The Holy Cave

#3164 among destinations in the United Kingdom

Nature, Natural attraction, Cave

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Facts and practical information

The Holy Cave at Hunterston in the Parish of West Kilbride is associated with Saint Mungo, also known as St Kentigern and is often referred to as the Hawking Craig Cave however two caves exists in the Hawking Craig Wood and 'Three Sisters' area of the cliffs, the other being Smith's Cave, better described as a rock shelter lying a short distance to the south. The main cave has been excavated and the finds indicate three periods of occupation over many centuries. ()

Length: 27 ftCoordinates: 55°42'58"N, 4°53'59"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Day trips

The Holy Cave – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Ardrossan Castle, Portencross Castle, Clark Memorial Church, Little Cumbrae Castle.

6.2 miSE
Reportedly haunted, Forts and castles
Ardrossan Castle, Ardrossan
159 min walk • Ardrossan Castle is situated on the west coast of Scotland in the town of Ardrossan, Ayrshire. The castle, defended by a moat, stands on a ridge above the town.
1.2 miS
Vernacular architecture, Forts and castles
Portencross Castle, West Kilbride
31 min walk • Portencross Castle, also known historically as Portincross Castle, is situated in Portencross, on the west coast of Scotland, about 3 km from West Kilbride. The site has been fortified since the 11th Century. The present tower castle is thought to date from the mid-14th Century and later.
5.5 miN
Church
Clark Memorial Church, Largs
140 min walk • The Clark Memorial Church is an active place of worship for the Church of Scotland in Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland. It was designed by William Kerr in 1890–1892, and is a category A listed building, having been listed in 1971.
1.7 miW
Forts and castles, Vernacular architecture
Little Cumbrae Castle, Castle Island
44 min walk • Little Cumbrae Castle sits on Allimturrail or Castle Island, a small tidal island, situated off the east coast of Little Cumbrae, in the Firth of Clyde. It is designated as a scheduled monument.
4.4 miNE
Park
Kelburn Castle
112 min walk • Kelburn Castle is a large house near Fairlie, North Ayrshire, Scotland. It is the seat of the Earl of Glasgow. Originally built in the thirteenth century it was remodelled in the sixteenth century.
0.9 miNE
Forts and castles
Hunterston Castle
25 min walk • Hunterston Castle, West Kilbride, North Ayrshire, Scotland is the historic home of the lairds of Clan Hunter. The keep dates from the late 15th, or early 16th centuries, while the attached manor house is of the 17th century.
2.9 miN
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
Cathedral of The Isles, Millport
74 min walk • The Cathedral of The Isles and Collegiate Church of the Holy Spirit is a Category A listed cathedral of the Scottish Episcopal Church in the town of Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae.
2.3 miW
Island
Little Cumbrae
59 min walk • One of the main attractions of Little Cumbrae is its rugged coastline, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding sea and nearby islands. Visitors can take leisurely walks along the shore, exploring hidden coves and rock formations, or simply relax and enjoy...
3.3 miNE
Forts and castles, Vernacular architecture
Fairlie Castle, Fairlie
84 min walk • Fairlie Castle is a restored oblong tower castle located on a natural rounded knoll situated above a precipitous section of the Fairlie Glen near the town of Fairlie in the old Barony of Fairlie, Parish of Largs, North Ayrshire, Scotland.
5 miSE
Archaeological site
Montfode Castle, Ardrossan
129 min walk • The remains of the old castle of Montfode or Monfode lie to the north-west of the town of Ardrossan and 1.5 miles south-west of West Kilbride in North Ayrshire, Scotland, above the Montfode Braes, in the old Barony of Kilbride.
5.6 miN
Memorial
Brisbane Aisle, Largs
142 min walk • The Brisbane Aisle is a small 17th century free-standing burial vault, built for the Shaws of Kelsoland and situated in the grounds of the 'Largs Old Kirk', Largs, Ayrshire, Scotland.