Kilmartin Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Village

Facts and practical information

Nestled amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Scotland region, the village of Kilmartin offers a unique blend of natural beauty, ancient history, and cultural heritage. Located in the heart of Argyll, this enchanting destination is a haven for history enthusiasts, outdoor adventurers, and those seeking a tranquil escape from the bustling cities.

Kilmartin is renowned for its rich archaeological sites, dating back over 5,000 years. The Kilmartin Glen is home to one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in mainland Scotland. Explore the standing stones, cairns, and burial mounds that dot the landscape, and feel the weight of history as you wander through these ancient wonders. The Kilmartin Museum provides a fascinating insight into the area's prehistoric past, with exhibits showcasing artefacts and interactive displays that bring the stories of the past to life.

Beyond its archaeological treasures, Kilmartin boasts stunning natural beauty that captivates visitors. The surrounding glens, lochs, and mountains offer endless opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, and fishing. Take a leisurely stroll along the Crinan Canal, a picturesque waterway that winds through the countryside, or venture further afield to explore the nearby Crinan Woods, where lush greenery and tranquil streams create a serene atmosphere.

For those seeking a taste of Scottish culture, Kilmartin does not disappoint. Immerse yourself in the traditional music and dance of the region at one of the local ceilidhs, where lively tunes and energetic steps will have you joining in the merriment. Visit the local craft shops to discover unique handmade souvenirs, or indulge in the flavors of Scotland at the charming tearooms and pubs that line the village streets.

As the sun sets over the rugged landscape, the village of Kilmartin comes alive with tales of its past. Join a guided ghost tour to uncover the legends and mysteries that have been passed down through the generations, and let the eerie atmosphere transport you to a different time.

Alternative names: Elevation: 148 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 56°7'46"N, 5°29'9"W

Location

ScotlandUnited Kingdom

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Kilmartin Top Attractions

Kilmartin Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kilmartin offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Dunadd, Carnasserie Castle, Kilmartin Glen, Temple Wood. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Archaeological site
Dunadd
Dunadd is a hillfort in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, dating from the Iron Age and early medieval period and is believed to be the capital of the ancient kingdom of Dál Riata.
Vernacular architecture • Forts and castles
Carnasserie Castle
Carnasserie Castle is a ruined 16th-century tower house, noted for its unusual plan and renaissance detailing. It is located around 2 kilometres north of Kilmartin, in Argyll and Bute, western Scotland, at grid reference NM837009.
Archaeological site
Kilmartin Glen
Kilmartin Glen is an area in Argyll north of Knapdale. It has the most important concentration of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in mainland Scotland. The glen is located between Oban and Lochgilphead, surrounding the village of Kilmartin.

Prehistoric site
Temple Wood
Temple Wood is an ancient site located in Kilmartin Glen, near Kintyre, Argyll, Scotland. The site includes two circles. The southern circle contains a ring of 13 standing stones about 12 metres in diameter. In the past it may have had 22 stones.
Archaeological site • Ruins
Ballymeanoch
Ballymeanoch is a complex of neolithic structures located in Kilmartin Glen, Scotland. It includes an avenue of two rows of standing stones with 4 and 2 stones each, a stone circle, and a henge with a small burial cairn.
Archaeological site • Cafe
Kilmartin Stones
The Kilmartin Stones are a collection of 79 ancient graveslabs at Kilmartin parish church in the village of Kilmartin, Argyll, Scotland, about 30 km due south of Oban.
Vernacular architecture • Forts and castles
Kilmartin Castle
Kilmartin Castle is a 16th-century Z-plan tower house castle at Kilmartin, Scotland. Built by the Rector of Kilmartin and later owned by Clan Campbell. It was restored and refurbished as a bed and breakfast in the 1990s.
56°9'4"N • 5°33'19"W
Loch Craignish
Loch Craignish is a sea loch on the mid-Argyll coast.
56°7'59"N • 5°29'13"W
Ardscotnish
Ardscotnish, also known as Ardskeodnish, is a former location, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland approximating to the present parish of Kilmartin.
Bridge
Aray Bridge
Aray Bridge, also known as Inveraray Bridge, is a stone two-arch public road bridge on the Inveraray Castle estate near Inveraray in Argyll and Bute, Scotland, carrying the A83 road over the mouth of the River Aray where it flows into Loch Fyne.

Day trips

Kilmartin – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kilmartin, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Buachaille Etive Mòr, Inveraray Castle (Inveraray), Castle Stalker (Appin).

42 milesNE
Climbing
Buachaille Etive Mòr
Buachaille Etive Mòr, an iconic mountain located in the Highlands of Scotland, is a revered climbing spot that commands the respect and admiration of mountaineers from around the world. Known colloquially as "The Buachaille," this pyramidal peak forms part of the...
18 milesNE
Turreted castle home of Clan Campbell
Inveraray Castle, Inveraray
Inveraray Castle stands as a striking emblem of historical and architectural significance in the quaint town of Inveraray, nestled on the shores of Loch Fyne in Scotland. This grandiose castle, with its distinct conical spires and turrets, is the ancestral home of the...
31 milesN
14th-century castle with limited tours
Castle Stalker, Appin
Castle Stalker is a four-storey tower house or keep. It is set on a tidal islet on Loch Laich, an inlet off Loch Linnhe. It is about 1+1⁄2 miles north-east of Port Appin, Argyll, Scotland, and is visible from the A828 road about midway between Oban and Glen Coe.
26 milesNE
15th-century castle ruins with loch view
Kilchurn Castle, Inveraray
Kilchurn Castle is a ruined structure on a rocky peninsula at the northeastern end of Loch Awe, in Argyll and Bute, Scotland. It was first constructed in the mid-15th century as the base of the Campbells of Glenorchy, who extended both the castle and their territory in the area over the next 150 years.
39 milesNW
Nature, Natural attraction, Cave
Fingal's Cave
Fingal's Cave, located on the uninhabited island of Staffa in the Inner Hebrides of Scotland, is a natural wonder that has captivated the imaginations of travelers, artists, and musicians for centuries. This sea cave, renowned for its unique geological features...