Achnabreac cup and ring marked rocks
A short trail leads to probably the most extensive set of cup and ring marked rocks in Britain.
The markings are believed to have been made over 4000 years ago. The importance of this site and the reasons for the carvings remains a topic of speculation.
Come and see this important historic site and the on site interpretation then make up your own mind. Your ideas may be as good as any expert’s.
Castle Dounie
Castle Dounie is an Iron Age Fort on a high hilltop above Crinan. There are terrific views from here towards Jura and Mull. Nearby, along the shore from Crinan is Sailor’s Grave. The sailor died aboard his yacht of Cholera in the 19th century off Ardnoe Point.
To reach Castle Dounie, follow the path across the beach at Crinan Harbour and up the hill to the forest track. There are picnic benches along the way from where you can enjoy a spectacular panorama. On a very clear day, you can even see Ben Nevis to the north!
Dalriada Heritage Trail
The Dalriada Heritage Trail was created in 2010. It links Carnasserie Castle through Kilmartin Glen and the Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve to Dunadd Fort and on through ancient Atlantic oak woodlands to the Crinan Canal and Achnabreac cup and ring marked rocks. Free video trails can be downloaded here for fascinating insights along the way. Look out for the numbered waymarkers denoting a podcast stopping point. The Trail can be enjoyed in its entirety or in small sections from car parks at Carnasserie Castle, Kilmartin, Moine Mhor National Nature Reserve, Dunadd Fort, Achnabreac and Dunardry on the Crinan Canal (1 mile west of Cairnbaan).
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Dunadd Fort
This spectacular site in Kilmartin Glen, near Lochgilphead, has been occupied since the Iron Age. The well-preserved hill fort was a stronghold of Dalriada, the kingdom of the Scotti and is believed to have been the site where the ancient Kings of Scotland were crowned.
On top of the hill there is a footprint and bowl which are thought to have formed part of Dál Riata’s coronation ritual. On the same flat outcrop of rock is an incised boar in Pictish style, and an inscription in the ogham script. The inscription is read as referring to a Finn Manach and is dated to the late 8th century or after.
Take time to visit Dunadd during your short break or holiday in the Heart of Argyll. Enjoy the amazing views across the Moine Mhor and follow in the footsteps of Scottish kings.
Visit: www.historic-scotland.gov.uk
Kilmartin Glen
Kilmartin Glen has one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age remains in Scotland. The best place to start your exploration is from Kilmartin Museum.
Click here to listen to archaeologist Neil Oliver’s walking tour of the glen.
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The Formation of Dalriada
“Knaps” and “dales” are shaped by folded Dalradian Schists (metamorphosed marine sediments). Here lie lochans, long sea lochs and hills. Each is different, supporting a variety of habitats and wildlife. When the river that drained Loch Awe down to Loch Crinan was blocked by an ice wall during the last ice age the water burst through the Pass of Brander where today it runs to the sea 50 miles to the north. Huge gravel banks flank the old route, now a fertile glen and a vast raised bog and salt marsh, the Moine Mhor lies on the old seabed.
To watch a short video on the formation of Dalriada, click here