Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
Britain's windiest beacon at the northernmost tip of the Outer Hebrides, where ancient rocks meet the Atlantic.
Standing at the northernmost tip of the Isle of Lewis, this striking red-brick lighthouse has guided mariners since 1862. Designed by David Stevenson and rising 37 metres above dramatic coastal cliffs, it remains one of Britain's most windswept and remote beacons. Now automated and remotely operated, the lighthouse anchors a spectacular headland where ancient Precambrian rocks meet the Atlantic, offering breathtaking views and excellent birdwatching opportunities.
A brief summary to Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
- Lewis and Harris, GB
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 3 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit on a clear day for the best views across to Cape Wrath and the open Atlantic. The site is exposed and weather can change rapidly, so check conditions before travelling and bring waterproof clothing.
- The lighthouse interior is not open to the public, but the exterior and surrounding headland offer excellent photography opportunities. The red brick structure contrasts beautifully with the grey cliffs and turbulent sea.
- Combine your visit with a coastal walk to fully appreciate the dramatic landscape. A 4.25-mile circular walk from the car park showcases spectacular coastal scenery and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching. The cliffs support diverse seabird populations including gannets, shags, and oystercatchers, particularly during breeding season (April to August).
- Allow extra time if windy—the Butt of Lewis is consistently one of Britain's windiest locations. Secure loose items and be prepared for challenging walking conditions on exposed terrain.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
Getting There
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Car via Single-Track Road
Drive north from Stornoway on the A857 towards Ness, then follow local roads to the Butt of Lewis. The final approach is via a single-track road with passing places leading directly to a small car park near the lighthouse. Journey time from Stornoway is approximately 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic. The road is narrow and winding but passable year-round, though winter weather can cause delays. Parking is free and limited; arrive early during peak season.
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Walking from Car Park
From the car park, a well-marked coastal path leads to the lighthouse. A 4.25-mile circular walk is documented in Ordnance Survey guides and takes 2 to 3 hours depending on pace and stops for photography or birdwatching. The terrain is coastal grassland and cliff-edge paths with some uneven ground. The walk is moderately strenuous due to wind exposure and undulating terrain. No special equipment required, but sturdy waterproof footwear is essential.
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Guided Tour from Stornoway
Organised day tours departing from Stornoway typically include the Butt of Lewis as part of a wider Isle of Lewis itinerary. Tour duration is generally 4 to 6 hours, with transport provided and a guide offering historical and cultural context. Tours operate year-round with reduced frequency in winter. Prices typically range from £45 to £65 per person depending on the operator and inclusions.
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Hebridean Way Cycle Route
The Butt of Lewis marks the northern terminus of the Hebridean Way, a long-distance cycle route extending to Barra in the south. Cyclists can reach the lighthouse as the final destination of a multi-day journey or as a day trip from nearby settlements. The approach via cycle is scenic but exposed to wind. Allow 1 to 2 hours cycling from Ness depending on fitness and wind conditions.
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
A Beacon Built Against the Elements
The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse stands at Rubha Robhanais, the most northerly point of the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. Designed by David Stevenson and completed in 1862, this 37-metre tower is constructed from red brick—an unusual choice for Scottish lighthouses, which are typically painted white. The unpainted brick was deliberately left exposed because common bricks cannot withstand the relentless salt spray and weathering of this exposed Atlantic headland. The lighthouse contains 168 steps spiralling to the lightroom, which is no longer accessible to the public. Its distinctive character comes from the interplay between its industrial heritage and the raw, untamed landscape that surrounds it.Engineering Triumph in a Hostile Environment
The construction of this lighthouse was a remarkable feat of Victorian engineering. The Stevenson brothers quoted £4,900 for the entire project, including keeper accommodation and support buildings. All materials had to be delivered by sea to the sheltered cove of Port Stoth, as road communications in Lewis were virtually non-existent in the 1860s. The work faced significant delays: a ship carrying construction materials was wrecked on the rocks while attempting to reach Port Stoth, and the skilled stonemason responsible for building the spiral staircase went on strike, successfully negotiating an extra penny per day in wages. The lighthouse continued to receive supplies by sea until the 1960s, when improved road access finally made land delivery feasible.From Paraffin to Automation
The lighthouse's operational history reflects the evolution of maritime technology. Originally lit by vegetable or fish oil, the light source changed to paraffin in 1869 and remained so until 1976, when electricity was introduced. In 1985, an electric gearless pedestal was installed, producing a white flash every five seconds visible for 25 nautical miles. On 30 March 1998, the Butt of Lewis became one of the last lighthouses in the British Isles to be automated, ending nearly 140 years of continuous human habitation. Three keepers and their families had lived at the station, maintaining the light through storms and isolation. Today, the lighthouse is remotely monitored and controlled from the Northern Lighthouse Board's headquarters in Edinburgh, and the site serves as the radio control station for the North Minch area.Geology and Natural Heritage
The headland itself is geologically ancient, comprising some of the oldest rocks in Europe, formed during the Precambrian period up to 3 billion years ago. The Butt of Lewis features dramatic cliffs rising 60 to 80 feet, carved by millennia of Atlantic waves and wind. A natural arch called the Eye of the Butt (Toll a' Ròigh in Scottish Gaelic) can be viewed from the Habost machair to the southwest. The site holds the distinction of being listed in the Guinness Book of Records as one of the windiest spots in Britain—a claim that becomes immediately apparent to visitors who experience the relentless Atlantic gales that sweep across this exposed promontory.Wildlife and Landscape
