Irvine Valley Walks - William Wallace Path
| Distance | Approximate Time | Height Gain | OS Map |
| 0.5 kms | 00:30 (hrs:mins) | 10 metres | Explorer 334: East Kilbride, Galston & Darvel |
Description
William Wallace's name has long been linked with the Irvine Valley after his spectacular defeat over the English in a swift and fierce onslaught at Loudoun Hill in 1297. Look at this extinct volcanic plug and try to visualise Wallace and his men lying in wait at their vantage point over the Ayrshire and Lanarkshire moorland for the English baggage train making its way from Lanark to Ayr. At one time a cairn known locally as Wallace's Cairn marked the burial place of the English soldiers but sadly this has disappeared. Robert Bruce's defeat of the English in the Battle of Loudon Hill in 1307 provided the turning point in his quest for Scottish freedom.
The Spirit of Scotland Sculpture by local artist Richard Price commemorates the battles fought at Loudoun Hill by Wallace and Bruce during the Wars of Independence. The sculpture was erected in September 2004.
When you reach the public car park off Limekiln Road, take the William Wallace path which will allow access to the sculpture. This internal path loop of 500 metres has been constructed within newly planted native species woodland on the south side of the River Irvine close to Loudoun Hill. The surrounding land is characterised by fluvioglacial sand and gravel deposits which are being worked commercially.
Access Info
This is a short route through woodlands which is suitable for all the family. Stagecoach buses operate services in this area for further information call 01563 525192, alternatively call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or log on to www.pti.org.uk
