Dùn Èistean and the Butt of Lewis circuit from Point of Ness

Summary

This superb coastal walk explores the northernmost part of Lewis, packing in both stunning coastal scenery and and historical interest. It visits Dùn Èistean - the traditonal stronghold of Clan Morrison, the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis (Rubha Robhanais in Gaelic), and St Moluag's Church, a restored ancient church. The route heads through common grazings - if you must bring a dog keep it under tight control.

Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Waymarked aorund the coast, but rough and not always a path. Boggy patches. Final section along tarmac road.

Getting there

Start

Limited parking area on right before road end at Port of Ness.

Public Transport

Bus to Port of Ness from Stornoway.

Start Grid Ref

NB539638

Open in Google Maps

Walk Statistics

Distance: 11.75km / 7.25 miles
Time: 3.5 - 4 hours
Ascent: 210m (Profile)

Mapping and GPS

ROUTE MAP
View detailed map of walk

OS Paper map
Explorer 460 - North Lewis

Get our App FREE
Full GPS mapping &
descriptions when offline

Export GPX

Export KMZ

Open on Big Map showing all our routes

Want to sponsor this route?

Walk Description

User reports (1)

Stage 1

The walk begins from Port of Ness (Port Nis). There is limited parking for 4 or 5 cars near the road end overlooking the harbour entrance; if full there is further parking down by the other side of the harbour (down the steep lane west of the cafe). From the first parking, head back along the road towards the village but immediately turn sharp right up the lane past a white house. As the lane swings left towards a final house go through the farm gate on the right.

Stage 2

There is a rough track at first, but this soon peters out. From here the route has been waymarked with posts by Urras Oighreachd Ghabhsainn - the community estate trust, although there isn't always a path underfoot. After passing the back of an inlet, the route continues with a fence on your left. When another inlet is reached, follow the fenceline as it turns left. It is possible to stay nearer the coast, but you might miss the gate. When a pedestrian gate is reached on your left pass through it and keep ahead across boggy ground to meet a track, then turn right along this.

Stage 3

The track passes through a gate and then leads to the coast opposite the outlying rock stack of Dùn Èistean, which has a prominent cairn. A metal bridge spans the dramatic chasm separating the stack from the mainland, but it is closed as it requires repairs - it is unclear at the time of writing whether it will reopen. Dùn Èistean is regarded as the stronghold of Clan Morrison, though it was in use right back to the prehistoric period. To continue the walk, retrace your steps a few yards before turning off to continue along the coastline, passing to the right of a sheep fold.

Stage 4

There are marker posts but no path underfoot, with a few boggy patches. There are small sea stacks to your right, and later the route crosses old lazybeds once used for cultivation. Pass through a pedestrian gate in a fence, then continue with the fence on your left - there are several deep geos that cut inland almost to the fence. After another gate keep ahead across more lazybeds to reach a minor road. Turn right along this - with views down to the fine sandy beach at Port Stoth (easily accessed via a ramp).

Stage 5

Continue along the road to its end at the lighthouse at the Butt of Lewis - Rubha Robhanais in Gaelic, there are toilets and picnic tables here. Completed in 1862 by David Stevenson of the famous lighthouse-building family, the lighthouse is built in brick and stands 112 feet high. The waymarkers pass left of the lighthouse, or you can pass it on the right to keep close to the sea.

Stage 6

There's now a flat greensward underfoot, with several superb views back to the lighthouse from various small knolls. Eventually the route passes through a a pedestrian gate in a fence, and then keeps straight ahead from post to post along a faint grassy path.

Stage 7

The coast eventually comes closer to the path once more and there is superb cliff scenery as the route reaches a stone cairn at the headland projecting to the west. From the cairn the route turns east, passing around the back of a couple of sandy bays protected by low cliffs. Beyond these, pass through a pedestrian gate and above a concrete slipway. Ignore the houses off to your left and keep on the waymarked coast path.

Stage 8

After another pedestrian gate the route heads towards the spectacular beach and dunes at Eoropie. Head for the memorial stone overlooking the beach; it commemorates the loss of two boat crews in a storm in 1885 that devastated the local community. The route now turns inland; at a pedestrian gate head through to the other side of the fence, then turn left along it. After another pedestrian gate the route heads up to reach a tarmac lane and parking area, with a huge children's playpark off to your right. Follow the lane up to the road beyond, then turn right and then immediately left on a lane through the housing.

Stage 9

The lane meets another road at a t-junction just beyond. The route turns right here to follow the road back to Port of Ness, but before heading that way it's worth making a short detour to visit St Moluag's Church. To do this turn left, then take the signed footpath on your right. There has been a church here since at least the 12th century (and possibly the 6th); the church was restored in 1912 and is in current use; there is no electric and the interior is lit by oil lamps. After visiting, return to the B8014 road and follow it, passing houses all the way, as it climbs and then descends to return to Port of Ness. Turn left at the t-junction to return 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

Report error

Let us know if you've found an error in our route, or if it needs updating.

Write walk report

Share your story and photos from this route.
£150 of Highlander Outdoor gear to win every month.

Can you help support walkhighlands?

This website and app are run by 'Walkhighlands for All' - a not-for-profit set up to serve walkers' needs.
We rely on the generosity of our users - can you help?