Neist Point

A short walk visiting Neist Point, most westerly point on Skye. This spectacular headland is a good place for bird and whale-watchers.

Terrain

Excellent concrete path with steps, unfenced cliffs, care needed away from paths

Public Transport

Nearest bus is to Glendale 5 km away (bus 56 from Portree).

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Start

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

Currently 4.10/5

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 2km/1.25 miles
Time: 1 - 2 hours
Ascent: 160m (Profile)
Grid Ref: NG132478

Maps / GPS

Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the end of the road next to the store building. There are several spaces. The path begins through the gate, which if locked can be easily walked round. The only private area is that immediately around the lighthouse and cottages - the rest is the common grazings for Waterstein township, please respect the privacy of anyone at the cottages. From the parking area there is a magnificent view of the cliffs around Moonen Bay.

Stage 2

The path slopes to the right to ease the descent to the headland below, and has a handrail. There is an aerial ropeway which is used to take supplies out to the lighthouse and cottages at the Point. Continue along the now level path. Several scenes in Lars Von Trier's film Breaking the Waves were shot here.

Stage 3

The path passes to the left of An t-Aigeach (meaning the Stallion's Head), the dramatic upstanding crag half way out on the headland. The crag is the site of some of Skye's hardest rockclimbs. The top of the crag can be reached by detouring up to the right, but there is no good path. Behind you are great views of the impressive cliffs of Waterstein Head, the second highest on Skye.

Stage 4

The made-up path ends just before the lighthouse and cottages, which are on fenced private land. The complex was built in 1909 at a cost of £4,350 - the engineer being David A Stevenson of the famous Stevenson family of lighthouse builders. Look out for breaching fins and blows in the sea - this is one of the best places for whales and dolphins on Skye. The return to the car park is by the same route.

Stage 5

For the classic view of the lighthouse beyond the cliffs, you can head on a boggy path northwest from the car park for about half a kilometre. This is one of the best places imaginable for watching the sunset.

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