Point of Stoer

Point of Stoer is a rugged headland on Scotland's north-west coast, beside the crofting village of Culkein in Assynt (Sutherland, Highlands). Stoer Head Lighthouse stands at its tip, and a short way offshore rises the sea stack known as the Old Man of Stoer. It makes one of the most rewarding clifftop walks in this part of the Highlands.

What will you see at Point of Stoer?

The headline sight is the Old Man of Stoer, a sea stack of Torridonian sandstone around 60 m tall, cut off from the mainland by the Atlantic. It sits just south of the point itself and is easy to view from the cliff edge. Climbers first scaled it in 1966, and it remains a target for experienced teams, who have to contend with frequent strong winds.

The lighthouse dates from 1870 and was designed by David and Thomas Stevenson, part of the family of engineers who built most of Scotland's lights for the Northern Lighthouse Board. Everything had to arrive by sea, so a jetty was built to land stone and supplies. A principal keeper and an assistant lived on site until automation in 1978; today the light is monitored from Edinburgh. The tower is about 14 m high.

The cliffs also hold seabird colonies. Fulmars nest on the stack and nearby ledges, so bring binoculars in spring and summer.

How do you get to Point of Stoer?

The walk begins at the car park by the lighthouse, near Culkein (roughly 58.25 N, 5.35 W). From there a path follows the cliff tops towards the point and the Old Man. The popular circuit covers about 4.5 miles (7 km) with some 270 m of ascent and takes around three hours. Route guides grade it easy, yet the ground is rough and the path faint in places, so some navigation skill helps. Some walkers return over Sidhean Mor, which gives a view across the whole peninsula.

Keep well back from the edge: the turf can be wet and the wind strong.

When is the best time to visit?

Pick a clear day between late spring and early autumn, when daylight is long and the birds are present. In winter the coast takes a battering from storm-force seas and the weather turns quickly. Wear windproof layers and sturdy boots whatever the forecast says.

What else is nearby?

The Stoer peninsula has sandy coves and views towards the Assynt hills and the Minch. Lochinver, the nearest larger village, has food and accommodation.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entry fee for Point of Stoer? No. The headland and path are open access, and the car park sits at the start of the route.

Can you go inside the lighthouse? It is automated and run by the Northern Lighthouse Board. The tower is mainly a landmark; the real draw is the clifftop walk.

How long does the walk take? About three hours for the loop including the Old Man of Stoer, allowing for photo and birdwatching stops.

Is it suitable for children? The route is rated easy, but the cliffs are exposed and the ground uneven, so keep children close.