Davaar Island and the Crucifixion Cave
Argyll and Bute
Davaar Island sits at the mouth of Campbeltown Loch on the east coast of Kintyre, joined to the mainland by the Doirlinn, a natural causeway of pebbles, sand and shells that is only uncovered for around three hours either side of low tide. Dogs need a lead near the sheep that graze the island and the wild goats on the cliffs, and the causeway itself demands care, since the tide covers it quickly. This 6.5km walk crosses the causeway from a layby east of Campbeltown, then follows the stony shore under high cliffs to a line of sea caves. One of them holds the Crucifixion painting, made in 1887 by local art teacher Archibald MacKinnon after a dream. The route then returns along the island's north side on a track to the lighthouse and keepers' cottages, with views over the loch, before recrossing the causeway. There is only around 35 metres of climbing, but the causeway and foreshore are rough underfoot.
This dog friendly walk is a real adventure for a dog, with shingle, sand and rock pools to explore, but it needs a lead on the island itself. Davaar is farmed, with sheep grazing the interior, and a small herd of wild goats lives on the cliffs. There is no fresh water or shade, so carry water for your dog. Above all, start crossing while the tide is still going out and leave plenty of time to get back. Parking is a small layby by the shore gate, with no facilities.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 6.5 km (4.0 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 2 hr 30 min
- Walk Type
- Coastal, Historic
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- Moderate
- Facilities
- None on route; shops, cafes and toilets in Campbeltown, 3km away.
- Parking
- Small free parking layby on the minor road east of Campbeltown, beside the gate to the causeway.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Davaar Island and the Crucifixion Cave, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Davaar Island and the Crucifixion Cave dog friendly?
Davaar Island is a genuinely exciting outing for dogs, with shingle, sand, rock pools and sea caves to explore along the foreshore — it earns a solid 7 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The main things to be aware of are the tidal causeway, which must be crossed at the right time, and the need to keep dogs on a lead throughout the island itself.
Can dogs be off lead at Davaar Island and the Crucifixion Cave?
Dogs need to be kept on a lead once you're on the island, as Davaar is a working farm with sheep grazing the interior and a herd of wild goats on the cliffs. Care is also needed on the causeway crossing itself, where the tide comes in quickly.
What should I know before visiting Davaar Island and the Crucifixion Cave with my dog?
Timing is everything here — the Doirlinn causeway is only exposed for around three hours either side of low tide, so start crossing while the tide is still going out and leave yourself plenty of time to return. The causeway and foreshore are rough underfoot, there is no fresh water or shade on the route, so bring enough water for your dog. Facilities are also very limited at the trailhead — the small free car park has no amenities, but Campbeltown is just 3km away if you need shops, cafes or toilets.
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