Historical interest

Standing Stones Knockstapple - OS Grid NR703125

Take the B842 south from Stewarton for 8km. Look for the sign on the left for Knockstapplemore chalets. Walk past Knockstapplemore and turn left up a forestry track and so onto the moor. This stone is over 3 m tall and 1.5 m wide.

Standing stones can also be found on Dunvarty Golf course.     

St Ciaran’s Cave - OS Grid NR766170

Just before Achinhoan Head are some caves in which are the relics of St Ciaran, an Irish Saint who gave Campbeltown its original Gaelic name (Ceann Loch Cille Chiaran). He was a contemporary of St Columba one of group of early Christian missionaries who brought in a new religion to Argyll in the 6th century.

The secular counterpart brought a new political system to the region – the Kingdom of Dalriada. These Irish immigrants also brought with them a new language Gaelic.

St Columba’s Chapel - OS Grid NR676076

The medieval parish church, which lies about a mile to the west of the village, was built in the 1320s under the patronage of the Lords of the Isles. The east end of the ruin dates from the 13th century the rest is later. Medieval grave-slabs lie inside the church carved in Kintyre, probably at Saddell Abbey. The graveyard dates from 1350-1500.

St Columba’s Footprints - OS Grid NR676076

Overlooking the Chapel is a carved rock with two footprints know as St Columba’s Footprints. One is know to have been carved by a local stonemason in 1856 and the other (nearest Ireland) is ancient and may have been used in the inauguration of Kings who would promise to follow in the footsteps of their ancestors.