Around Kilmartin

As well as the wide variety of Neolithic burial Cairns and standing stones in Kilmartin Glen, there is plenty to see and do in the area around Ri Cruin.

The village of Kilmartin is situated eight miles from Lochgilphead at the heart of Kilmartin Glen in Argyll, and about 30 miles south of Oban. It is just over a mile away from Ri Cruin, and it is possible to walk to the village by the old coach road, thus avoiding the main road.

The former CHURCH is the focal point of the village situated as it is adjacent to the front green. Of interest are the carved stones in the graveyard, some of which date back to the Middle Ages and the Knights Templar. An unusual feature of the entrance to the Church is the arched war memorial above the gate.

A great visitor attraction is the award winning KILMARTIN HOUSE MUSEUM, which re-opened in September 2023 following a period of vital redevelopment work. The museum has a permanent exhibition, special exhibitions and workshops, and also hosts the Marion Campbell library. There is also a café. You can visit their website at www.kilmartin.org.

GOOD FOOD can be found in the Hotel which has both a bar and dining room menu and a friendly atmosphere.

Without travelling too far from Kilmartin there are many things to see and do.

• It is worth spending a day walking through the Glen, looking at all the Neolithic and Bronze Age burial Cairns and Standing Stones. Just to the north is Carnasserie Castle, home of the Bishops of Argyll until it was destroyed
• Or travel south to Dunadd Hill Fort and put your foot in the stone footprint in the rock where the first Kings of Scotland were crowned, the heartland of the ancient homeland of the original "Scots".
• Historic Scotland provides access to many of the cup and ring marks and other important sites situated over a wide area.
• Many good walks are provided by Forest Enterprise in North Knapdale Forest, and there are miles of hills and coastline to explore.
• There is a sandy beach at Crinan Ferry, only about four miles from the house.