Neist and Milovaig clifftop coast walk

Summary

This superb clifftop coastal walk makes an excellent extension to a visit to Neist Point. Dramatic cliff scenery and great views to the Outer Hebrides.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

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.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

End of minor road signed to Neist Point.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NG132478

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 11km / 6.75 miles
Time (summer conditions): 3 - 5 hours
Ascent: 351m (Profile)

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Walk Description

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Stage 1

The walk begins from the end of the road; there are several parking spaces but the parking can be very busy in the high season with visitors to Neist Point - as the return walk is along the road it makes sense when busy to instead park at the high point of the road above Loch Mòr where there is another parking area, and then walk along the road to Neist. Begin from the end of the road by heading up the short bit of track on the right and then aiming for the clifftop - it is boggy in a couple of spots. Turn right at the cliffs, with a classic view of Neist Point visitble on the left. The going underfoot improves as you continue along 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 North Uist. 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 aim for a farm gate in a fence and cross towards the sloping ground towards the water treatment buildings. 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.

Stage 4

The next section of the walk is a joy, on a perfect grass atop spectacular cliffs. Continue along the coast. Pass another lochan at Rubha Ban. From here, the cliffs begin to descend once more and the going becomes wet underfoot.

Stage 5

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.

Stage 6

Continue along the road passing numerous crofts and bed and breakfasts, until it reaches a junction near to Carters Rest. 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 Mòr . Continue along the road to return to the start.

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