Davaar Island and the Crucifixion Cave

Summary

Cross the long causeway that links Davaar Island to the mainland at low tides and explore a number of sea caves including one with a famous crucifixion painting, and then follow a track to the lighthouse at the northern most point. NOTE: This walk is only possible at low tide - you must check tide times before you plan your day and allow plenty of time to return as the tide comes in fast and completely submerges the causeway.

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Grade

Bog Factor

4.5/5

Rating

Terrain

Pebble and sand causeway only accessible at low tides, track and stony foreshore.

Getting there

Start

Doirlinn parking layby.

Public Transport

None to start - 3km walk around the front from Campbeltown to start.

Start Grid Ref

NR745194

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 6.5km / 4 miles
Time: 2 - 3 hours
Ascent: 35m (Profile)

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Explorer 356 - Kintyre South

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Walk Description

User reports (4)

Stage 1

There is a parking layby on the minor road to the east of Campbeltown, just past the gate where you access the shore at the start of the causeway to Davaar Island. From here go through the gate and follow the grassy path along the shore beside a fence. Soon make your way down onto the pebbly shore and start following An Doirlinn, the causeway, out towards the lighthouse.

Stage 2

Davaar Island is farmed and the lighthouse keeper's house is permanently occupied and there are also holiday cottages. The causeway is accessible for around three hours either side of low tide so some planning and care are necessary to do this walk, setting off when the tide is still going out. The island owners' landrover drives across the causeway and you can follow the wheel tracks for the crossing, passing over pebbles, sand and many shells. The island is farmed and is also home to a small wild goat herd which you may see clambering about the cliffs. Killdalloig Bay to the right as you cross to the island is a haven for seabirds hunting for seafood and is also popular with people collected whelks and winkles.

Stage 3

Once you reach the island go up onto the springy turf and head right to the cliffs. After a seat follow the stony shore under the high cliffs. There are a number of large sea caves some easier to explore than others. The one with the painting has a small slate sign marking it and is immediately beyond another cave that joins it below the painting.

Stage 4

In 1887 a painting of the crucifixion was discovered by fisherman who thought it must be the work of a miracle. In fact the painting was made by local art teacher Archibald MacKinnon who said the image had come to him in a dream. He returned to the area a number of times to retouch the painting, and restoration has continued to this day. In recent years this proved necessary when the face of Christ was painted over with the image of Che Guevara. Today the image is as similar to the 1887 original as possible. After visiting the cave walk back along the shore to the point where you reached the island and turn right to follow the track towards the lighthouse.

Stage 5

The track follows the north side of the island with good views over Campbeltown Loch. Pass a small white building, a jetty with a seat nearby. Soon the lighthouse and cottages are reached at the northern most point. Some of the cottages are holiday lets where your activities are totally dictated by the tide. There are lovely views here and patience may be rewarded with a sighting of dolphins, basking sharks or even whales which sometimes pass this point during the summer months. Return to the causeway and cross back to the mainland and the start of the walk.

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