Author: returntoscotland

The site of Wallace’s cave is also home to prehistoric rock carvings likely dating from the Neolithic or early Bronze Age – in Scotland,  that means 4000 to 6000 years ago. There were at least three styles of carvings.

This photo shows a unique “s” design – the only one of its type at this site.

Other carvings were either concentric circles or spirals.

I found a bit of awe touching the surfaces, knowing some ancient artist did the same thousands of years ago.

Simpler “cup and ring” carvings existed on the more weather-worn surfaces below the carvings pictured above.

The site is recognized by Historic Environment Scotland which has some basic information, as well as a map showing the cave and carvings, available online.

Another cycle trip in the direction of Roslin, this time on the Southeast side (opposite side from Rosslyn Chapel) of the River Esk, in search of Wallace’s Cave.  William Wallace is said to have hidden out in the cave before the Battle of Roslin, 24 February 1303, during the First War of Scottish Independence. The presence nearby of Late Paleolithic/Early Bronze Age rock art carvings suggests the cave may have been carved into the rock during prehistoric times and expanded later.

The first sign of the site is a series of old steps carved into the rock, leading to an  outcropping that looks like it used to incorporate a railing to look over the cliff edge down to the river below.

From there, stone steps lead down to the left and snake around the cliff face to a ledge:

Use caution as there are loose rocks and forest debris along the ledge, and it’s a potentially steep fall to the base of the cliff below. The entrance to the cave is impossible to miss if you follow the path:

Take a torch, as the light inside is poor, but inside you’ll find a recess carved into the back wall, and two chambers, one on either side:

Interior showing chamber carved into the back

Rear and right chambers

It’s full of history and imaginings!

My first foray into the area around Edinburgh took me to Roslin, a village about 11 km south of the city, and home to two legends popularized with great artistic license by Hollywood – Rosslyn Chapel, and William Wallace’s Battle of Roslin.

There are better photos of the Chapel at their official website, and I encourage you to check it out.  Similarly, a great historical account of the battle, in a distinctly nationalistic tone, is provided at the second link above.