The headland, which lies in the North Atlantic, is frequently battered by heavy swells and storms and is marked by the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse.

Southwest from the lighthouse is a natural arch called the "Eye of the Butt" (Scottish Gaelic: Sùil an Rubha).

This would occur at the nearby Port Stoth, where small cargo vessels would regularly berth if the weather allowed it to offload provisions for the lighthouse station.

[4] The Butt of Lewis was also one the General Lighthouse Authorities transmitting stations for Differential GPS until March 2022.

[5] One kilometre south-west of the Butt is a stack, or small island, of Eilean nan Luchruban, also known as the Pygmies' Isle.