The village of Kilmartin sits at the heart of Kilmartin Glen, one of the most important prehistoric sites on the Scottish mainland. In the area there are rock carvings, standing stones, burial cairns and the remains of the Iron-Age fort at Dunadd, the home of the first kings of Scotland. Kilmartin is home to a church, pub, a castle and the Kilmartin House Museum with visitor centre next door, housing a café. The town of Lochgilphead is eight miles away, offering a good selection of cafes and small shops selling a range of goods, foods and crafts, while the village of Inveraray, home to the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, is within driving distance. Close by is Crinan Canal, which is surrounded by the stunning scenery of Argyll and Bute. From end to end the canal is nine miles long, and its sheltered waters make it an ideal place for beginners and the more experienced paddlers to explore. There are beautiful walks to be enjoyed throughout the area from Kilmichael Forest, to those at Port Ann and Dunardry and up over the hill from the stoney beach at Crinan Ferry, from where you can look out over Jura and north towards Mull. A trip to the Scottish Beaver Trail in Knapdale Forest also provides a fun family day out, plus the fishing village of Tarbert gives you superb access to all the ferry points across Kintyre that travel to Gigha, Arran, Islay and Portavadie.
