Neist Point.
Start. Car Park (NG 133478)
Route. Car Park - An t-Aigeach - Neist Point Lighthouse - Jetty - An t-Aigeach - Car Park.
Notes. The most westerly point on the Isle of Skye, Neist Point commands superb views over Moonen Bay to the cliffs of Waterstein Head, and to the west over the Minch the Western Isles reach across the horizon. Guarding the headland a beacon, a comforting light in the dark, Neist Point Lighthouse has faithfully guarded the point since its construction in 1909, more recently providing holiday accommodation. The movie makers have also graced this hallowed turf, scenes from the film Breaking the Waves were shot here in 1996, more recently (they were still filming the week we were on the island) 47 Ronin staring Keanu Reeves. Now it was our turn to wander the concrete path to the point.
The walk was simple, when the road ends a small car park provides room for a number of vehicles. We parked, donned our waterproofs (it was pouring down) before heading west, a concrete path aided our progress, on reaching the lighthouse we turned left to head to a jetty, from the jetty a faint path guided us back to the main trod.
The remains of an aerial rope-way used to convey supplies to the lighthouse.
Our route down the cliffs, the path was to guide us all the way to the lighthouse.
In the past attempts were made to charge visitors access to the point, the residents of the small hamlet of Waterstein ran a fearse campaign against the levy, it's them we can thank for the free access we enjoy today.
Views to the north where the cliffs of Mointeach nan Tarbh tumble to the sea.
Across the choppy waters of the Minch the hills of Harris rise from a watery horizon.
Viewing the impressive cliffs of Waterstein Head, Ramasaif Cliff and The Hoe.
Waterstein Head rises above Moonen Bay.
Neist Point Lighthouse guarding the headland since 1909, for lighthouse buffs, the tower rises 62ft from ground level, the lamp stands proud 142ft above sea level, automated in 1990 the lighthouse cottage is now in private hands.
Nearing the Jetty with views across Moonen Bay.
The cliffs of The Hoe seen from the Jetty
Neist Point Lighthouse backed by the Minch and the Western Isles.
The jagged edge where land meets the sea, if you're thinking of buying property in Waterstein here's a snippet of useful information, apart from the land immediately around the lighthouse Neist Point forms common grazing land for the township of Waterstein, each of five croft's own a share with souming (grazing rights) for one horse, four cows and thirty sheep.
Precipitous cliffs with views to the Western Isles.
Dramatic rock scenery along the Skye coast.
In sunlight now the Western Isles.
My little guide book claimed if you walk above the cliffs to the north of Neist Point you got the best views over the point , it was certainly right.
Back at the car with views over Moonen Bay.