Davaar Island

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
• Starting point: Layby near Doirlinn; Lat/Long 55.416922, -5.563910; GR NR 74535 19447
• Accommodation/food:

  Accommodation on Davaar Island – there are two self catering cottages and two luxury wood cabins located within the lighthouse complex at the north tip of Davaar – more. Full range of accommodation and food in nearby Campeltown.

• Island Summary:

  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 starts by crossing a tidal causeway and, once on the island, follows the track to the lighthouse complex. Small paths are then used to reach the islands highpoint. 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.

• Look out for:
  • Gannets from Ailsa Craig
  • Incredible cave painting of the crucifiction
  • Feral goats
  • Sea eagles
  • Otters
• 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 the 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 including The Crucifixion Cave. 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.

• Getting there:

  Getting to Davaar Island by car – from CalMac’s Ardrossen ferry terminal take the minor road to the south east of Campbeltown and, 3 km or so, park in the layby for the island. For safe crossing times to Davaar Island check the tide times at BBC tides for Campbeltown here