Introduction

This evening, I am posting a micro-detailed account of the Battle of Bannockburn Trail. This connects hikers with the historic Battle of Bannockburn which took place in 1314. The Scots emerged victorious thus securing independence from England.

Information on the Battle of Bannockburn

The following text is taken verbatim from a leaflet produced by the City of Stirling’s Communities:-

Over two days in June 1314 around 20,000 English troops led by King Edward II engaged in a battle with around 10,000 Scotts led by Robert the Bruce. The exact location of the battle is unknown but modern historians agree that the decisive second day of fighting centred around the Balquhidderock Wood. At dawn on June 24th Robert the Bruce led his troops out of the wood before the English troops, exhausted from their long march north and the previous day’s fighting, had a chance to assemble for battle. In the coming hours the Scots decimated the English troops who fled the battlefield.

Accounts of the battle talk of the “Great Ditch” where Bruce’s forces chased the English and many lives were lost. The steep banks of Ladywell Park today are a possible candidate to be the Great Ditch and, if so, played a key role in the battle.

Readers should be baware that the Scots word ‘burn’ is equivalent to the English word ‘strream’.

Golf Course adjacent to trail

Hikers should allow 45-60 minutes to cover the route.

More information

The publication Visitors’ Guide to Scotland contains sections on selected battle sites plus a wide range of information for the tourist. ISBN is 978-1-9161332-0-4. This book is also available via Kindle.