Today was a day of exploring two notable local landmarks. The National Wallace Monument dominates the skyline of Stirling. On one side of the River Forth sits the monument. On the other sits Stirling Castle. Both occupy high hills on an otherwise flat river plain.
The monument sits on Abbey Craig. Craig is the name for a large outcrop of rock. It is said that William Wallace and his right hand man Andrew de Moray stood on this very spot to observe the army of King Edward 1 as it approached from Stirling Castle. You can read more here.
It was another beautiful day so having parked the car at the bottom of the craig we started the climb to the base of the tower. That got the heart and lungs working. Once we were in the tower there were another 246 steps to climb to the top 220 feet above in a winding spiral staircase for an outstanding view of the battle field and beyond. The tower is on 3 levels and each level has a room filled with history where weary legs can rest before continuing up.
The Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297 was a decisive victory for Wallace. The battle field is now a rugby pitch. So I suppose battle still goes on albeit more gentlemanly.
In the above picture Stirling castle lies on the hill centre right. Zooming in a little…..
The rugby pitch is the site of the battle. Stirling castle is centre right and the site of the bridge over which Edwards doomed army marched still exists today where a stone bridge stands. You may just be able to make it out behind the rugby pitch.
Having taken our fill of Wallace, De Moray and Co we set off for Bannockburn battlefield.
Rather like the moor at Culloden, the field at Bannockburn is hard to imagine. It is a well kept meadow now with little to remind you of the battle. Storyboards about the place point out features on the horizon showing where the advancing armies came. The large flag pole is where Robert The Bruce planted his flag having defeated the army of Edward II only 17 years after Wallace defeated Edward I. But I am pleased that we were able to fill in gaps in our knowledge of Scots history. My mother would often talk of Culloden and Bannockburn. She was a proud Scots girl and never forgot her heritage. I wished I had talked more to her on these subjects but alas it was not to be.
Tomorrow we head further south to cross the border into England. We will head to a place that Debbie and I have read much about. I last went as a small child. It is about time I returned.
Todays distance: 15 miles.
Total Distance: 2289 miles.
Woodend Wanderer 