Davaar Island sits in the mouth of Campbeltown Loch and provides fantastic views of the town and over to Arran and the Ailsa Craig on a clear day. It is probably most famous for its cave painting of the Crucifixion, painted in secret by local artist, Archibald MacKinnon, in 1887.
The island is linked to the mainland by a natural causeway, the Dhorlin, at low tide. If you turn to the right when you reach the island and follow the line of the cliffs you will find a number of sea caves to explore, including the one with the Crucifixion painting, which is the 7th one along.
Turning left when you reach the island will take you along a short track to Davaar Lighthouse, completed in 1854 by David and Thomas Stevenson. There is no public access to the inside of the lighthouse.
Safe walking times are 3 hours either side of low tide so make sure you check the tides before you go and leave yourself plenty of time to get back! Safe walking times for the current month are displayed at the Town Hall, Burnett Building, Campbeltown Picture House, Keeping it Local and on our Facebook page.
Please be aware that the terrain is mostly shingle and rocks underfoot and you have to negotiate some fairly hefty boulders to reach the caves. Sensible, sturdy footwear is recommended as is a reasonable level of fitness! Parking is available in a lay-by at the start of the causeway.