Sward (Cave of the) [Islay]

NW of Rhuvaal Lighthouse, Islay, Argyllshire.

NGR:	NR 42325 79290
WGS84:	55.93738, -6.12766
Length:	20 m
Vert. Range:	Not recorded
Altitude:	10 m
Geology:	Jura Quartzite Formation-quartzite
Tags:	Cave, SeaCave
Registry:	second

Raised beach sea cave, with 7 m wide, 3 m high entrance. Cave marked on OS 10 k background mapping.

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An open fairly dry cave with much of the floor covered with ancient winkle and limpet shells plus a variety of mammal bones. The cave is fronted by a green sward and has the characteristics of use and perhaps habitation over a very long period of time. [Caves of Islay]

Alternative Names: Cave of the Sward

Notes: The name 'Cave of the Sward' comes from Graham Little. Access easy.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None

Links and Resources:

Google Earth.
Pastmap OS 10 k background mapping.
Little, Graham, 2026, The Caves of Islay, pp. 30-31, with image of the cave entrance below Diagonal Rift Cave.

This entry was last updated: 2026-09-13 15:20:24

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