from Stornoway alight in the centre of Lionel and follow the B8015 to the start point. Begin by walking south along the road which is now used primarily to access the local peat cutting areas. Great stacks of dried peats can be seen outside many Lewisian houses, a free source of heat involving many days of cutting, drying and stacking each year.

Stage 2

The road deteriorates into a track and reaches a group of summer huts and caravans after 3km, at Cuidhsiadar. Traditionally this area was used by local people for the summer grazing, when the women and children would move with the cattle to fresh pasture. Continue along the now route track for over another 1km until a single hut is near ahead, then turn left here to head directly towards the sea - you are aiming for the ruined house on the clifftop.

Stage 3

The house was built by John Nicolson, a local man who emigrated to America, made his fortune and returned in the 1900s to build both this property (on the site of an ancient fort) and the chapel just along the coast for the people using the summer grazings. There is a good view north to to the Butt of Lewis.

Stage 4

Head south east along the cliff top for a short way to reach the ruins of the chapel. Services were held at this cliff top spot until the 1930's with trawler crews among the congregation. This is also a good spot to watch for passing marine mammals with whales and porpoises sometimes sighted in these waters - the cliffs nearby are also a haven for nesting seabirds.

Stage 5

It is possible to continue along the coast following the Heritage Trail to Tolsta, however the route is long and wet underfoot. To vary the return to the start, you can head back to the ruined house and then follow the infrequent marker posts that continue along the heather above the cliffs for 350m, giving superb views of the house perched on the cliffs above a series of natural arches. Head inland over pathless heather - there are occasional marker posts - to rejoin the outward route, then turn right along this to retrace your steps back to the start.

Route Profile

Where to stay

Outer Hebrides Hotels

Outer Hebrides B&B

Isle of Lewis cottages

Outer Hebrides hostels

Glamping and Camping

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