Lighthouse from top of hill
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Rubha Reidh Lighthouse

4.3
·200 reviews·Melvaig, United Kingdom

A historic lighthouse B&B offering remote tranquility, stunning coastal views, and incredible wildlife encounters on Scotland's rugged west coast.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium
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Lighthouse from top of hill

Rubha Reidh Lighthouse

Best Time

Summer mornings

Best light for photos

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic lighthouse B&B offering remote tranquility, stunning coastal views, and incredible wildlife encounters on Scotland's rugged west coast.

4.3
(200 reviews)

"Completely fabulous! Spectacular setting, cosy and artfully decorated, warm due to wood burning stove."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Drive with Caution

Narrow roads & 7.5-ton bridges! Small cars are best. Avoid large RVs.

🍎 Pack All Your Supplies

It's remote! Bring food & drinks. Shops are far away.

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Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.3 · 200 reviews

Type

Bed & Breakfast

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Lighthouse

The Iconic Lighthouse

Rubha Reidh

A historic 1912 lighthouse offering breathtaking coastal views and a glimpse into maritime history.

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife Encounters

Coastal waters

Keep an eye out for dolphins, basking sharks, and even Orcas in the surrounding seas.

The Hide Accommodation

The Hide Accommodation

Adjacent to the lighthouse

Cozy, artfully decorated accommodation with a wood-burning stove and spectacular sea views.

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Planning Your Visit

Prepare for a Remote Adventure

Rubha Reidh Lighthouse is a remote gem. The drive involves narrow, weight-restricted bridges (7.5 tons max), making it unsuitable for large RVs or motorhomes. Pack all your food and supplies, as shops are far away. Embrace the isolation for a truly immersive experience.

Wildlife and Weather Watch

This stunning location offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, including dolphins and basking sharks. Be prepared for changeable Scottish weather; pack layers and waterproofs to fully enjoy the dramatic coastal scenery and potential Orca sightings.

Best Times

When
Summer mornings
Why
Best light for photos
Crowd
Medium
When
Dusk
Why
See lighthouse in operation
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Rua Reidh Lighthouse, near Gairloch. It’s a hotel… #scottish #scotland #scotlandtravel #scottishtiktok #lighthouse #fypシ #foryou #viral #scottishfold
@kezza_d_
73 likes • 938 views

🚗 Drive with Caution

Narrow roads & 7.5-ton bridges! Small cars are best. Avoid large RVs. Reddit

🍎 Pack All Your Supplies

It's remote! Bring food & drinks. Shops are far away. Reddit

🐳 Wildlife Spotting

Dolphins, sharks, Orcas! Keep binoculars handy. Reddit

🧥 Weather Ready

Layers & waterproofs are essential for unpredictable Scottish weather. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Drive with Caution

Narrow roads & 7.5-ton bridges! Small cars are best. Avoid large RVs. Reddit

🍎 Pack All Your Supplies

It's remote! Bring food & drinks. Shops are far away. Reddit

🐳 Wildlife Spotting

Dolphins, sharks, Orcas! Keep binoculars handy. Reddit

🧥 Weather Ready

Layers & waterproofs are essential for unpredictable Scottish weather. Reddit

🐶 Dog Owner Alert

Lots of sheep around. Be mindful if your dog is reactive. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.3
(200 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise Rubha Reidh Lighthouse for its breathtakingly beautiful and remote location, offering incredible wildlife spotting opportunities and a peaceful escape. The owner's hospitality and the cozy accommodation are frequently highlighted as major positives, making it a truly memorable experience for those who embrace the journey and the isolation.

"Amazing historic lighthouse, well worth a sightseeing drive to this beautiful vista, stop breath and watch the dolphins & basking sharks. Difficult drive for large vehicles, there are many weight restricted narrow bridges on route, not ideal for large campervans, small cars will be fine."

Brian Daye

"Completely fabulous! We stayed in the Hide, alongside the Lighthouse. Spectacular setting, cosy and artfully decorated, warm due to wood burning stove and plentiful supply of fuel. It's wonderfully remote with great walks and the chance to see special wildlife (for us, a small pod of Orcas). Susan, the owner, could not have been kinder, or more helpful and welcoming (thank you!). First night supper was waiting for us in the slow cooker plus all the food we would need for breakfast. We also had a look at the apartments in the main house - which are great too. Take all the supplies you'll need for your stay (it is a long way from shops), don't get in the car till you have to leave, and immerse yourself in sea views to remember forever."

