The Covenanter's Grave
An excerpt from Walking in Clydesdale by Paul Lamarra
OS Landranger 72 Terrain:Mainly on a good surface however towards the end of the walk it is exposed, featureless and very boggy moor in parts. Notes:Compass essential Download:
By the Way
There is a touching story associated with this route across the moor and in following it you'll be retracing the footsteps of local shepherd Adam Sanderon who tried to fulfil the dying wish of a Covenanter wounded at the battle of Rullion Green.
On 28th November 1666 Sanderson encountered the Covenanter desperately trying to get to a point from where he could see the Ayrshire hills just one last time. Sanderson offered his assistance but it was refused. The next day Sanderson found his body at Oaken Bush.
At great personal risk, as government troops would have been scouring the area for fugitives, Sanderson transported the body high onto the moors a little way short of the summit of Black Law as it is from this point that you can look west between Darlees Rig and Bleak Law to the Ayrshire Hills.
Archaeologists excavated the grave and found the Covenanter's well-preserved body wrapped in a red cloak with two Dutch coins sewn into his collar. The original marker stone with its coded inscription now sits on the windowsill of Dunsyre Kirk.
The moor is utterly empty of landmarks and the hills lack a distinctive character so this is not a walk to attempt in misty weather.
The Route
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