3 days ago
Historic cave in Scotland where a 6th century saint once stayed
The cave in Argyll and Bute is a hidden historic site where an Irish missionary is said to have worshipped on his journey to Scotland
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.
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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.
