St. Fillan's Holy Pool

This deep still pool has a long history as a curative place for people suffering 'mental instability'. It's said that the person needing treating would have to swim to the bottom of the pool and return to the surface with stones. They would circle some stone cairns, placing a stone on each before being stripped naked and taken to the nearby priory where they'd be tied to the altar. If they escaped by the morning, it's thought that the cure worked, else they'd try again!

Whilst information of this practice is scarce, it's thought that it stopped sometime in the 19th century when the curative powers of the pool were ruined by someone throwing a wild bull into it.

At this point, the River Fillan dedicates and reaches a sacred pool. Here, many centuries of healing rituals were performed.

At this point, the River Fillan widens and reaches a depth that forms the Sacred Pool. Here, many centuries of healing rituals were performed.

Nice place for a rest or cool in the water, but the road is unfortunately very close, which spoils the mood a bit.