How to get the best from Kilmartin in a week?

Kilmartin Area 12

Image by Hob

tjj May 1, 2017 16:20:22

Off up to Argyll and Bute in a couple of weeks. Staying near Lochgilphead (not camping), have access to car, have maps. Just been looking at the entries for Kilmartin here on TMA - only one general fieldnote from Wee Malky which will bear in mind:

"I think that one of the best ways to see the tombs and stones at the top end of the valley is to walk past the museum and down to the bottom of the road. Cross the field diagonally and you will find a stile onto a path which takes you to each of the cists and then onto Temple Wood and the great cross."

Am reading my way through the individual sites and field notes - any little pointers/tips would be much appreciated.

Edited:

postman May 1, 2017 16:34:47

Replying to tjj

Don't go to sleep and get a big torch.

I always seem to do the same thing, park near the great X, see that, cross the field to Templewood, then follow the line of tombs down then back again, not a circular walk for sure, but I don't mind seeing somethings twice. Everything else has it's own parking place, more or less.

CARL May 2, 2017 07:30:42

Replying to tjj

If you have a nice day (weather wise) I would suggest parking near the museum and walking along the footpath which takes you past most of the sites. It is a lovely walk if you have the weather! The sites further out are only a short drive away and they all have appropriate parking places so visiting them are easy. Kilmartin is one of my favourite places in the whole of the UK. Have fun! :)

bauheed May 2, 2017 13:34:39

Replying to tjj

I'd recommend stopping off at Dunadd before you go to Kilmartin itself. It's a couple of miles south of Kilmartin just off the road from Lochgolphead, so on the way. It's a short climb to the top and the views are good. Some fascinating carvings on the rocks up there.

GLADMAN May 2, 2017 18:39:57

Replying to tjj

Although there is an awful lot going on in the valley itself... a little outside there are a number of classic sites if you have a car - eg:

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/2756/baroile.html

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/150/kintraw.html

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/669/clach_an_tsagairt.html

And if you happen to approach from Inverary along Loch Fyne there is one of the most exquisite little stone alignments I've ever seen:

http://www.themodernantiquarian.com/site/5714/brainport_bay_solar_alignment.html

tiompan May 3, 2017 21:49:11

Replying to tjj

In case you don't have it or in case it hasn't been mentioned .
This is useful . https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kilmartin-Prehistoric-Early-Historic-Monuments/dp/1902419030

The binding is usually poor at best, but the content makes up for that .
The John Borland drawings are worth the price alone .

tjj May 28, 2017 19:13:00

Replying to tjj

Just to say had a fabulous week in spite variable weather - saw Achnabreck in the poring rain on first morning out but it mattered not a jot. For anyone else going up that way this summer I recommend "In the Footsteps of Kings - A Guide to Walking In and Around Kilmartin Glen" by Sharon Webb. Available from Kilmartin Museum shop and Lochgilphead Bookshop. Will get around to posting field notes and perhaps a few photos but after a week of no mobile phone signal or internet connection - not in too much of a hurry.

PS: Did hear the news about Manchester on Tuesday morning - shocked and upset but I guess you have to carry on.