⚓ Scottish AnchoragesCharles Warlow

Loch na Cille (Loch Keills)

55.9577, -5.69475 Locate on map
Looking north from Rubha na Cille
Looking north from Rubha na Cille

Take the chance with a northerly wind to anchor below the 12th century chapel which has been well  restored, albeit as a quite dull box-like structure (which presumably it originally was). The roof is new, and inside there is a marvellous collection of medieval graveslabs now protected from the erosive Kintyre elements. They are very well described as well. The 8th century High Cross of Keills has also been moved in here, carved from Loch Sween stone, Iona school. Amazingly, the chapel is unlocked and long may it remain so.

And walk to the tip of Rubha na Cille, a narrow headland with fantastic views across to Jura with a distant glimpse of Ireland as well. Also the terrain is unusual because of the spiky rocks which are great for a touch of what I am told is now called bouldering (but it is a long way to bring your mat).

The chapel
The chapel
Looking south Rubha nan Cille
Looking south Rubha nan Cille
Looking towards the entrance to Loch Sween
Looking towards the entrance to Loch Sween
Graveslabs in the chapel
Graveslabs in the chapel