Firth of Lorne

This is the sea area from about Crinan to lower Loch Linnhe, including the South East Coast of Mull. The area is steeped in ancient Scottish history with the monks from Ireland and the first Kings who made their capital at Dunadd near Crinan. The Garvellach islands, or ‘The Islands of the Sea’, are a string of small, uninhabited islands in the Firth of Lorne.

Landing is possible in settled weather and for the intrepid the walk to the top of Eileach an Naoimh (Isle of the Saints), the main anchorage, provides a reward of a fantastic panorama of the entire Firth of Lorne and beyond (from Ben Nevis to Ben More to Ireland to the Paps of Jura). And there are some wonderful early Christian relics including the oldest church buildings in Scotland, and possibly, the UK.  Very close to the anchorage you will find a double beehive where monks were supposed to have lived and prayed. It is all well signed by Historic Scotland.

Further up the hill to the left there is a large monastic site – most impressive and peaceful, said to have been founded by St Brendan the Navigator in the 6th century. Sit here and wonder how those early Christians survived on such a remote island. Golden eagles may be seen in these parts and basking sharks are occasional visitors.