3rd Stop - Kilmartin Glen - What today is all about.

🔺 How Old is Kilmartin Glen?

Kilmartin Glen has been continuously occupied or used since around 5000 years ago, during the Neolithic period. Some monuments may date back to 3500–3000 BC, with usage continuing through the Bronze Age, Iron Age, and into early Christian times.

🧱 Ancient History & Archaeological Significance

Kilmartin Glen features over 800 historic and prehistoric sites within just a few miles. These include:

Standing Stones and Circles

• Nether Largie Standing Stones: A group of stones laid out in a lunar alignment; possibly used for rituals or astronomical observations.

• These stones may date to around 2000 BC.

Burial Cairns

• Nether Largie South Cairn: You can walk inside and see a chambered tomb that dates back over 4000 years.

• Glebe Cairn: Thought to be the burial place of a local Bronze Age chieftain.

Rock Art

• Achnabreck and Cairnbaan feature some of the most extensive prehistoric cup-and-ring markings in Europe.

• These carvings date to 3000–2000 BC and remain a mystery, possibly religious or territorial markers.

Dunadd Fort

• An Iron Age and early medieval hillfort, likely the capital of the Kingdom of Dál Riata.

• Dated to around 600 AD, it was a key political and royal site.

• Notable features: a carved footprint where kings were likely inaugurated, and ogham inscriptions.

👣 People Who Lived There

🪶 Neolithic and Bronze Age Peoples

• They built chambered tombs and left behind tools, pottery, and rock art.

• Likely lived in small farming communities.

⚔️ Iron Age Tribes

• Constructed forts and defensive structures.

• Left less monumental architecture but evidence of more permanent settlement.

👑 The Gaels / Kingdom of Dál Riata

• A powerful early medieval kingdom spanning parts of western Scotland and northeastern Ireland.

• Dunadd was its power center, and kings such as Áedán mac Gabráin may have ruled from there.

🌍 Why It’s Significant

• Continuity: It’s rare to see such a long, unbroken timeline of human activity in one area.

• Cultural Heritage: Offers insight into burial rituals, astronomy, power structures, and symbolic landscapes.

• Spiritual: The density and orientation of monuments suggest a complex spiritual belief system.

🚶‍♂️ Best Way to See Kilmartin Glen

🏞️ Walking

• Several well-marked trails allow you to visit key sites like the cairns, standing stones, and forts on foot.

• The linear walk along the valley floor connects many monuments and is ideal for a half- or full-day excursion.

🚗 Driving

• Parking is available near many sites.

🏛️ Kilmartin Visitor Centre

• An essential stop before exploring. Offers artefacts, timelines, and context.

• It also has a catering facility, so can be our Lunch stop

📍 The Main Places to Visit

1. Kilmartin Church and Graveyard

• Medieval stone crosses and grave slabs.

2. Kilmartin Visitor Ctr

• A fabulous experience… a must see

3. Nether Largie Cairns and Standing Stones

• Core of the prehistoric ceremonial landscape.

4. Temple Wood Stone Circles

• Two well-preserved circles adjacent to burial cairns.

5. Achnabreck Rock Art Site

• Stunning open-air prehistoric carvings.

6. Dunadd Fort

• Panoramic views and connection to early Scottish kings.

🧭 Tips for Visiting

• Footwear: Waterproof walking boots recommended; fields can be boggy.

• Weather: West coast weather changes rapidly — layers and waterproofs are essential... even in Summer!

• Photography: As almost always, the Golden hours around sunrise/sunset bring out the best in us, in this instance in the mystical nature of the stones.

• Guides: Local guided tours are available and offer deep historical insight. At the time of putting this together, on Wednesdays there is a Local Guide available at the stones.