Eilean Glas Lighthouse

Outer Hebrides, United Kingdom

Eilean Glas Lighthouse was one of the original four lights commissioned by the Commissioners of the Northern Lights, and the first in the Hebrides. These lighthouses were built by Thomas Smith. Eilean Glas light was first displayed in 1789. The original tower was replaced in 1824 by Smith's stepson Robert Stevenson. In 1852 the light was changed to a revolving system lens. The lighthouse was an early candidate for automation and this was carried out in 1978. Several of the original buildings have been sold off. The fog signal was discontinued in the 1980s although the horn remains place as a decoration.

The 30-metre tower is painted with two distinctive broad red bands. Light is now from catoptric sealed beam lamps, mounted on a gear less pedestal.

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Founded: 1787
Category: Miscellaneous historic sites in United Kingdom

Rating

4.7/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Tim Fletcher (5 months ago)
The lighthouse / cafe are only open April to September but it is still worth the walk to see the fantastic views and decaying 19th century architecture. It’s windy but bracing - there is a wee bothy on the left just before you get to the lighthouse where you can shelter from the elements: It took me about 25 minutes to walk there from the car park along the direct route and double that for the more scenic coastal route back (follow the red and yellow painted waymarkers).
Gemmann24 (7 months ago)
Wow! Just wow! The views from the lighthouse are something else, we even struck lucky and saw a pod of dolphins as we stood on the rocks at the front of the lighthouse. It was a pleasure to be able to sit in and have a coffee and a slice of cake. The man running the cafe was really friendly and chatty. We will most definitely be returning! What a great experience all round. Oh….and the chocolate cake is to die for!
Allison McKie (8 months ago)
Lovely walk from outend car park (literally only space for 7 cars if parked sensibly). We walked the direct route to the lighthouse and the longer coastal route back (quite boggy in places, very up and down but stunning scenery and views back to lighthouse and over to Skye) both walks were well way-marked. The lighthouse was interesting and the cafe was open serving yummy cake. The coffee wasn’t great and unfortunately there were no cold drinks on offer when we visited (but the cake made up for it!). There is also a bothy there with some interesting info about whales. Sadly didn’t spot any but lovely visit nonetheless. Would recommend the coastal route for views if your legs are up to it and you have sensible footwear!
S Morris (8 months ago)
Lovely lighthouse with unexpected little cafe serving coffee and exceptionally good cakes! The walk in is about 2 km and is a little hilly at parts but easy enough if you take your time .
Richard Noakes (10 months ago)
A fascinating place to visit and enjoy a walk across this wild and beautiful island. Tea and cakes are served by a lovely couple who live in the lighthouse and carry supplies in on foot. To visit you either walk the easy well made track about 2 miles from a parking place, or a longer more rugged route following the coast. We did a whole circuit of the island following marker posts - about 12km. Quite boggy, but great views.
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