St Ninian's Cave

St Ninian's Cave is a natural cave situated at the northwestern end of a stony beach in Dumfries and Galloway. The space measures roughly 7 meters in length with a height of about 3 meters at its deepest point.

The cave formed as a natural feature over thousands of years and was later adopted by early medieval Christians as a place of worship. Excavations conducted in 1950 uncovered internal stone structures, stone floors, and the remains of burials within the site.

Crosses carved into the rock walls show how early medieval Christians used this location for prayer and worship. These symbols remain visible today and reflect the spiritual importance people attached to the cave.

Access to the cave requires a walk of about 1 mile from the Physgill House car park through a wooded glen. The path winds through woodland and reaches the shoreline where the cave opens.

Eighteen carved stones from the early medieval period were discovered in and around the cave and are now preserved at Whithorn Priory Museum. These recovered pieces offer insight into the religious objects people left at this location centuries ago.

Location: Dumfries and Galloway

Location: Glasserton

GPS coordinates: 54.69377,-4.45070

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:07