History > Columba's Footprint
Below the cliffs at Southend, several miles through Campbeltown to the Mull of Kintyre a ruined 13th century chapel stands at the point where St Columba is thought to have landed before his trip further North to Iona, one of the small Hebridean Islands.
The smooth rocks and sand of the beach here at Southend sit on one side of the road, and on the other side of this coastal road sits a seemingly unimportant mass of rock by the cliff faces.
The cliffs have lost some of their rocks which you can see scattered around the area, however there is one rock of importance here and that is the rock that contain the carvings of Saint Columba's footprints.
St Columba was one of the first Christian Missionaries to land on the peninsula and travel northwards along the west coast of Scotland.
St Columba's Footprints are close to Dunaverty golf course and there are some great views from this part of the Peninsula, even on your drive down as you approach Westport you can see Ireland which is only approximately 12 miles south west of Southend.
For more information on any of the items please visit the local Tourist Information Center, they will be able to help you or please click on another orange button to learn about a different historical topic or landmark.
