Kilmartin Glen, Mid Argyll & Knapdale
Scotland's Adventure CoastKilmartin 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 on foot, by bike or by 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)
With thanks to partners CHARTS
Why visit Kilmartin Glen?
Step back in time...Kilmartin Glen lets you step back in time and walk in the footsteps of 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.
The History of Kilmartin Glen
The Heart of an Ancient KingdomKilmartin 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 that stretch over 2 km and date back over 5,000 years. These ceremonial monuments, linked to nearby standing stones, stone circles, and rock art, suggest that Kilmartin functioned as a place for ritual gatherings throughout the Neolithic and Bronze Age periods.
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.
Explore Kilmartin Glen, Mid Argyll & Knapdale
Discover places to stay, eat & drink and things to do in and around Kilmartin Glen.
Kilmartin Museum
Our museum sits within an amazing landscape of archaeological wonders and nationally important wildlife and habitats. Since opening in 1997, Kilmartin Museum...
Kilmartin Museum
Kilmartin
Lochgilphead
PA31 8RQ
Tel: +44 (0)1546 510 278
The Pier House and Kelpie Chalet on Buidhe Island
The Pier House is a family-run business in the heart of the Argyll countryside. We have an island feel, yet we're still accessible by driving across a causew...
The Pier House
Eilean Buidhe
Craobh Haven
PA318UA
Tel: 07799 584958
West Coast Motors
Our extensive bus network across the West Coast of Scotland covering Campbeltown, Ardrishaig, Oban, Mull, Bute, Dunoon and Glasgow allows you to explore our...
Head Office, Benmhor
Campbeltown
PA28 6DN
Tel: 01586 552319
Wild at Art
Our immersive creative experiences combine art workshops with handpicked accommodation and eateries, private tours and talks, visits to galleries and exhibit...
Wild at Art Ltd
North Campbell Road
Innellan
Dunoon
Argyll
PA23 7SB
No 2 @Awesome Argyll
As a family, we have loved to travel, both in Scotland and further afield. As a family-run business offering self-catering accommodation, we have endeavoured...
2 Inverinan
Kilchrenan
By Taynuilt
Argyll
PA35 1HH
Tel: 07555810764
Heathery Heights
Heathery Heights offers bespoke guided walks and tailored outdoor experiences for individuals and small groups across Argyll & the Isles. With so much on...
Head Office, Heathery Heights
Upper Erskine
Manse Brae
PA31 8QZ
Tel: 07899 765240
McKinlay Kidd Ltd
Award-winning specialist tour operator making holidays differently throughout Argyll and the Isles. At McKinlay Kidd, we like to get up close and personal wi...
Head Office: McKinlay Kidd
6/1 (front) The Hatrack
144 St Vincent St
Glasgow
G2 5LQ
Tel: 0141 260 9260
Kilchrenan Inn
Set close to the shores of Loch Awe in the heart of rural Argyll, the Kilchrenan Inn is a small, food-led Scottish inn with rooms just a short drive from Oba...
Kilchrenan Inn
By Taynuilt
PA35 1HD
Tel: 01866 833000
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.
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 views of mountains and lochs 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 available 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.
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.
LOCHGILPHEAD
Lochgilphead is an ideal base to explore Crinan, Knapdale, Kilmartin Glen and Kintyre pennisula.
TARBERT
Tarbert on Loch Fyne is an attractive village which for many visitors acts as the gateway to the beautiful peninsula of Kintyre
KNAPDALE
Knapdale is a place sculpted by the great forces of nature and it’s here that beavers have been reintroduced into Scotland.
Discover more inspiration on our blog
Visit Kilmartin Glen & beyond
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!
Kilmartin on YouTube
Immerse yourself in all things Kilmartin by watching our dedicated YouTube playlist for food and drink, activities and so much more!
