Keil Caves
Explore Davaar Island, a tidal gem near Campbeltown, home to a mysterious 19th-century cave painting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Island access is only possible
Keil Caves
Best Time
Island access is only possible
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Davaar Island, a tidal gem near Campbeltown, home to a mysterious 19th-century cave painting.
"A worthwhile adventure across a seabed to discover a hidden cave painting, but requires careful planning!"
🎯 Check Tide Times Religiously
Access is strictly tidal. Aim for 3 hours either side of low water.
🥾 Sturdy Boots are a Must
The causeway and island paths are rocky and uneven. Ankle support is key!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Crucifixion Cave Painting
Davaar Island
A powerful, hidden artwork painted in a cave by Archibald MacKinnon in 1887 after a divine dream.
Davaar Island Tidal Causeway
Between Campbeltown and Davaar Island
Experience the unique thrill of walking across a seabed revealed only at low tide.
Davaar Island Lighthouse
Davaar Island
A picturesque lighthouse offering scenic views and a rewarding destination after the cave.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Tidal Access is Key
Trek with the Right Gear
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Tide Times Religiously
Access is strictly tidal. Aim for 3 hours either side of low water.
🥾 Sturdy Boots are a Must
The causeway and island paths are rocky and uneven. Ankle support is key!
🥾 Orange Welly Clues
Look for the distinctive orange wellies marking the cave entrance.
🗺️ Navigation Can Be Tricky
Don't rely solely on Google Maps; OS App or local advice is better.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Tide Times Religiously
Access is strictly tidal. Aim for 3 hours either side of low water.
🥾 Sturdy Boots are a Must
The causeway and island paths are rocky and uneven. Ankle support is key!
🥾 Orange Welly Clues
Look for the distinctive orange wellies marking the cave entrance.
🗺️ Navigation Can Be Tricky
Don't rely solely on Google Maps; OS App or local advice is better.
🚶♀️ Walk the Grassy Shoreline
Once on the island, stick to the level, grassy shoreline for easier walking.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the unique experience of walking to Davaar Island via the tidal causeway and discovering the historical cave painting. The adventure and natural beauty are highlights, though the challenging, rocky terrain and the need for precise tide timing are frequently mentioned drawbacks.
"Great walk to the island, however you need the skills of a mountain goat to clamber over the rocks to get there.
Forget the tips on sites suggesting there is a plaque or arrow, we did not see one.
The orange welly was the only clue.
Google maps, WalkHighlands were way out.
Closest was the OS App, but even then, finding a needle in a stack of rock would have been easier.
I didn't count the number of caves, reentrants that we counted, but if yiu find the arch, you went too far.
Approximately level with the headland is a good starter"
Gordie Stirling
"You've got to want to go there! The crossing over the shingle and stone tidal causeway seems to go on and on. Stick to walking on the bit crossed by the Davaar shuttle, until you reach the island and turn right along the level, grassy shoreline, perfect for a picnic on a sunny day. at the end of the grassy track, keep close to the cliff-face where the stones and rocks are driest and least slimey. It's touch on the ankles and you better have decent ankle supporting boots on. Personally, I would be wary in bad weather, more about falling rocks from the cliffs above. You have to walk further along the rocky section to get to the cave, than you might want to. I wouldn't attempt with children under about 8 years old. There's a black rocky outcrop that extends further into the sea, and is infested with seabirds at low tide, and you have to go about another 2-300 yards further a long the bottom of the cliff face to find the right cave. It's about the 7th one along. The cave walls are pretty impressive, and when your eyes adjust to the dark you make out the painting on your left. When you eventually get there it seems a worthwhile adventure"
Michael Newton
"Great wee find, although it is very rocky on the way round. The entrance to the cave was marked by a sign and a pair of orange wellies. Painting is a wee bit inside the cave."
Lisa Mcmahon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Davaar Island is accessible from Campbeltown via a tidal causeway. You must check the tide times carefully, as the island is only reachable for approximately 3 hours on either side of low tide.
The causeway is made of shingle and stones. It's recommended to walk on the part crossed by the Davaar shuttle if available, and then stick to the driest, least slimy rocks along the cliff face.
While there isn't direct public transport to the island itself, you can reach Campbeltown by bus. From Campbeltown, the island is accessible by foot during low tide.
The walk over the sandbar and shingle causeway to the island typically takes about 20 minutes.
No, you cannot drive to Davaar Island. It is only accessible by foot across the tidal causeway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no admission fees or tickets required to visit Davaar Island or Keil Caves. Access is free, but dependent on tide times.
Davaar Island does not have set opening hours as it is a natural tidal island. Access is determined by the ebb and flow of the tide.
No, there is no entrance fee for the cave painting on Davaar Island. It is a natural attraction accessible to all during low tide.
The best time to visit is during low tide, approximately 3 hours either side of low water, to safely access the island and the cave.
While not widely advertised, local services or shuttle options might be available in Campbeltown during peak season. It's best to inquire locally.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The cave painting is located within one of the caves on the island. Look for clues like orange wellies marking the entrance. It's often described as being about the 7th cave along the cliff face.
Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good ankle support due to the rocky and uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are also advisable.
It's generally recommended for children around 8 years and older due to the challenging terrain and the need for careful navigation.
Besides the cave painting, you can explore the island, see the lighthouse, and enjoy the coastal scenery. Local wildlife may also be present.
Allow at least 1-2 hours for the walk to the island, exploring the cave, and returning, plus extra time for the lighthouse if desired.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the dramatic tidal causeway, the rugged coastline, the unique cave painting, and the lighthouse. The surrounding landscape offers stunning shots. +1
Exercise caution when taking photos, especially near the cliff edges and on slippery rocks. Ensure your footing is secure.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful light for landscape shots of the island and causeway.
A camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can help capture the cave painting clearly, as it can be dimly lit.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local bylaws and respect wildlife and other visitors before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Adventurous Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Tidal Causeway
Once on the island, the path along the grassy shoreline is generally easier than the rocky causeway. However, reaching the cave requires further navigation along the base of the cliffs. Redditors suggest that the cave is not immediately obvious and may require a determined search, often described as being around the seventh reentrant along the cliff face.
The Mystery of the Cave Painting
Finding the specific cave can be part of the challenge. While some reviews mention a sign and a pair of orange wellies marking the entrance, others found only the wellies, or even had to rely on other clues.
Essential Gear and Safety
Safety is paramount, especially when navigating tidal areas and potentially unstable cliff bases. Visitors are cautioned about falling rocks from above and the importance of maintaining good footing.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit