Historic cave in Scotland where a 6th century saint once stayed
Hidden away in the wild and rugged landscape of Argyll and Bute lies a site steeped in legend and early Christian tradition. St Columba's Cave, on the northern shore of Loch Caolisport, has long been considered an important landmark in Scotland's spiritual history.
Tradition holds that the Irish missionary who helped bring Christianity to Scotland stayed and worshipped here during his journey from Ulster to the west coast.
The cave is not easy to stumble upon. Travellers must take a minor road off the B8024 at Achahoish, following the lochside for several miles before reaching a signposted path.
A short walk leads visitors past the overgrown ruins of a 13th-century chapel before arriving at a natural cave beneath an upturned rock face.
According to local tradition, Columba stopped here in the 6th century while waiting for King Conal's permission to establish his monastery at Iona. Though there is no firm evidence he stayed in the cave, its association with the saint has endured for centuries.
The cave itself is striking. Measuring around 18 metres deep and five metres across the mouth, it contains a raised rock shelf along the east wall.
On the shelf stands a drystone altar, above which is carved a small cross in low relief, just 17 by 14 centimetres. To the north lies another Latin-style cross, framed by a curious series of five pits in the rock face.
A third, much fainter cross is said to exist further north, though difficult to spot. Excavations outside the cave revealed two ancient burials of indeterminate date, alongside evidence of human use stretching back to the Mesolithic period.
To the west, a smaller cave shows signs of being used as a dwelling. The site has inspired many local traditions over the centuries. The font at nearby Achahoish church is said to have been taken from the cave, further strengthening its connection to early Christian practice.
Whether or not Columba truly stayed here may never be proven, but the setting and the view over the loch make it easy to imagine why such a story took root.
The surrounding area is rich in related landmarks. Between Kiel Cave and St Columba's Chapel lies the mysterious St Columba's Footprints.
These stone impressions sit atop a rocky outcrop, reached by a small flight of steps. One footprint was carved in 1856 by a local mason, but the other is much older.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Some believe it is Columba's own, though historians suggest it was more likely used during the coronation of kings in Dalriada, or even earlier by the southern Picts. A similar footprint can be found at Dunadd in Kilmartin Glen.
Close by is St Columba's Well, a rocky basin carved into the slope where water collects from a spring. The waters are said to have healing properties, and a rough Latin cross has been cut into the overhanging rock face above the pool.
Further along stands St Columba's Chapel within Keil Cemetery. Though often linked to the saint, the chapel was almost certainly built centuries later.
Its east end dates to the late 13th century, with extensions added between the 14th and 15th centuries. Overgrown with ivy, the ruined structure can still be entered through a partially buried doorway. Inside lie medieval grave slabs, two of which are thought to have been carved at Saddell Abbey.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scenic seaside Scottish town with stunning panoramic views and 'best fish and chips'
Troon, a coastal town in South Ayrshire, is known for its sandy beaches, scenic esplanade, lively harbour, and fresh seafood A coastal town in South Ayrshire overlooking the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig, has long been a favourite escape for day-trippers and holidaymakers. Just 45 minutes from Glasgow Central Station and only a few miles from Prestwick International Airport, Troon combines sandy beaches, bustling harbour life and a reputation for some of the best seafood in Scotland, Express reports. The town is particularly known for its two golden beaches, Troon Beach, also called South Beach, and Barassie Beach. Both are celebrated for their wide sandy stretches and stunning views across the Firth of Clyde. The esplanade is a popular spot for walking, cycling and wheelchair users, with benches, picnic areas and cafés dotted along the route. Free parking nearby makes the seafront easily accessible for visitors. Troon's harbour remains one of the most active on the Ayrshire coast. It is home to the region's main fish market, which supplies freshly caught seafood to restaurants in the area. The marina beside it also attracts sailors and yachting enthusiasts from across the Clyde. Wildlife can often be spotted along the harbour, with seals frequently seen near the water's edge. Among the town's most talked-about attractions is The Wee Hurrie, a local fish and chip shop that has drawn widespread praise for both quality and authenticity. Located on Harbour Road, it offers views across the harbour while visitors wait for their meals. One TripAdvisor user, Lesley A, highlighted the freshness of the seafood, writing: 'Excellent prawns and scampi. Very fresh and well cooked. Good to know it's maintained quality food. Glad we returned and will come back!' Another customer described the experience as worth the wait, adding: 'It was well worth the wait, haddock was huge and fantastic along with the chips that were cooked to perfection, something that is very hard to find nowadays.' The popularity of the chippy has earned it an average rating of 4.1 out of 5 from 936 TripAdvisor reviews. Prices remain modest, with a freshly made small cod and chips costing under £10 according to the 2024 menu. Beyond food and scenery, Troon is synonymous with golf. The town boasts seven courses, including Royal Troon, a venue that regularly hosts The Open Championship. The reputation of its greens makes it one of the most sought-after destinations for golfers worldwide. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. Sporting activity is not limited to the fairways. The beaches attract windsurfers, kitesurfers and paddleboarders throughout the summer, while the Yacht Haven provides one of the Clyde's leading sailing centres. Troon has also made its way onto the television map. The closing scenes of Outlander's first season, showing Jamie, Claire and Murtagh departing Scotland for France, were filmed off its coast. For those planning longer stays, the town offers a range of accommodation, from family-run guesthouses to quality hotels, some of which cater for weddings, corporate events and spa weekends. Independent shops and cafés add further charm to the centre, giving visitors plenty to explore away from the shoreline.
Daily Record
13 hours ago
- Daily Record
Scottish beach that's one of the world's best looks like it belong in the Caribbean
It's said to be a slice of paradise. This beach's breathtaking beauty has earned it a spot at number 12 on the list of the world's 50 most beautiful beaches. If you're dreaming of pristine white sands, crystal-clear waters, and serene tranquillity, you might be picturing far-flung destinations like the Caribbean, Greece or Australia. However, according to Enjoy Travel, one of the world's most stunning beaches is actually right here on our doorstep in Scotland. Luskentyre Beach, located on the Isle of Harris, could easily be mistaken for a Caribbean paradise. Its breathtaking beauty has earned it a spot at number 12 on the list of the world's 50 most beautiful beaches. Once you set foot on its sands, you'll understand why. This Scottish gem has been recognised with a Scottish Beach Award for its natural beauty and environmental efforts. While the beach itself is captivating enough to keep you there all day, the surrounding countryside offers plenty more to explore. It's an idyllic spot for a peaceful stroll, and there are numerous hiking and cycling trails for those seeking a bit more adventure, reports the Daily Record. The beach is just a stone's throw away is Clisham mountain, the highest peak in the Outer Hebrides. For those who dare to reach its summit, they'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the island's awe-inspiring landscape. Despite its accolades, Luskentyre Beach remains a tranquil haven. You can wander for miles along its sands without encountering another soul. Visitors who have experienced this coastal paradise are absolutely stunned by its magnificence. One holidaymaker penned on Tripadvisor that they had "never seen anything quite like it". They continued: "The views on the drive up to the car park are other-worldly. Beautiful turquoise water, soft golden sand that stretches for miles, grass covered dunes. There's a public toilet at the car park with a donation box, so that's helpful! "The wind blew warm when we were there in early May, and it was so much warmer than the other end of the island we visited later the same day." Another remarked: "What an amazingly gorgeous beach. The sand is in its purest form and the water as blue as can be. The fact there were not many people there when we went made for such a dramatic sight. We walked and walked just admiring how clean and beautiful the beach is. We did a hardy soul take a dip in the water, he was a local of course." To discover this heavenly retreat for yourself, you can catch a ferry from the Scottish mainland. Alternatively, flights to the Outer Hebrides are available from Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.
