William Wallace Trail Cambuskenneth Abbey

Cambuskenneth Abbey•William Wallace Trail

•William Wallace Trail•

The forth stop on the William Wallace Trail is at  Cambuskenneth Abbey. The  ruined abbey sits in the shadow of Abbey Craig and the The Wallace Monument. This is where myth and legend come together on the William Wallace Trail. Legend has it that the monks from the abbey took the part remains of Wallace's body from Stirling and secretly buried them in the abbey. The spot is marked with a stone which points directly to Abbey Craig. Robert the Bruce also held his first parliament at the abbey after his victory at Bannockburn. Maybe he was paying homage to Wallace  as he never held parliament  at the abbey again. 

 While on the William Wallace Trail at Cambuskenneth Abbey you get the chance to wander the ruined remains. The Abbey was founded by David I around 1140. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary is was also known as Abbey of  St Mary of Stirling or Stirling Abbey.  In the ruins lie within a railed enclosure the tomb of  King James III who was killed at the Battle of  Sauchieburn in 1488. The  Abbey fell into disuse during the Scottish Reformation. In 1560 much of the stonework was removed by John Erskine the Governor of Stirling Castle for construction works at the Castle. The ruins and grounds are only open during the summer months.