Davaar-Walk
Davaar Island Crucifixion Cave Walking Route
Key Facts
- Location: Off Kintyre Peninsula, east of Campbeltown
- Size: 52 hectares
- Terrain: Shingle causeway, animal tracks and pebbly foreshore to the caves
- Access: Tidal causeway
- Height gain: 437 metres
- Map: OS Explorer 356 Kintyre South
- Starting point: Layby near Doirlinn; Grid ref. NR 745 194
Davaar Island and Crucifixion Cave walk
Davaar Island is located in Argyll and Bute just off the east coast of the Kintyre Peninsula where its lofty bulk sits at the head of the loch that protects Campletown. This walk around the coast of Davaar Island starts by crossing a tidal causeway and, once on the island, follows the track to the Davaar lighthouse complex. Small paths are then used to reach the islands highpoint and trig point. There are fabulous views throughout of Ailsa Craig, Arran and Campbeltown and its harbour. Exploration of the caves on the south coast requires crossing smooth rocks on the foreshore at lower tide.
Davaar Island and Crucifixion Cave walk route description
Visiting Davaar Island requires crossing the tidal causeway, The Doirlinn, 3 hours either side of low tide. A track leads from the island’s north west coast to the lighthouse complex. From the drive that leads to The Lookout, take the small path to the left and climb above Davaar lighthouse onto the cliffs of the east coast.
The views from here are stunning and span northeast to the Isle of Arran and southeast to Ailsa Craig with the Ayrshire coast beyond. Continue along the cliffs and before you reach the south east corner of the island head inland to the beallach between two hills, then continue uphill to the trig point for fabulous views west of Campletown and its busy harbour. Descend towards the causeway, taking the path to the left to reach the foreshore of the south coast.
Walk east across the smooth pebbles of the foreshore and boulders to explore several sea caves. The Crucifixion Cave can be found after 900 metres of so. It is the last cave of seven and is clearly signed at the entrance. Return to the causeway and mainland.
Note: on crossing the causeway head initially towards the channel marker, then turn west towards the island. Don’t be tempted to take the short cut across the sands.
For more information of the Davaar Island walk and Crucifixion Cave walk check out our book ‘Islandeering: adventures around the edge of Britain’s hidden islands’; also download our route GPX here.
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