Make a Pilgrimage to Argyll & the Isles

Scotland's Heritage Coast

Across Argyll & the Islands there is a wide selection of Pilgrim sites that represent both recent and ancient history of Scotland and further afield. From the tidal Island of Davaar at Campbeltown where you can witness a cave painting of the Crucifixion by artist Archibald Mackinnon from 1881, who was later run out of the town after locals realised he had created the painting to Ballochroy considered the most spectacular set of megalithic monuments that cluster around south Argyll.

5 Highlights Across Argyll

Davaar Island, Campbeltown

Crossing to Davaar Island is only possible on foot and when the tide is low adding to the sense of adventure. After checking the timetables for high and low tides, please allow at least 2 hours for your visit – there is roadside parking available at Kilkerran Road.

The cave contains a life-sized painting of Christ on the Cross and can be located by traversing the island’s southern coastline – the opposite side from the Lighthouse. Traditionally recorded as the seventh cave along, it can be identified by small wooden crosses and devotional cairns left by pilgrims.

Painted by local man and schoolteacher Archibald Mackinnon in 1881, the cave and its wonderful lifelike image of Christ on the Holy Rood has become a modern shrine for Christian pilgrims. A must-see experience.

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Kilmartin, Mid Argyll

The Kilmartin Glen is an internationally important site and landscape. Kilmartin Glen is home to internationally significant prehistoric and early historic sites and monuments, making it one of Scotland’s most important archaeological landscapes. The prehistoric monuments include the densest concentration of rock art of anywhere in Britain, a unique Neolithic and Bronze Age linear cemetery, the remains of one of Scotland’s largest timber circles and Dunadd Hill Fort which was first fortified around 2,400 years ago.

Kilmartin can also be the starting point to a wider exploration of Mid Argyll and you can explore this self guided trail put together by Kilmartin Museum which includes standing stones, a stone circle, and a cairn. You can download the guided trail here >

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Saint Columba's Footprints, Kintyre

Kintyre has a host of sites to visit that can make a visit steeped with history, ranging from the Keil Caves to St Columba's footprints there is plenty to explore. Moving to the west of Kintyre you will be able to find the Old Parish Church of Killean and the Beacharr Standing Stones.

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Cowal Pilgrim Trails, Cowal

If visiting Cowal you can find a host of trails that are provided with step by step instructions from faith in Cowal Pilgrim trails. You can take St Brigits Trail which is 36 miles with a mixture of forestry trails and hiking leaving from Dunoon. The Three Brethren Trail starts at Kilmorich Churchyard near Loch Fyne Oysters where you could sample the local seafood before starting your trail.

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St Conans, Oban

If you are travelling to one of Argyll's most popular destinations Oban, you can find the impressive St Conans in the village of Loch Awe. From the road the Kirk gives few clues about the amazing architecture both inside and out. It is exceptional both in style and surroundings, with a strong sense of peace and inherent spirituality. Although one of the most popular visitor attractions in Argyll, the surprising size of the Kirk means that there are days when you can feel you have the place all to yourself.

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