Neist Point is one of the most famous lighthouses in Scotland and can be found on the most westerly tip of Skye, offering excellent views over the Outer Hebrides. It was designed by David Alan Stevenson and was first lit on 1 November 1909. An aerial cableway is used to take supplies to the lighthouse and cottages. Visitors can enjoy a nice walk from the carpark, where they can take in the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and the lighthouse itself, at sunset the view is made even more spectacular making this a top destination for landscape photographers.
Neist Point was used as the dramatic setting for a number of scenes in the movie Breaking The Waves in 1996, starring Emily Watson. A mock cemetery was constructed for the scenes, which remained for several years afterwards. More recently, scenes for the movie, 47 Ronin, starring Keanu Reeves, were filmed on the headland at Neist in October 2012.
Planning your visit to the Neist Point Light House
Where to park when visiting the Neist Point Light House?
Neist Point is situated in the West Coast of Skye in the area known as ‘Durinish’. The start of the walk is at the very end of the single track road near Glendale. The carpark is located at very end of the single track road 10.5miles from Dunvegan. The carpark is not that big so fills up quickly, further back along the road there are more spaces by the road.
Walking along Neist Point Trail
The only actual private area is that fenced around the lighthouse and cottages – the rest is the common grazings for Waterstein township.
Neist Point Trail: Stage 1 – Down the Cliff
At the end of the carpark there is an small building beyond which is the start of the trail. After a few metres the trail turns to the left, then ahead you will see the hand rail for a short flight of steps leading you down the cliff face. At the bottom of these steps you will notice a shed and a wire system that was used for getting equipment down the cliff. Pass the shed and continue along the path. There are a few grass paths leading to the right from the main concrete path, which take you to the cliff top.
Neist Point Trail: Stage 2 –Neist Cliff Viewpoint
The concrete track starts to climb up the next cliff section with a hand rail on your left. As you reach the highest point of this raise you will get your first view of the light house on the right and the Neist Point Jetty on the left – this was a landing point for boats that used to drop of supplies.. It may be worth walking further up the highpoint to the Neist Cliff Viewpoint, a great place for photographs. Follow the path on as it drops downhill and on to the lighthouse.
Neist Point Trail: Stage 3 – Neist Point Lighthouse
Follow the trail as it drops down to the Lighthouse. Once you have reached the lighthouse take some time to explore – in front of the lighthouse there is field of stone towers, all built by walkers. Over to the left there is the landing point where supplies used to be delivered by boat, the crane remains in place. The rocks by the lighthouse are especially good for fishing from, large Pollock can be caught. Off the point in the summer months whales are regularly seen, as are Basking Sharks.
Neist Point Trail: Stage 4 – The Return
Use the same path that you came on to return you to the carpark.
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