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Rhuvaal to Bagh an Da Dhoruis [Islay]

Rubha a' Mhail, [Islay], Argyllshire.

There is no defined route between Rhuvaal Lighthouse and Bagh an Da Dhoruis (also called the Bay of Two Doors), approximately 1 km of coast but over rough terrain and if visiting caves involving climbs up and down steep slopes and across rocky shores. Access to Rhuvaal Lighthouse is also a 6 km from the nearest road (at Bunnahabhain).

Following the shore is possible only at low tide and would be difficult and at times dangerous. If visiting any specific part of the coast, it may be easier to keep to the higher ground and descend to the shore where possible (usually by scrambling down or along steep grassy slopes to gain access to narrow gullies). Where it is not possible to gain direct access due to steeper rock cliffs, it may be possible to descend in an adjacent gully and work around a shorter distance of coast to the desired location.

Uamh nan Iasgairean (or the Cave of the Fishermen) is located in one deep and narrow gully about 500 m west of the lighthouse between two areas of higher cliff. It is possible to scramble down from the head of the gully near the 40 m contour to the small beach at the mouth of the gully with the cave on the left (west side) but deeper water would make traversing east or west along the rocky shore hazardous (unless arriving by kayak). Returning to the 40 m contour the next gully is accessible down a goat track, 200-250 m west along the top of steeper cliffs. This leads to a wider inlet with a small raised beach. Two caves (Corner Cave and Old Shell Cave) are accessible in the cliffs to the east and at low tide it is possible to reach the mouth of the bay and briefly work around the foot of the cliff to the west. The cave just round the corner is accessible at low tide but care is needed.

Access to the next stretch of shore is tricky and is only possible at low tide. There may be a route down the headland to the east but this is a steep descent to the end of the headland and then a scramble along the rocky shore to the next inlet. Other routes may also be possible but are equally perilous. Along the clifftops to the west, there are several goat tracks but no obvious descents. There are at least eight caves along this stretch of coast but visiting these requires good weather and care as well as an eye on tide times to avoid being cut off. Similarly access from the west may be possible along the shore from A' Bhriogais, but good weather and low tides are essential. The deep ridges along the tidal rocky shore are hard going and time between hides may be short.

At A' Bhriogais (the breeks?), access to the shore and caves is claimed to be easy (with a degree of local knowledge) but is possible down a steep grassy bank on the east side which traverses back down to the end of a narrow gully with an impressive volcanic dyke splitting the crotch. There is a cave on either side of the dyke. [It is not yet clear how to access the west sit of the dyke. There may be a gap in the rock wall or it may be accessible along the shore at low tide from Bagh an Da Dhoruis.]

From the east or west side of A' Bhriogais, retrace your steps and work westwards, either along the 40 m contour or along the rocky shore. 100 m west of the dyke. at the east end of A' Bhriogais, there is a small steep sided inlet with two caves (Paradox Cave and Smooth Wall Cave) at its deepest point. There is a small tidal beach but at the mouth of the inlet, the shore is rocky and only accessible at low tide.

At the extreme east end of Bagh an Da Dhoruis is Arch Rival Cave, a cave or natural arch with three entrances. At mid tide, this can be used to give access to the small inlet to the east and depending on the tide possibly Rusty Buoy Cave. Low tide is essential to reach and return from Paradox Cave. Timing is critical as is good weather.

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: The coordinates given for this overview are arbitrary (midway between Rhuvaal Lighthouse and Bagh an Da Dhoruis). There are no caves at this location. The names of the individual caves are taken from various sources any may be known to different people by different names.

The usual warning is given that when visiting remote tidal sites, at the foot of steep slopes or cliffs, make sure of your access/egress routes. Ensure they are as safe as possible and within your own abilities, however easy they may appear to others and check and remain aware of tide times. Think how long it took you to get there and how long it will take to get back. Rescue (if it comes at all) will take just as long if not longer.

Make sure someone responsible knows where you are going and when you should be back. Check in with them when you can. No matter what your service provider says mobile phones do not work everywhere. They do not work underground (no signal through rock) and often they do not work in deep gullies or at the foot of cliffs (same reason).

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