Point of Sleat Lighthouse

Point of Sleat Lighthouse marks the southern tip of the Isle of Skye in Scotland, on the Sleat peninsula in the Inner Hebrides. It stands on the western side of the Sound of Sleat entrance and is run by the Northern Lighthouse Board, the body that looks after navigation lights around the Scottish coast.

What is the lighthouse's history?

The first light was built on the point in 1934. In 2003 the old tower was taken down and a concrete structure carrying a solar-powered lamp took its place. The light sits about 20 m above the sea, flashes white every three seconds and reaches 9 nautical miles. It runs automatically, has no resident keepers and is not open to visitors.

How do you get to Point of Sleat?

Drive through Sleat to the village of Aird of Sleat. The road ends at a small car park, and the final stretch is a single-track lane with passing places. From there you continue on foot. The route is roughly 5 miles (8 km) each way according to guides, with about 385 m of total climbing and around 3.5 hours for the round trip. The first half follows a firm farm track beside the fields, then a footpath that can turn boggy after rain. Livestock graze along the way, so dogs must be on a lead.

What can you see?

From the headland you look across to Rùm in the west, Eigg to the southwest, the Ardnamurchan peninsula to the south and the Morar coast to the east. The Cuillin ridge rises to the northwest. In clear weather it is one of the best views of the Small Isles anywhere in the Hebrides. The point is also a good place to watch seabirds, including diving gannets, and sometimes dolphins and other marine mammals. Partway along, a short detour leads to Camas Daraich, a sandy beach that many walkers call the highlight of the route.

When should you go?

Pick a clear day, because the island views are the whole point of the walk. Spring and summer bring long daylight and drier paths. Bring waterproof boots, a warm layer and water, as there are no shops or toilets on the way. The area is open and windy, and the weather changes fast.

Do you have to walk all the way to the lighthouse?

No. Several roadside pull-ins on the single-track road to Aird of Sleat offer fine views of Rùm and Eigg, and some walkers rate them as good as the view from the point. Still, the walk gives the fullest sense of Skye's southern end.

Frequently asked questions

Can you go inside the lighthouse?

No. It is automatic and managed by the Northern Lighthouse Board, but the surrounding headland is open to walkers.

How long does the walk take?

About 3.5 hours round trip, including photo stops and a possible detour down to Camas Daraich beach.

Where do you park?

At the small car park at the end of the road in Aird of Sleat. Spaces are limited, so arrive early in the season.

Is the route suitable for children and dogs?

Older children manage it well with proper footwear. Dogs must stay on a lead because of grazing animals.