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Standing Stones, Kilmartin Glen

Kilmartin Glen, Mid Argyll & Knapdale

Scotland's Adventure Coast

Kilmartin Glen is one of Scotland’s richest and most important prehistoric landscapes. Brimming with historic wonders, within six miles of Kilmartin village there are over 350 ancient monuments, including cairns, standing stones and stones.

From the mysterious Temple Wood stone circles dating back to 3000 BC to Dunadd Fort, where Scotland's earliest kings were crowned, Kilmartin Glen offers an unparalleled journey through time. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an archaeology lover, or simply seeking to connect with Scotland's ancient past, you can learn more about this fascinating site at Kilmartin Museum.

Beyond the glen, you will find Knapdale, bounded to the south by the Kintyre peninsula and to the north by the Crinan Canal.

Walkers and cyclists are all drawn to the remote, rugged beauty and wildlife of the area. Knapdale is a place sculpted by the great forces of nature. The western coastline, including the lovely Kilberry peninsula, is fringed with wild, empty beaches. Within this unique habitat, beavers have been reintroduced into Scotland.

If you love getting active in the outdoors, you’re spoilt for choice in Knapdale. Explore the woodlands, forests and coastline by foot, bike or kayak. You’ll find scenic way-marked trails for all abilities.

Gaelic in Scotland

The indigenous language of Argyll contains great richness of expression. Here we have shared a phrase from local Gaelic poetry about Kilmartin Glen.

Gleann Cille Mhàrtainn far an d’ fhuair mi m’ àrach (Kilmartin Glen where I was raised)

An gleann as fhearr a tha fon ghréin (The best glen under the sun)

Attributed to a Gillies from the glen

With thanks to partners CHARTS

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Top reasons to visit

Boat trips

Heritage sites

Sea Kayaking

Knapdale forest and resident beavers

Crinan Canal

Wildlife

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Why visit Kilmartin Glen?

Step back in time...

Kilmartin Glen enables you to step back in time and walk in the footsteps of the people who lived thousands of years ago. Explore over 350 ancient sites, including cairns, standing stones and stone circles, and learn more about Scotland's fascinating past.

Kilmartin Museum enables you to dig deeper and truly understand the glen's treasures. Located in the village's old manse, this museum houses archaeological artefacts, interpretive displays, and immersive exhibits that bring the prehistoric landscape to life. The museum also often hosts guided walks along the glen, allowing you to ask questions and learn even more about this fascinating site.

Beyond Kilmartin Glen, you'll find Knapdale, Lochgilphead and Crinan. Visit the Beaver Centre in Knapdale, enjoy the scenic views at Lochgilphead or experience 'Britain's most beautiful shortcut' when walking along the Crinan Canal. There's plenty of reason to stay for a while!

Weekend Getaways in one of Scotland's most important landscapes.

From ancient stone circles and enigmatic rock art, Kilmartin Glen is packed full of natural and historic wonders.

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Loch Coille Bharr © Marc Pickering

Kilmartingraveyard 3 Paulineguillouzicphotography

Carnasserie Castle © Marc Pickering

The History of Kilmartin Glen

The Heart of an Ancient Kingdom

Kilmartin Glen is home to archaeological sites that date back over 5,000 years, making it Scotland's – and one of Europe's – most important prehistoric landscapes.

The Linear Cemetery is one of the glen's most striking sites, comprising five burial cairns stretching over 2 km and dating back over 5,000 years. These ceremonial monuments, linked to nearby standing stones, stone circles, and rock art, suggest Kilmartin functioned as a place for ritual gatherings throughout the Neolithic period and Bronze Age.

The glen's importance continued into the Middle Ages when it became connected to the powerful Lordship of the Isles. At Dunadd, a rocky outcrop rising 175 feet above the Moine Mhor (Great Moss), stands the remains of what was once Scotland's most important early medieval site. Between AD 500 and AD 900, this ancient hillfort served as the capital of the Kingdom of Dalriada, and the place where the first kings of Scotland were crowned.

This is only a glimpse at the rich history of Kilmartin Glen. Visit this ancient site and walk in the footsteps of ancient kings to truly experience it for yourself.

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Explore Kilmartin Glen, Mid Argyll & Knapdale

Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do in and around Kilmartin Glen.

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Explore Mid Argyll's Places of Interest

Discover some special places of interest while you are staying in mid Argyll. Click on our map icons to discover where to see on your travels. If you see multiple icons clustered in one area, simply zoom in on the map to decluster the icons.

The Heart of Argyll Guidebook

Dig deeper, an insiders guide to visiting the Heart of Argyll.

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How to get to Kilmartin Glen

By car

Follow the A816 from either Oban (30 miles north) or Lochgilphead (6 miles south). The scenic route passes through beautiful Highland landscapes with mountain and loch views throughout. From Glasgow, the journey takes approximately 2.5 hours via the A82 to Tarbet, then A83 to Inveraray, and A816 north. There's parking availabe in the village and at Kilmartin Glen Museum.

By bus

Scottish Citylink operates regular services from Glasgow to Oban and Campbeltown, which stop in Kilmartin village. Local services connect Kilmartin with Lochgilphead and the surrounding communities.

By Bike

Cycling offers another excellent way to explore the area, with quiet roads and relatively flat terrain making the glen suitable for casual cyclists.

Must Visit Places

near Kilmartin Glen

INVERARAY

Overlooking the still waters of Loch Fyne, Inveraray is a traditional town of Georgian architecture, and home to the Duke of Argyll, head of the powerful Clan Campbell.

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LOCHGILPHEAD

Lochgilphead is an ideal base to explore Crinan, Knapdale, Kilmartin Glen and Kintyre pennisula.

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TARBERT

Tarbert on Loch Fyne is an attractive village which for many visitors acts as the gateway to the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre

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KNAPDALE

Knapdale is a place sculpted by the great forces of nature and it’s here that beavers have been reintroduced into Scotland.

Explore

Discover more inspiration on our blog

Visit Kilmartin Glen & beyond

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Argyll and Archaeology: The sites you have to visit!

There are few other places in Scotland, if not Europe, that have such a rich tapestry of historical and archaeological sites as Argyll and the Isles.

Knapdale Beavers – 7 reasons to give a dam!

The Knapdale beavers are there for you to go and see. If you’re lucky to catch a glimpse of these elusive creatures in the wild, you’ll definitely ‘give a dam.’

See & Do | Nature | Inveraray | Knapdale | Kilmartin | Crinan

The ancient coastal area encompassing Inveraray, Knapdale, Kilmartin & Crinan is brimming with natural wonders. Here are 6 natural wonders you cannot miss!