The cliffs and surrounding waters support abundant seabird populations, making the Butt of Lewis a haven for ornithologists and birdwatchers. Gannets, shags, and oystercatchers are commonly observed, and the dramatic coastal scenery provides exceptional opportunities for wildlife photography. The landscape also reveals evidence of historical land use: agricultural lazy beds are visible along the coast, and a well-preserved open field runrig system—a relic of communal farming practices—can be seen inland from the approach road. The machair grasslands support diverse wildflower communities, particularly in spring and summer.Strategic Importance and Modern Legacy
Beyond its role as a navigational beacon, the Butt of Lewis has served critical functions in maritime communication and safety. During World War II, on 16 November 1940, a German aircraft strafed the lighthouse during its return from a North Atlantic patrol, though little damage resulted. The station functioned as a radio relay for the isolated Flannan Islands lighthouse keepers in the early 1930s, continuing this role until the Flannans were demanned in 1971. From the mid-1990s to March 2022, the site transmitted Differential Global Positioning System signals to aid navigation across the North Minch. Today, it remains an essential navigational aid and a symbol of Scotland's maritime heritage.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Butt of Lewis Lighthouse
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Unmissable attractions to see
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Eoropie Beach
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Swainbost Beach
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Port of Ness Slipway and Breakwater
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Port of Ness Beach
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Traigh Ghearadha (Gary Beach)
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Traigh Mhòr
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Clach An Truishal Standing Stone
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Gress Corn Mill
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Gress beach
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Essential places to dine
Wobbly Dog of Lewis
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The Breakwater
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Borve Country House Hotel
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A welcoming 4-star retreat in Borve blending Hebridean charm, hearty local cuisine, and warm hospitality on the Isle of Lewis.
Cabarfeidh Hotel
33.8 km
Experience modern comfort and authentic Hebridean hospitality just steps from Stornoway’s historic Lews Castle.
Bridge Centre Cafe
34.4 km
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HS-1 Cafe Bar
34.7 km
Lively café-bar in Stornoway serving fresh local dishes with stunning marina and Lews Castle views in a relaxed, friendly setting.
The Boatshed Restaurant
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Savor fresh Hebridean seafood with stunning marina views in Stornoway’s acclaimed Boatshed Restaurant.
The Park Guest House & Restaurant
34.9 km
Charming central guest house in Stornoway offering cozy rooms, local dining, and easy access to Isle of Lewis attractions.
La Balena - Italian Restaurant
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Caladh Inn
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Eleven Restaurant & Bar
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Harbour Kitchen
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Experience the freshest Outer Hebrides seafood in a cozy, open-kitchen setting at Harbour Kitchen, Stornoway’s celebrated culinary gem.
No.9 By The Harbour
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Blake’s Bar & Kitchen
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Crown Hotel
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A welcoming harbourside inn in Stornoway offering cozy rooms, hearty Scottish fare, and a lively bar with a wide whiskey selection.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Cross Stores
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Sea in Design
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West Side Furniture Store
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Explore exceptional handcrafted furniture and home decor at West Side Furniture Store in the charming Bragar, Isle of Lewis.
Amor Weavers
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Discover authentic handwoven treasures celebrating the rich textile heritage of the Isle of Lewis at Amor Weavers in Shawbost.
The Original Factory Shop (Co-op Stornoway)
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Affordable brand-name fashion, beauty, and homeware all under one roof in Stornoway’s popular department store.
Bayhead Gift House
34.4 km
Explore the charming Bayhead Gift House in Stornoway for unique local crafts and souvenirs that celebrate the rich heritage of the Hebrides.
Salka – Gift Shop on the Rock
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Celtic Clothing
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The Hebridean Hobby Centre
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Sardar & Sons
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Influence Clothing
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Nicolson & Co Ltd
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Bonmarché
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Bonmarché Stornoway offers stylish, affordable women's fashion in sizes 10-28, conveniently located on Cromwell Street in the town centre.
Peacocks
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Tweedtastic
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Cross Inn
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Old Barn Bar
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The Rip
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Artizan
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McNeills
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The Criterion Bar
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Stornoway Distillers @ The Fank
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THE HARBOUR BAR
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Lewis & Harris Rangers Supporters Club
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Ardhasaig House Hotel and Restaurant
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Isle of Harris Distillery
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The Bothy
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Isle of Harris Brewery
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The Badachro Inn
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
The Scaladale Centre
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Number 5
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The Isle of Harris Golf Club
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Adventurous
- Unique
- Tranquil
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Vintage Styles
- Industrial Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Viewpoints
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Panoramas
- Skyline
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Protected Area
- Leave-No-Trace Critical
- Wildlife Habitat
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Photowalk
- Nature Escape
- Cultural Heritage
- Day Trip
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
- Requires Hike
- Remote
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
