APPROACH OF EDWARDS ARMY (The Road to Independence)

This low level walk follows the route taken by the army of Edward 1, largely made up of the local clan the McDoualls, in pursuit if Robert the Bruce following his brothers defeat at the Battle of Cairnryan.

It is generally accepted that Edward’s troops camped at what is now the site of Monigaff Church prior to their encampment close to the start of this walk. This year is the 700th anniversary of the battle that took place on the south side of Loch Trool at what has become known as the Battle of the Steps o Trool, but our guide is a local historian who will combine fact and fiction to make a memorable day.

Although this is a relatively easy walk, much of it on paths, walking boots are required, and there are sections that are close to water and children need to be supervised. Transport will be provided to the start at the Borgan, map ref NX362748 and the route follows the eastern side of Minnoch Water where primroses and bluebells will be in profusion.

The first point of note is a single arched bridge known as the Roman or Romany bridge possibly linking in with the network of drovers' roads. This is a good spot for an early coffee. The route continues towards Minniwick where it meets up with the Southern Upland Way and the confluence of Minnoch water and the Water of Trool.

The path goes past the Memorial to five Covenanters who were murdered in 1685. No doubt your guide will explain the relevance of the “Killing Times”. You will pass through the former Caldon’s Camp Site where a spot of lunch might be taken. The route follows the southern side of Loch Trool giving, not only wonderful views of the loch, considered by many to be one of Scotland’s most beautiful, but also the surrounding hills add to the magnificence of this spot. This beauty was not appreciated in 1307 when Edward’s army was surprised by Robert the Bruce’s much smaller force and comprehensively beaten.There is an information board at the site of the battle.

The next stage leads to Glenhead where the local shepherd and his wife gave shelter to many well-known figures of the Victorian and early 20th century. We follow the farm road through the ancient oak woods, past the castellated Buchan farm house and a final short, steep climb brings the walk to an appropriate end at Bruce’s Stone.

After the battle Bruce realised that his group of freedom fighters would be pursued and he split his force into three before retreating northwards. One of these routes is being done in reverse and is justifiably advertised as this year’s Big Walkfest Challenge.

A well-deserved treat can be obtained at Stroan Bridge visitor centre on the way back to Newton Stewart.