Michael Day

"I didn’t stay at hotel came for a walk there are 3 parking areas 2.6 miles away 1.3 away and just up from the light house great views to isle of skye and just see apple cross on a clear day. If you go at dusk you can see the light house in operation. Theres a walk up the cliffs and back via the weather station but its very boggy. The road was is flat and good view be warned the 2 small bridges are only rated 7.5 ton so wouldn’t bring large RV and motorhomes down to far as the road doesn’t cater for them. Also lots of sheep if your dog is reactive be weary"

Sean Cartwright

What People Like

Spectacular remote location
Amazing wildlife sightings
Kind and helpful owner

What People Dislike

Challenging access road
Limited vehicle suitability

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The drive to Rubha Reidh Lighthouse involves navigating narrow roads with weight restrictions on two small bridges (7.5 tons max). This makes it unsuitable for large motorhomes or RVs. Smaller cars are recommended. There are parking areas at 2.6 miles, 1.3 miles, and closer to the lighthouse itself. Reddit

No, the road is not ideal for large vehicles due to narrow sections and weight-restricted bridges. Travelers with large campervans or motorhomes should be aware of these limitations. Reddit

Yes, there are parking areas located a few miles away, allowing for a scenic walk to the lighthouse. This is a great option for those with smaller vehicles or who enjoy a hike. Reddit

The nearest town is Gairloch, which offers amenities like shops and accommodation. However, once you start the drive towards the lighthouse, it's best to have all your supplies with you. Reddit

Public transport options are very limited due to the remote location. It is highly recommended to travel by car, preferably a smaller one, to access the lighthouse. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Visiting the lighthouse grounds for sightseeing does not typically require tickets. However, if you plan to stay at the accommodation, booking in advance is essential. TikTok

The lighthouse itself is an active navigational aid. The grounds are generally accessible during daylight hours for visitors. The accommodation has its own check-in times. Reddit

There is no specific entrance fee for the grounds. However, the drive can be challenging, and visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the private accommodation. Reddit

The lighthouse is primarily a private residence and B&B. While you can admire it from the outside and enjoy the views, interior tours are not typically offered to the general public. TikTok

Given its popularity and remote nature, it's advisable to book accommodation well in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred dates. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can enjoy the spectacular coastal views, go for walks along the cliffs, spot wildlife like dolphins and basking sharks, and experience the tranquility of this remote location. Reddit

Yes, there are walks up the cliffs and back via the weather station, though parts can be very boggy. The road itself offers good views and a flatter walk. Reddit

Visitors have reported seeing dolphins, basking sharks, and even small pods of Orcas. The area is rich in marine life. Reddit

Absolutely! The dramatic coastal scenery, the lighthouse itself, and the potential for wildlife sightings make it a photographer's paradise. TikTok

It's described as wonderfully remote, peaceful, and a place to relax and immerse yourself in nature and sea views. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

There are no restaurants or cafes directly at the lighthouse. Visitors staying in the accommodation may have options for pre-arranged meals, like a slow cooker supper. Reddit

If you stay at the B&B or apartments, you can arrange for dinner, and breakfast provisions are typically supplied. It's recommended to bring your own snacks and drinks. Reddit

Yes, you can bring your own food for a picnic to enjoy amidst the stunning scenery. Just be sure to take all your rubbish with you. Reddit

The nearest significant shops are in Gairloch. It's crucial to stock up on all your food and drink needs before heading to the lighthouse due to its remote location. Reddit

Due to the extreme remoteness and challenging access road, takeaway food delivery is highly unlikely to be an option. Planning your own meals is essential. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Summer mornings offer the best light for capturing the dramatic coastal landscapes. Dusk is also a great time to see the lighthouse in operation. Reddit

The lighthouse itself, the rugged coastline, sea views towards the Isle of Skye and Applecross (on clear days), and any wildlife sightings are popular subjects. Reddit

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for wildlife spotting. Don't forget a sturdy tripod for low-light conditions. TikTok

The areas around the lighthouse offer numerous viewpoints. Walking up the cliffs provides elevated perspectives of the coastline and sea. Reddit

The main challenges are the unpredictable weather, which can change rapidly, and the remote location requiring careful planning for gear and power. Reddit

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