With headstones from the 15th and 16th century, it is best known as the sentry of Kilmartin Glen

Lochgilphead is an attractive town sitting by the Crinan Canal, which links Loch Fyne and the Clyde to the east with the Minch and Inner Hebrides to the west. It is the main administrative centre for Argyll and Bute but still retains an old-fashioned, independent feel to it – clearly visible through local shops including a fishmonger, a DIY hardware shop, a florist and unique gift shops. It is just a few miles south of Kilmartin, famous for its archaeology, and Knapdale, site of the famous Scottish beaver reintroduction.

Argyll is a popular location for yachters, and Lochgilphead sits between the marinas of Tarbert to the south and Craobh Haven to the north. The Crinan Canal is used mostly by pleasure craft as a shortcut between east and west without having to navigate around the long Kintyre peninsula. Many like to watch the yachts pass through the series of locks from the banks of the canal, or even from canal-side restaurants.

The area is rich in archaeology, thanks in part to its historic status as the capital of Dál Riata (also known as Dalriada) – the ancient Celtic kingdom that includes parts of western Scotland and northeast Ireland. An unassuming rocky knoll sits beside the road between Lochgilphead and Kilmartin. It may not look like much, but this is Dunadd, where Celtic Kings were once anointed. A little north at Kilmartin, a museum showcases the rich archaeology and history of the area – and sits in an archaeological site itself! Forts, rock arts, a stone circle, burial cists and ritual sites have all been uncovered in the area.

In Lochgilphead itself, Kilmory Knap Chapel is a must-do – once ruined but now restored, the chapel is packed with nearly 40 carved stones dating back to around 1500 years ago. A pretty chapel, Keills Chapel, in even better condition stands at Knapdale and is also home to carved stones, including the most famous Keills Cross – similar to carved stones on Iona, this is the only cross of its kind found on the mainland.

A little south of Knapdale, Arichonan Clearance Village is reachable by a short walk and gives a sad but fascinating glimpse into the life of Highland communities that were forced off their land and often overseas. The ruined village is in relatively good condition, and it situated on a hillside with spectacular views of Loch Sween.

To the west of Lochgilphead at Knapdale is the site of the site of the first legal beaver reintroductions in Britain. Today, a thriving population of beavers lives in the forest here and a Scottish Wildlife Trust managed woodland trail lets you explore their habitat, see chewed trees and the lodges that they create in the river, and – if you’re quiet and patient – see one of the beavers themselves!

There is a wealth of outdoor pursuits in the area, including hillwalking, mountain biking, sailing, kayaking, fishing and more.

Whether you arrive in Argyll by boat or by road, Lochgilphead makes a great destination to head to for fascinating archaeology, unique wildlife and a lively town.