Activities
There’s no itinerary on Davaar. Days tend to be shaped by the tide, the weather and whatever takes your fancy.
Walk, swim, forage, fish, explore — or do very little at all. The island is yours to discover at your own pace.
WALK THE ISLAND
Pull on your boots and head out.
Climb to the trig point for huge views across Kintyre and the surrounding islands, follow the shoreline to the lighthouse, or simply wander the tracks and beaches.
For something special, make the climb to the top for sunrise. It’s worth the early start.
EXPLORE THE CAVES
At the southern end of Davaar, a series of caves are carved into the cliffs.
Hidden inside one is Davaar’s extraordinary cave painting, The Crucifixion, painted by local artist Archibald MacKinnon in 1887.
The caves are reached on foot around the shoreline and are best explored with plenty of time before the tide returns.
SWIM
The sea is never very far away.
Swim from the jetty, find a sheltered spot along the shore, or simply take a quick cold-water dip before heading back to the fireside.
FORAGE & FISH
The waters around Davaar are rich and plentiful.
Mussels and cockles can be gathered along the Dhorlin, a huge variety of seaweed grows around the shoreline, and lobster and crab are frequently caught in the waters surrounding the island.
You can also try your luck with a fishing rod, or ask us about dropping a lobster pot from the jetty.
WATCH THE WILDLIFE
Davaar is home to an extraordinary amount of wildlife.
Look out for otters along the shore, seals on the rocks and dolphins and porpoises passing through the loch. Overhead, the island and surrounding waters attract an ever-changing variety of seabirds.
Sometimes the best way to see anything is simply to sit still.
WALK THE DHORLIN
Twice a day, the falling tide reveals the natural shingle causeway connecting Davaar to the mainland.
Walking the Dhorlin is one of the great pleasures of staying here — particularly when you know there’s a fire, a drink and your own island hideaway waiting at the other end.
Always check the tide times before setting off.
EXPLORE KINTYRE
Davaar may feel wonderfully removed, but there’s plenty to discover once you cross the Dhorlin.
Campbeltown sits just across the loch, with its harbour, independent shops and historic whisky distilleries, including Springbank and Glen Scotia.
Head west to Machrihanish for its vast Atlantic beach, spectacular sunsets and two renowned golf courses, or follow the coast north towards Westport, Carradale, Saddell and Skipness for beaches, woodland walks, castles and some of Kintyre’s best seafood.
To the south, explore Southend and the Mull of Kintyre, or make a day of it and take the ferry to Gigha, Arran or Islay.
There’s whisky to taste, golf to play, beaches to walk and miles of coastline to explore — although you may find it surprisingly difficult to leave Davaar.
Some of the best days here involve a long breakfast, a walk dictated by the tide, a swim if you’re feeling brave and nowhere in particular to be.
