Old Shell Cave [Islay]

W of Rhuvaal Lighthouse, Islay, Argyllshire.

NGR:	NR 42090 79180
WGS84:	55.93627, -6.13130
Length:	22 m
Vert. Range:	Not recorded
Altitude:	6 m
Geology:	Jura Quartzite Formation - quartzite
Tags:	Cave, SeaCave
Registry:	second

Raised beach sea cave.

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8 m wide, 4 m high, triangular entrance about 24 m west of Corner Cave in a small cove west of Rhuvaal Lighthouse. Access tricky down a goat path on the west of the cove. A fairly dry cave with the floor covered in winkles, limpets and bones. Narrows for the final 5 m, the roof drops and the floor is muddy. [Caves of Islay]

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Notes: Name from Graham Little.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None

Links and Resources:

Google Earth
Pastmap OS 10 k background mapping. OS maps show only one cave in this location
Little, Graham, 2026, The Caves of Islay, pp. 34-35 with image of entrance. Shows two caves 24 m apart (Corner Cave and Old Shell Cave.)

This entry was last updated: 2026-09-14 13:09:24

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