The Cairnbaan Cup and Ring Marks lie at the southern end of Kilmartin Glen, in an area blessed with a fabulous range of prehistoric monuments. Here at Cairnbaan are four natural rock faces carved with an array of cup and ring marks. Three rocks lie close together while the fourth is 100 metres away up a winding path.
The rocks at Cairnbaan are decorated with a profusion of symbols including cup marks, grooves, and cup-and-rings. One particular carving has a series of multiple-ringed cups joined together. One cup connects to an outer ring with radiating grooves so that it resembles a sun symbol.
The solitary rock is the largest of the four. It bears over 60 cupmarks, several cup-and-rings, and several long grooves linking cup groups.
The carved rocks can be found 200 metres up a signed path behind the Cairnbaan Hotel. A very short distance up the A819 is a forestry road taking you to another cup and ring marked set of stones at Anchabreck.
More Photos
About Cairnbaan Cup and Ring Marks
Address: Kilmartin Glen, Cairnbaan, Argyll and Bute, Scotland
Attraction Type: Prehistoric Site - Carved Stone
Location: On a signposted path behind the Cairnbaan Hotel, at the junction of the A816 and B841.
Website: Cairnbaan Cup and Ring Marks
Historic Scotland
Location map
OS: NR838910
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
HERITAGE
We've 'tagged' this attraction information to help you find related historic attractions
and learn more about major time periods mentioned.
Historic Time Periods:
Find other attractions tagged with:
Decorated (Architecture) - Prehistoric (Time Period)
NEARBY HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS
Heritage Rated from 1- 5 (low to exceptional) on historic interest
Achnabreck Cup and Ring Marks - 1.2 miles (Prehistoric Site) 
Dunadd Fort - 1.6 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Kilmichael Glassary Cup and Ring Marks - 1.9 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Ballymeanoch Stone Row - 3.4 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Dunchraigaig Cairn - 3.6 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Baluachraig Cup and Ring Marks - 3.7 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Ri Cruin Cairn - 3.9 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nether Largie Standing Stones - 4.2 miles (Prehistoric Site)
Nearest Holiday Cottages to Cairnbaan Cup and Ring Marks:
Nearby accommodation is calculated 'as the crow flies' from Cairnbaan Cup and Ring Marks. 'Nearest' may involve a long drive up and down glens or, if you are near the coast, may include a ferry ride! Please check the property map to make sure the location is right for you.
Kilmartin, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 4
Stay from:£425 - £2,173
Lochgilphead, Strathclyde
Sleeps: 4
Stay from:£475 - £828