Metro
18 hours ago
- Metro
I've travelled all over Canada, but nothing compares to its 'ocean playground'
My travels across Canada have rewarded me with everything from sweeping mountainscapes to vibrant city life, but nowhere captured my heart quite like Nova Scotia — the 'ocean playground'. Thrashed by the wild swells of the North Atlantic, this tiny Maritime province on the country's eastern tip is shaped by the sea. As one lifelong Nova Scotian resident tells me: 'Water is physically in our blood.' With its dramatic cliff faces, salty fishing towns and craggy hiking trails, Nova Scotia feels refreshingly rugged. But there's a wealth to explore beyond its natural wonders. It's where the Cajun people of Louisiana's bayous originated and where Irish immigrants landed after fleeing the famine. It's home to candy-striped lighthouses, a lush wine-growing region, six UNESCO World Heritage sites and a blossoming food scene fuelled by world-class seafood. But since it remains relatively unexplored, the waterfronts and villages are quieter than any of the four Canadian provinces I'd visited before — so much so that there were times when I was the only person in sight. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. There's never been a better time to experience all that Nova Scotia has to offer. Here's everything I saw and did in a six-day trip. Travelling from the UK, most of you will be flying into Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital. The best of the region lies outside the city, but there are still a few places worth visiting before you venture out. I enjoyed the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, which contains the entire painted home of famed folk artist Maud Lewis and insightful exhibits on the indigenous Mi'kmawq community. Halifax's fine-dining scene is a real treat for food lovers. A local recommendation is Tribute, a seasonal grilled restaurant known for its hand-rolled pasta and smoky fish ($105/£56 for a tasting menu). Nearby Mystic offers an immersive experience that will leave your tongue tingling (even the buttered radishes were seasoned to perfection). Finally, a good half-day trip from Halifax is Peggy's Cove, a quaint cliffside town home to 35 residents and a working lighthouse that looks like something straight out of a 19th-century novel. It's only a 40-minute drive each way, so you could easily cover it off in a morning. Where to begin with Mahone Bay. This vibrant seaside town is packed with charm, and my time exploring its colourful streets and magnificent outskirts was the highlight of my time in Nova Scotia. I stayed in Black Forest Cabins ($239 or £129 minimum per night), a farmhouse retreat hidden among trees but close to restaurants and pubs to try while you're visiting. The cabins are a two-minute walk from the Bay-to-Bay trail, which you can bike or walk. I spent the evening surrounded by birdsong, undisturbed by anyone, reading a book on a bench by a babbling stream. The Black Forest is a great base to explore the surrounding area. Culture vultures can visit filming locations for TV shows such as Solomon's Crossing and We Were Liars. Elsewhere, the turquoise water of St Margaret's Bay is perfect for wild swimming, while Chester village also has a beautiful natural saltwater pool. If you prefer to stay on dry land, I recommend booking a tour of the small islands hugging this part of the coast with Salty Dog Sea Tours ($86/£46 per adult). Not only do you get the history of the famed Oak Island (the subject of a 12-season-long reality TV show thanks to 250-year-old rumours of treasure), but if you ask, you might get a chance to do some seal and shark spotting like we did. There's nothing like feeling salty air in your hair as you bounce along the waves. This sprawling national park ($6.50/£3.50 for a day pass) is the perfect way to spend anything from a day to a week-long camping trip. At Mills Falls, a spectacular natural waterfall that's easily accessible on foot, you can swim and sunbathe. Thrillseekers can paddle along the streams, and hikers will find plenty of viewpoints to pitch up at. If you're interested in learning more about the Mi'kmawq community, the park offers guided tours with local elders who explain the deep relationship between the community and the land. Avoid Friday and Saturday when the park is at its busiest. I visited on Sunday afternoon, and it was practically deserted. The Evangeline Trail meanders for 292km of scenic roadway, past rolling hills and green fields along the Western and Northern parts of Nova Scotia. You'll need to rent a car for this one, but if you or someone you're travelling with can drive, it's worth it. This part of the province prides itself on being the 'land of Orchards, Vineyards and Tides', so there are plenty of eye-catching stops along the way to break up the journey and stretch your legs. My favourite was Bridgetown, often referred to as the prettiest village in Nova Scotia. Seafood lovers should visit Hall's Harbour lobster pound, which has a restaurant on-site that serves 1.5lb lobster meals for $40/£21. I saw one man tucking into a seven-and-a-half-pound giant, with a personalised bib. Grand Pre National Historic Site ($9/£4.80 per adult) is a must-visit for history lovers to learn more about the native Acadian community and mythology. More Trending You can spend the night in this UNESCO World Heritage Site as you explore the local vineyards and acres of lush greenery for $133.25/£61 per night. Nearby is Wolfville, home to Nova Scotia's burgeoning wine scene. It's yet to be exported worldwide, so visiting is your only chance to taste the real deal (I'd recommend tasting the local special, Tidal Bay) Domaine de Grand Pre Winery, a family-run business, is just one of many you can visit for a tasting and their onsite restaurant, Le Caveau (chef's tasting menu is $80 or £43), is home to the most delicious food I tasted all trip. For a picture-perfect viewpoint, the nearby Evangeline Inn has a deserted lookout to steal a dreamy summer moment (and pretend you're Anne Shirley as I did). MORE: People didn't understand why a Black man would visit the North Pole MORE: I stuffed my bra before a Wizz Air flight — it saved me a fortune MORE: The UK's 'prettiest village' is a magical place — but time your visit wisely
