Neist and Milovaig circuit

This circuit makes an excellent extension to a visit to Neist Point. Dramatic cliff scenery and great views.

Terrain

The way is pathless apart from sheep tracks; the going is on excellent turf for long stretches but with some very boggy sections. The return is by minor road.

Public Transport

None to walk start.

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Start

End of minor road signed to Neist Point. Map and directions.

grade grade
Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km/6.75 miles
Time: 3 - 5 hours
Ascent: 340m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NG132478

Maps / GPS

View / Print route map
Buy Explorer 407 - Dunvegan
GPS Waypoints - QUO 2
GPS Waypoints - GPX
View in 3D
Download walk to Google Earth (KMZ file)

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the end of the road next to the store building. There are several spaces. Begin by passing round the end of the wall to the left and walking a few yards towards Neist Point. When the path turns left downhill, turn right instead and climb up to and follow the cliff top. The going is boggy at first, but soon improves along the edge of the cliffs.

Stage 2

Soon you will see a derelict building over to your right; this used to be a coastguard lookout station but it is much more dilapidated than the other similar station at Rubha Hunish. Continue along the cliff edge, passing a small lochan and enjoying the great views over to the Isle Harris and the Uists. Shortly after the lochan it is necessary to head away from the coast a little as the cliffs turn inland. Once the cliffs ease, descend into the valley of the Oisgill burn ahead. It is possible to shorten the walk once you have crossed the burn by cutting back right towards the road; if doing this it is best to keep slightly uphill to avoid boggy areas and reach the cattle grid in Waterstein.

Stage 3

If continuing the walk, after carefully crossing an awkward fence, there is a steep ascent to reach the top of the next section of cliffs. The going is easy if you keep to the dry grass a little to the left of the small water treatment works. Once atop the cliffs, the views back across to Waterstein Head are tremendous. The next section of the walk is a joy, on a perfect grass atop spectacular cliffs. Continue along the coast.

Stage 4

Pass another lochan at Rubha Ban. From here, the cliffs begin to descend once more and the going becomes wet underfoot. It is best to keep fairly close to the cliff edge, eventually emerging on the coast just by the coast at Milovaig (it is not necessary to climb up to the houses visible to the right, as there is a lower road passing near to the coast). Keep left of any fences. Once at the road, turn left along it. The remainder of the walk is on tarmac roads, but there is very little traffic and lovely scenery. You will soon reach the old Meanish pier, which serves the whole of Glendale. Continue along the road passing numerous crofts and bed and breakfasts, until it reaches a junction near to Carters Rest b&b. Turn right here (signed for Waterstein and Neist Point). Keep left at the next junction and follow the road as it climbs up the moorland. Once the summit of the road is reached, there are great views of Loch Mor. Continue along the road to return to the start.

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Route Profile

Walking can be dangerous and is done entirely at your own risk. Information is provided free of charge; it is each walkers' responsibility to check it and navigate using a map and compass.