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Paradox Cave [Islay]

NW of Cnoc na Faire, W of Rhuvaal Lighthouse, Islay, Argyllshire.

Raised beach sea cave, marked on OS 10 k background mapping.

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4 m wide, 8 m high entrance. Access tidal & technical.

This is one of the longest caves on Islay and it contains a great variety of flowstone formations, including some of the finest on the island. What lies within is all the more surprising given the rather unprepossessing entrance. At 43 m in, there is a 7 m long side passage on the right. At 73 m in, by a block and a fringe of fine straw stalactites, there is a 12 m long chamber on the right containing a wealth of flowstone features including a flowstone 'boss' that constricts access - great care is needed to avoid doing any damage. Beyond the block, the floor on the main cave is sand covered and leads to a short, tight crawl at 87 m into a final little chamber. Much of the cave has a high, square cut roof. [Caves of Islay]

Smooth Wall Cave and Paradox Cave sit either side of a 3 m wide 'leaning' dolerite dyke at the back of a small shingle cove (with a fresh rock-fall on the west side). The access route is along the shore from the southwest (passing below the prominent projecting pillar) although this is only possible at low tide. At mid tide, it is possible to traverse along the base of the cliff, well above sea level, commencing just to the north of Rusty Bouy Cave but this approach requires route finding and rock climbing skills (very difficult).

Alternative Names: None recorded.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None