This walk-through-time covers two of Scotland's most important historical sites. It's a two site walk, so some car travel between them will be necessary.
The walks start with an intriguing route through the Kilmartin landscape taking in various standing stones and other sites of historical interest. There are around 150 historical points of interest in this Glen. Park in a car park at the junction of the B8025 and the A816 Lochgilphead to Oban road, about 6.5 miles north of Lochgilphead.
From the car park cross the B8025 and the burn into the field with the standing stones - you're free to wander amongst them. Next, take the path across to Temple Wood, where there are stone circles, and onto The Old Coach Road. For a short walk, at Nether Largie Chambered Cairn, take the path that runs back to the standing stones and the car park, making a pleasant circular walk.
For a longer alternative however, continue along The Old Coach Road up the glen, visiting the Nether Largie cairns along the way. The path then enters some woodland and forks at a quarry. Take the right fork, heading towards the A816 main road. Walk down the A816 for a short while to walk into Kilmartin village. It's well worth stopping off at Kilmartin Glen Museum (and also the Glebe Cairn) to find out more about the features you've just walked past and about the wider historical significance of this fascinating part of Scotland.
To return to the car park, retrace your outward route - or alternatively walk south on the A816 for around a mile (though bear in mind there may be fast moving traffic on this route).
The second, shorter walk takes in one of the most important forts in Scotland. The Iron-Age hill fort of Dunadd was once the coronation place for the Kings of Dal Riata and the capital of the Scottish kingdom of Dal Riata from 500 - 900AD. On your walk you'll see a number of pictish stone carvings here along with the famous coronation footprint. The site is also reputed to be the original site for the Stone of Scone or Destiny which is now housed in Edinburgh Castle.
It's easy to see why the residents of Dunadd chose this site, as it provides commanding 360-degree views over the Moine Mhor (Great Moss in Gaelic) and the surrounding area. The Moine Mhor is a National Nature Reserve, but may once have been submerged, making Dunadd even more impregnable.
To reach Dunadd, drive south on the A816 from the car park at the junction of the B8025 and the A816, heading for Lochgilphead. Take a minor road at NR843938 heading down towards the car park at Dunadd. From the car park, it's a short walk up onto the hill, for fabulous views over the surrounding area and to appreciate the significant carvings and features of this fascinating monument.
It's well worth exploring the wider historical aspects of Kilmartin Glen and you can also visit Carnassarie Castle, just a little further north of Kilmartin village. Visitor facilities are available in Kilmartin, Lochgilphead and pretty Crinan.
Further information about the Kilmartin Glen walk is available in the Footprint Walks guide to Knapdale, Mid Argyll, Lochgilphead & Crinan.
