Neist Point is the end of the road in the far west of Skye, a headland of basalt cliffs with a white lighthouse at its tip and open Atlantic beyond. The walk from the car park is only 2.2 km there and back, about forty-five minutes without stops, but the concrete path is steep in places and turns into steps, so the return climb is the effort. The lighthouse is not visible from the car park and only comes into view at the highest point of the second cliff section, which gives the walk a pleasing reveal. The keepers' cottages are privately owned, so this is a place to look at rather than enter. Neist is best known for sunset, and in winter the sun sets early enough to be an easy afternoon plan, though gales and darkness make it a day for caution.
Getting there
The lighthouse is about thirty minutes and ten and a half miles from Dunvegan, or roughly an hour and thirty-one miles from Portree, on a single-track road that twists across Duirinish. The car park is small and fills quickly, with more spaces along the road further back. In winter the road can be wet and exposed, so allow extra time and keep your fuel topped up before you leave the main road. There are no cafes at the headland, so bring a hot drink.
On the path
The walk goes down a steep slope, crosses a saddle and climbs to the second section of cliff before the lighthouse appears. Take care near the cliff edges, keep dogs on a short lead because sheep graze near the path and do not go in strong wind or mist, as the island's walking guide warns.
Winter gales damage the area, as a shed near the start shows. If the weather is calm, you can go on beyond the lighthouse to the far point and watch for seabirds, and with luck dolphins or other marine life offshore.
When to go
Aim for the last two hours of daylight if the forecast is clear, and bring a head torch for the return. The lighthouse was automated in the past, so there is no staffed station and no visitor centre. Combine the visit with Dunvegan village and the castle's outside views, or with a stop at the beaches and craft shops of the Duirinish peninsula. On a poor day, save the walk and use the time for Dunvegan or Talisker instead, since the headland is unrewarding in thick fog.
What to expect
The experience
A short out-and-back path of 2.2 km down steps and slopes to a cliff-top lighthouse at the western tip of Skye.
Best time
A clear, calm afternoon into sunset, leaving time for the climb back up and the drive out.
How long
About 45 minutes without stops; allow an hour and a half with the view and photographs.
Tips
Avoid wind and mist, keep away from cliff edges, keep dogs on a lead near sheep and bring a torch and a hot drink.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Sunset seekers and photographers who want a lighthouse and a long Atlantic horizon.
- Families
- Fine for fit older children in calm weather, but the steps are steep and the cliffs are unfenced.
- Couples
- Sunset at the headland, then dinner in Dunvegan or back toward Portree.
- Pair with
- Dunvegan Castle and village, Talisker Distillery and the Glen Brittle road.
- Time needed
- Half a day with the single-track drive from Dunvegan.
Good questions
How long is the Neist Point walk?+
It is 2.2 km out and back, about forty-five minutes without stops, though the climb back up is steep.
Can you go inside the lighthouse?+
No, it is no longer staffed and the keepers' cottages are privately owned. The attraction is the setting and the view.
Is the road to Neist Point difficult?+
It is single-track with passing places for about thirty minutes beyond Dunvegan, and the car park is small. Take your time and allow extra in winter.
Is it safe in windy weather?+
No, the walking guide advises against going in wind or mist because of the high cliffs. Pick a calm day.
When is the best time to visit?+
The last couple of hours before sunset in clear weather, with a head torch in winter for the return.
