About Islandeering
Hi and welcome to Islandeering Islandeering is for people who want adventure in Britain’s wild blue spaces – our rivers, coast, lakes, canals and islands. You will find amazing walks, paddles and swims in the UK’s most special places, those recognised for outstanding natural beauty, incredible geology or special and abundant wildlife.
More About UsWe continuously find new islands, rivers, lochs, canals and coast to walk, SUP and swim in and meet plenty of great folks along the way. Join our community to get new routes and adventures, latest blogs and news by using the email box below. Tune in also to our Facebook and Instagram pages to see where we are going next.
About Davaar Island
Davaar Island is a privately-owned island that is a destination for pilgrims, walkers and explorers alike. Linked to the Kintyre Peninsula near Campbeltown by a tidal causeway known as The Doirlinn, it is possible to walk across at low tide. A circular walk around the island takes you passed the lighthouse complex and offers fabulous clifftop views that reach to the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig.
One big attraction of Davaar Island are the natural caves to explore on the south coast cliffs. The most visited of these is The Crucifixion Cave replete with a vibrantly coloured, life-sized masterpiece painted on the cave wall. The assortment of offerings placed beneath this stunning depiction of Christ’s Crucifixion clearly demonstrates its continuing significance for pilgrims.
In 1887 local fishermen discovered a painting that seemed to have appeared overnight, and frenzied speculation ensued. Locals believed the painting was a miracle send from God but the mystery artist was Archibald MacKinnon., a local art teacher who claimed that he was ‘guided’ to paint the scene.
He didn’t reveal his secret for 47 years and was subsequently banished from Campbeltown. The painting had one more mystery up its sleeve when Che Guevara was painted over Christ’s face by an unknown artist in 2006 but the original painting has since been restored.
Davaar Island is also a haven for wildlife with plenty of action on the sand and pebble causeway, moorland, rugged cliffs, and rocky seashore. Sea eagles, otters, peregrine falcons and feral goats may be spotted all year and the island hosts any number of spring and autumn migrating birds. Cockles may be foraged year round from The Doirlinn.
The warmer months are the best time to see whales, dolphins and basking sharks in the waters below the cliffs of the east coast, and its also the best time to see gannets from the large colony of Ailsa Craig swoop and dive for food alongside the causeway.
Best things to do on Davaar Island
- Walk around Davaar island – more on the Islandeering page (next)
- Wild swim from the pier near Davaar Lighthouse
- Enjoy the views to Ailsa Criag and Arran
- Explore Davaar’s caves on the south shore
- Watch Ailsa Craig’s gannets swooping for food
- Feral goats, whales, dolphins and basking sharks
How to get to Davaar Island
From Campbeltown, follow the coast road south east for approximately 3 km. Shortly after passing the NATO depot on your right there is a large layby on your left which is the parking area for Davaar Island. Davaar Island can be reached on foot; or by truck if staying in the island’s accommodation. Only attempt the crossing 3 hours either side of low tide. For safe crossing times to Davaar Island check the tide times at BBC tides for Campbeltown here
Davaar Island Safe Crossing Times
Generally, safe walking times to Davaar Island, walking across The Dorlin are 3 hours before and after the low tide. Check the Davaar Island tide times here.
Best time to go to Davaar Island
Davaar Island can be visited all year. Otters and sea eagles may be spotted all year; the warmer months are better for spotting basking sharks, dolphins and whales; and gannets from Ailsa Craig are present from Spring to early Autumn.
Is Davaar Island Dog friendly?
Dogs are welcome in Davaar island if on a lead.
Food and drink near Davaar Island
There are no facilities on the island; full range of restaurants and shops in nearby Campbeltown
Davaar Island Accommodation
There are two self-catering cottages and two luxury wood cabins located within the lighthouse complex at the north tip of Davaar. Check availability and prices for Davaar Island accommodation.
Where is the Cave Painting on Davaar Island
Once you have walked across The Dorlinn onto Davaar Island, walk anti-clockwise alongside the coast. The Crucifixion Cave is the seventh cave encountered, it’s entrance marked by a small plaque beside the entrance, Don’t forget your torch.
Davaar Island Crucifixion Cave Walking Route
Davaar Island is located in Argyll and Bute just off the east coast of the [...]
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