Walks | North-West
Melvaig - Rubha Reidh
Start: Melvaig, on B8021 West of Gairloch
Description: Walk (or cycle) along back road to converted lighthouse.
OS Map: #19 Gairloch & Ullapool
Multimap: Online Map
The starting point for this walk or bike journey is in a small car park by the side of the road in Melvaig. This is reached by travelling through Gairloch past the shops in Strath and out past Big Sand until you reach the sign proclaiming that the road is narrow and only for Rubha Reidh traffic.
A steep but short hill leads up and onto a fairly level tarred road, giving superb views out to the Hebrides and south to Skye. Two fairly sharp ravines drag the road up and down, but otherwise it's level going. About 45 minutes gentle bike ride takes you to the light house, which has been converted to an outdoor adventure centre and cafe. Watch out for Land Rovers and Mini buses en route! It can be exposed on windy and wet days, but otherwise an enjoyable half day out. It's worth spending time looking out for sea life, as Dolphins, Whales and even Sharks have been spotted in these waters.
You can extend your trip by following a rough track that leads off the road just a few hundred metres short of the lighthouse, through the rocks, and round the coast towards Cove on the far side of the headland. However the journey back across An Cuaidh needs some minor navigation, so is best attempted on very clear days where the masts are visible. Otherwise return to your car by the same road.