Kilmartin Glen

Kilmartin lies on the main A816 Oban road about 25 south of Oban and 10 miles north of Lochgilphead and is one of those small villages that it would be easy to just drive through on your way somewhere else. That would be a mistake.

Kilmartin carries with it an extremely significant chunk of Scottish and Celtic history with nearby Dunadd at one time being the capital of Dalriada (Dal Riata), seat of the Scotti people who invaded from Ireland and controlled large tracts of Argyll and Ireland. (Scotland derives its name from this period in history.)

Throughout Kilmartin Glen there’s evidence of the importance of the area in the form of standing stones, burial cairns, rock carving, to name but a few.

It’s estimated that there are in excess of over 350 significant sites of interest in the surrounding area – and you were going to drive on by?

With a history stretching as far back as the bronze age and perhaps even further Kilmartin House Museum demystifies the history of the area and is a must for an enjoyable and comprehensive experience. I’d make it a first stop before exploring the glen. Perhaps even call in at the end of the day to answer all those burning questions?

The museum also boasts the obligatory cafe and gift shop - but this cafe and shop, in my opinion, offers a little more more than usual. For one thing the staff actually appear interested and that's always a good starting point! We sat in the conservatory and ate a delicious lunch (Soup and a roll if you must know . . . ). Despite the driech (damp and miserable!) weather the views looking down the glen from the conseratory were quite stunning.

Now you all know how I feel about visitor attraction shops -- this one is a refeshing change. The majority of stuff on display was what I'd consider to be quality goods with a good selection of books, music and local arts and crafts. I didn't buy anything - if I bought at every shop I visited, I'd need another room in the house - but I did have good old nosey and came away impressed.

The museum administrator also informs me that the museum has been selected from over 100 museums to be one of 20 on the Guardian's "Kids in Museums" long list. They're one of only two museums in Scotland to have made it this far so quite an achievement.

Like the rest of the Argyll, Kilmartin Glen is blessed with an amazing scenic setting with ever changing views atop every hill. Well suited to walking with plenty of car parking spaces or for the less energetic plenty of opportunity for getting lost with detours down winding country roads.

Kilmartin? Miss it, miss out . . . definitely worth a day on your itenarary