Butt of Lewis circuit from Eoropie

Summary

The Butt of Lewis (Rubha Robhanais) is the dramatic northern extremity of Lewis, the tower of its slender brick lighthouse standing proud against the storms that often rage here - a spot sometimes claimed to be the windiest in Britain. This superb circular walk takes in the cliff-top scenery as well as the stunning Eoropie beach - there is also a longer walk which takes in the historic stack of Dun Eistean from Port of Ness.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

No path but waymarked, mostly short-cropped clifftop grass with some wet sections. Return via minor road.

Getting there

Start

Eoropie dunes parking area.

Public Transport

Eoropie is part of Ness and has buses from Stornoway.

Start Grid Ref

NB517647

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.25km / 4 miles
Time: 2 hours
Ascent: 116m (Profile)

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Explorer 460 - North Lewis

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Walk Description

User reports (6)

Stage 1

The walk begins from the Eoropie Dunes car park opposite an improbably extensive childrens' play area. Continue along the tarmac to the furthest parking area, then take the footpath off to the right that starts by the picnic table. This continues to the left side of a fence, soon reaching a pedestrian gate. Pass through this and continue to the stone seat and shelter at the edge of the splendid Eoropie beach. Take care if venturing onto the sands though - there are quicksands here. The walk continues by turning right along the grassy machair above the beach, soon passing through a gate in the fence. Continue to a stone seat and memorial to two boat crews which were lost here in 1885.

Stage 2

The route - indicated by marker posts - follows the coastline, soon passing through another pedestrian gate. There are sections of muddy track as the route passes round the back of the next, smaller bay at Cunndal. Cross the small burn flowing down into it and then head through another gate to head out round the next headland. The cliffs now become much higher and a cairn stands close by the edge of a dramatic geo or inlet.

Stage 3

For the first time the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis - or Rubha Robhanais - can be seen in the distance. The walking on this section is mostly excellent on short-cropped grass and the coastal scenery is simply superb.

Stage 4

When a fence is reached head through the pedestrian gate and then continue for the final stretch to the lighthouse. Completed in 1862 by David Stevenson of the famous lighthouse-building family, the lighthouse is built in brick and stands 112 feet high. Pass to the left of the lighthouse to reach the road end (toilets and picnic tables here) and the most northerly point on Lewis.

Stage 5

Follow the tarmac road southwards, giving good views along the eastern coastline. Ignore a track heading off left to an old building, remaining on the road with a view to the sheltered sandy cove at Port Stoth. Shortly after ignore another track branching left and remain on the road. Go straight ahead at the cross roads, then follow the road round as it curves left - the Eoropie Dunes parking area at the start of the walk is on the right.

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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