Rubha Reidh Lighthouse

What makes it special

The white tower is 25 metres high, with 87 steps inside, and it was designed by David A Stevenson and first lit on the night of 15 January 1912. Rubha Rèidh is Gaelic for flat headland, which is the shape of the point it stands on.

The keepers' house inside the compound became holiday accommodation once the light was automated, and it still takes overnight guests.

Some of the lighthouse is back in Gairloch. The original Fresnel lens, the foghorn and its clockwork were removed before automation, and all three are now in the Gairloch Heritage Museum.

The sea is the other half of the view. Basking sharks and Atlantic seals are found in the water around the point, and fulmars, shags and kittiwakes nest on the steep cliffs.

Visiting

Melvaig is the last settlement on the road north from Gairloch. Beyond it, the road runs on to the lighthouse over a private estate, so check access on the day (see note).

The road is narrow single-track tarmac with few passing places and a steep first section. Walk or cycle it at an easy pace.

At the end, a gate stops you short of the compound, and the tower stands against the sea.

For a longer outing, a path leads on from the lighthouse to Camas Mòr, a sweeping bay of golden sand. It is hard to follow, over rock and bog, so wear boots.

Tips

Expect no phone signal at the lighthouse or on the last stretch of road. Download your map before you leave Gairloch, and tell someone your plan if you set out for Camas Mòr.

Pick a settled day, because in low cloud you see little beyond the tower and the nearest cliffs.