Kilmartin Glen Cairns and Temple Wood Stone Circles
Argyll and Bute
Kilmartin Glen, north of Lochgilphead, holds one of the most important concentrations of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in Scotland, with hundreds of ancient sites within a few miles of the village. Dogs need a lead throughout, as sheep usually graze the standing stones field and cattle and sheep are found elsewhere in the glen. This 5.3km circuit from Kilmartin follows the linear cemetery, a line of chambered burial cairns running down the glen floor. It passes the Glebe Cairn, Nether Largie North, where a trapdoor lets you climb down to a slab carved with axe-heads, Nether Largie Mid and Nether Largie South, thought to date from before 3000BC. The loop then crosses to the five Nether Largie standing stones, visits Ri Cruin cairn and finishes at the two stone circles in Temple Wood before retracing the lane to the village. There is only around 30 metres of climbing, on field paths, farm tracks and quiet minor roads.
This dog friendly walk is short, flat and easy on older dogs, but it is a lead walk throughout. Sheep are usually in the field around the Nether Largie standing stones, and cattle and sheep graze other parts of the glen, so keep your dog close and on a lead through the fields. Kilmartin Museum asks for dogs to be on a lead outside and only admits assistance dogs inside. Parts of the route use minor roads. Temple Wood offers a little shade. Parking is at the museum or by the church in the village.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 5.3 km (3.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 1 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Historic
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- Glen Bistro cafe and toilets at Kilmartin Museum (museum is assistance dogs only); Kilmartin Hotel in the village.
- Parking
- Kilmartin Museum car park (39 spaces) or by Kilmartin church; Lady Glassary car park near Temple Wood is an alternative.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Kilmartin Glen Cairns and Temple Wood Stone Circles, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
Birchbank Loch View Lodge
Sleeps 2 · 2 dogs · Enclosed garden
from £476 / 7 nights
Booking links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no extra cost to you. Prices are a guide only and change with dates and availability.
All dog friendly stays in Argyll and ButeFrequently Asked Questions
Is Kilmartin Glen Cairns and Temple Wood Stone Circles dog friendly?
Kilmartin Glen is a good option for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. The 5.3km circuit is flat and easy with very little climbing, making it well suited to older or less energetic dogs. Just bear in mind that dogs must stay on a lead throughout the route, and only assistance dogs are permitted inside Kilmartin Museum.
Can dogs be off lead at Kilmartin Glen Cairns and Temple Wood Stone Circles?
No — this is a lead walk throughout, so you'll need to keep your dog on a lead for the entire route. Sheep are usually grazing in the field around the Nether Largie standing stones, and cattle and sheep are found in other parts of the glen, so it's important to keep your dog close and under control at all times.
What should I know before visiting Kilmartin Glen Cairns and Temple Wood Stone Circles with my dog?
Your dog will need to be on a lead for the whole walk due to livestock grazing throughout the glen, including sheep around the standing stones and cattle and sheep elsewhere. Parts of the route also use minor roads, so do stay aware of passing traffic. Kilmartin Museum asks for dogs to be on a lead outside and only admits assistance dogs inside, though the Glen Bistro café and toilets are on site, and the Kilmartin Hotel is also in the village. Parking is available at the museum car park, by Kilmartin church, or at the Lady Glassary car park near Temple Wood.
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