Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

At the northern tip of the Isle of Lewis, Butt of Lewis Lighthouse stands above steep cliffs and the Atlantic. The red-brick tower dates to 1862, and you can approach it, though the interior is not open to visitors. Walk the clifftop paths for views of waves breaking against the rocks and look for seabirds, seals and sheep. Benches and picnic tables make a place to pause; a sandy cove is also within walking distance. The site is free to visit, but wind and exposed cliff edges call for care.

A lighthouse at Lewis’s northern tip

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse stands at the northernmost point of the Isle of Lewis. Built in 1862 by David Stevenson, the red-brick tower rises above the rocky coast. Its unpainted brickwork gives the structure a distinctive look among Scottish lighthouses.

You can walk close to the lighthouse, but the tower itself is not open for public visits. The grounds and viewpoint are accessible at any time, so you can visit without fitting your plans around a tour.

Clifftop paths and coastal wildlife

The main draw is the exposed coastline: steep cliffs, dark rocks and waves from the Atlantic. Paths around the lighthouse offer views from above, and seabirds can be seen nesting on the cliff faces. Seals are also spotted along the coast; sheep roam the surrounding land.

The area is open and windy, with unguarded drops near the cliffs and a rocky shore below. Keep children close and take care near the edges. From the lighthouse, you can also walk along the road towards a sandy cove. Picnic benches and wooden tables provide a place to stop and take in the view.