Total distance to the head and back 4.86 miles
Estimated time 3 hours
map Image produced from the Ordnance Survey Get-a- map service Image reproduced with kind permission of Ordnance Survey and Ordnance Survey Northern Ireland
The return journey is no less spectacular with the views Northward beyond Upper and Lower Milovaig across Loch Pooltiel to Biod an Athair with cliffs 1000 ft above the sea
Set out on foot from Puffin Cottage, turning right and following the single track road for 1/2 a mile through Upper Milovaig then take a right turn on the road to Neist Point. After a pleasant stroll of another 3/4 of a mile Loch Mor comes into view below with Neist Point and the Outer Isles in the distance. At this point where there is a small gravel parking area leave the road and head down toward the escarpment edge following the remains of an old dyke (turf wall). This provides easy walking making use of sheep tracks. The walk soon turns to a gentle climb with Loch Mor far below on you right. Head slightly away from the dyke to find a gap in the old fence. Shortly after the fence you head for a small ravine crossing the burn. Continue to follow the dyke as it climbs steeply and eventually Waterstein Head comes into view in the distance beyond a slightly lower ridge. Continue upward where a rocky escarpment makes for a welcome place to sit and marvel at Neist point and the lighthouse set out below and the Outer Isles in the distance. (South Uist highest peaks Beinn Mhor over 2000ft and Hecla appearing remarkably close on a clear day are in fact 22 miles distant).
Continue climbing upward keeping on the grass above the cliff which becomes steeper following a fence on your left. You will need to step over this fence and follow it upward turning right following the cliffs. To reach Waterstein Head go across to the top corner of the field where there is a trig point (997 ft). To the South lies Moonen Bay with waterfalls and Ramasaig Cliff and the distant Hoe. Return by the same route.
The walk leaves the road at this point heading toward
the escarpment following the remains of an old dyke
Close to the head with Moonen Bay as a backdrop
South Uist highest peaks Beinn Mhor and Hecla appearing remarkably close on a clear day are in fact 22 miles distant
