UKC

Climbs 553
Rocktype Dolerite
Altitude 21m a.s.l
Faces SW

View Stats

Neist © colinthrelfall

Crag features

Two tiers of dolerite sea-cliffs at the most westerly point in Britain that can be reached without a boat. Neist has a greater volume of quality routes than any other crag on Skye, with well over 500 routes in total.

Supercharger is the original classic of the crag, taking a strong line up the impressive headland of An t-Aigeach, but it is outshone in terms of rock quality by many of the single-pitch lines. While the crags face predominantly west, the many sectors offer a variety of aspects and degrees of shelter, and cater for the full spectrum of convenience to adventure. The majority of routes follow cracks and grooves, but there are also open walls, slabs and aretes. At its best, the rock is excellent rough brown dolerite, but there is also plenty of choss to be found here. More good routes have been added since the publication of the current guidebook.

Approach notes

Routes from Financial Sector and the Euro Zone northwards are best approached by walking over the moorland above the upper cliffs and descending from the top, while those south of the Bad Step can be approached by descending the steps and following sheep tracks between the upper cliffs and sea-cliffs.

For the Headland follow the tourist thoroughfare of the lighthouse path. Routes south of the steps are approached either from the foot of the steps or by walking downhill towards Moonen Bay from the parking area.

While some of the sea cliffs can be accessed by scrambling, the majority require an abseil.

Access Advice

Some of the sea cliffs are home to nesting birds from 1 February to 1 August. These include but are not necessarily restricted to The Seafront, Yellow Walls and Bay Four.

There is a history of belay stakes being removed. At Financial Sector, some are currently in place (summer 2022) but it is best not to assume they will be. For some of the more obscure areas, the stakes may be old or absent.

No stakes in place at Financial Sector (Summer 2017) other than above descent gully. There may be a few above the Wall Street section etc but not confirmed here. Natural belays around this area are not abundant so take some stakes if you'd like to climb there, but don't forget to take them home with you.
Nathan Adam - 08/Nov/17
Just got Scottish Rock North volume 2 as i am going to Skye next week. My advice - DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK UNLESS YOU CLIMB AT A HIGHER GRADE its useless for climbs below E1, would be nice if it was addrtised this way ! I know it says 'selected climbs' but it seems a little sparse
Ahogg16 - 28/Apr/14
Apologies for the state of this site. I have just taken over as moderator, and will attempt to sort the problems highlighted by Ian asap. :)
gfoster - 13/Aug/12
Natural Look is Severe no Moderate.
cathsullivan - 06/Jul/11
beware of the massive rock fall at Destitution point.
Ben.W - 27/Sep/10
Gary Latter book comprehensive and WRONG ;) Beware. Awesome climbing on the Financial Sector and Poverty Point.
Fiend - 26/Sep/10
Great climbing in the lower grades at Poverty Point and Destitution Point. Very scenic with immaculate rock. Giro E2 5c at Destitution is amazing. Garry Latter book very comprehensive.
bnewman - 10/Aug/10
I seen the boys at work on the sport line. Man it looks the bizz.
Langreach - 12/May/10
This site is a mess. No buttresses listed and nothing in order. I just corrected 4 spelling mistakes. The Pedantic PP
Ian Jones - 04/May/10
The 'new climb' photo appears to be have been named Gloominous from the SC description, but it was not a FA, so the name may change http://routes.scottishclimbs.com/viewcrag.php?area=4&crag=125
morphus - 30/Jul/07
http://wiki.scottishclimbs.com/wiki/Neist_Point Shows the routes weve added so far
Lancs Lad - 26/Jun/06
Nicola and I have added four short routes to the first bit of rock on the right as you head down the steps. There good for a warm up on the way down to the longer sea wall routes. Take care as some of the rock is loose. Theres no toilets etc at Neist and the lighthouse is a private B and B, so best to not annoy people here. The grassy area before the Lighthouse would make a nice area for kids to play on, also walks on clifftop look worthwhile for views. Its an ok family venue apart from lack of facilities. Ive a photo top of the 4 new routes if any gets out there, comments on the new routes welcome
Lancs Lad - 19/Jun/06
Login as Existing User to add your comments

Climbs at this crag

Name Grade Stars Type Logs Partner Ascents
Please Login or Register to log routes or add them to your wishlist
These climbs you have climbed clean.
These climbs you have climbed by seconding or top-roping.
These climbs you have Dogged.
These climbs you Did not Finish.
Climbs are waiting to be checked by a crag moderator, and may not be accurate. Climbs can't be verified by a crag moderator, and they need more information to confirm it. Climbs are no longer climbable.

Moderators Updates to this page are checked by UKC volunteers Drexciyan and Andy Moles

Loading Notifications...