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Town and administrative centre in Scotland
Photo: Anne Burgess, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Lochgilphead is a town at the head of Loch Gilp, an inlet of Loch Fyne. It's the administrative centre of Argyll and Bute on the west coast of Scotland, and in 2021 had a population of 2240. The town is not scenic, but it's worth spending a day or two to see the megaliths at Kilmartin, the Crinan Canal, and the scenic Tayvallich peninsula.
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Start here to understand the structures of Kilmartin Glen and the prehistoric peoples who made them. With cafe and gift shop.
Built in 1835 in neo-Gothic style, this Church of Scotland parish church has a notable collection of medieval carved gravestones, and a 9th-century cross.
Remains of an Iron Age hilltop fort, some 2000 years old.
Tower House built in 1565, ruined after 1685 when the Earl of Argyll backed the winning side too soon. His rebellion in Scotland and the Monmouth rebellion in England tried to overthrow King James II/VII. James crushed both rebellions and executed the rebels, but he was ousted in 1688 by the Hanoverian dynasty and his Jacobite faction was now on the wrong side of history.
Small chapel dating from 11th century with some very early crosses and grave slabs, including the Keills Cross from the 8th century. The chapel has been re-roofed and most of the stones are now inside.
Grand little bistro in town centre.
Clean well-run site with good facilities for hook-ups, static caravans and campers.
Welcoming B&B south edge of town.
Family-run hotel in a 19th-century building. Good bar meals available to non-residents.
Friendly well-run B&B open all year, with 3 doubles, one twin and one single.
Dog-friendly independent hotel run by an artistic family, open all year, with good restaurant.
Rest and Be Thankful is the well-named mountain crest on A83 between Arrochar and Inveraray, which has been much disrupted by landslides and rock falls.
Read in the guideWest Coast Bus 425/426 runs from Lochgilphead to Tayvallich, with 5 per day Monday-Friday.
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Isle of Islay, Argyll and Bute · Regional · ILY
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