Neil-NewX

The name Callumkill (formerly Kilcallumkill or Kilcholmkill) suggests a chapel dedicated to St Columba there and local accounts state that nearby was a well into which offerings were dropped. RCAMHS found no trace of the chapel site – could the well have been Tobar na Dabhaich, with the village/chapel site nearby rather than where the Callumkill farm buildings now stand (this well is, I believe, on land farmed by Callumkill).

Some background information on Callumkill area, no mention of this specific site.

To get a general sense of the landscape in the vicinity of the well check out this series of four excellent panoramic photographs, taken by single malt whisky enthusiasts on a pilgrimage to nearby Loch Uigeadail, a source of water used in Ardbeg distillery. If you follow the arrow marked Solam in the first photo you will be on your way. The site sensibly advises ‘If you make this walk in person: ignore the “path” the OS Landranger map is showing that follows the glen up to the loch. It does not exists, and will only lead you through wet boggy land with high grass’.

Armin Grewe and friends had more luck than me in their walk through this area, finding the well (described as a wishing well in which coins are thrown), the ruined village and some modernish carved stones – a reminder that not everything in stone is ancient

Good set of photos from Isalyphile Armin Grewe