Wallace's Cave

Wallace's Cave is a man-made cavern in Roslin Glen, close to Loanhead in Midlothian, Scotland. It is cut into a cliff above the River North Esk and is also known as Hawthornden Castle Cave, after the castle nearby. The cave and a set of rock carvings beside it are a Scheduled Monument, and the glen itself sits on the inventory of designed landscapes.

Why is it called Wallace's Cave?

The name points to William Wallace, the leader of Scottish resistance to English rule. Local tradition says he sheltered here around the Battle of Roslin, fought on 24 February 1303 close to the glen. It remains a legend, since no record confirms he used this particular spot, yet the story was already noted by Ordnance Survey surveyors in the 1850s.

What does the cave look like?

The entrance opens on a ledge roughly 18 metres above the water. Inside, the chamber runs about 12 metres into the rock and branches into two recesses. Historic Environment Scotland estimates it could hide as many as 70 people. Nobody knows when it was dug. The rock around it dates back 363 to 325 million years, to a time when the area lay under water.

What else is there to see nearby?

About 50 metres away, a shallow rock recess holds prehistoric carvings protected under the same designation. Footpaths along the North Esk lead on to Hawthornden Castle, and in the other direction to Rosslyn Castle and Rosslyn Chapel. The whole valley forms Roslin Glen Country Park, with woodland trails above the river.

How do you get there?

The cave sits in the North Esk valley between Roslin and Hawthornden, a few kilometres from Loanhead. You reach it on woodland paths through the glen. A popular circular walk starts at Manse Road, covers about 8 km (5 miles) and takes 2 to 3 hours. It crosses Bilston Woods, returns through the glen and passes both the cave and Rosslyn Chapel. The route is rated easy.

When should you go, and what should you wear?

Paths are mostly packed earth and turn muddy after rain, so wear sturdy footwear with grip. The visitor centre by Rosslyn Chapel has toilets and a cafe. Go in daylight, when the paths are driest and the cliffs above the river are clearly visible.

Frequently asked questions

Did William Wallace really hide in this cave? That is local tradition. The cave is tied to the 1303 Battle of Roslin, but there is no proof he stayed here.

Is the cave natural? No. It was cut by hand, and its age is unknown.

Is there an entry fee? The cave stands in an open glen with no ticket booth. It is a protected monument, so leave it untouched and do not mark the walls.

What can I visit close by? Rosslyn Chapel, the ruins of Rosslyn Castle, Hawthornden Castle and the prehistoric carvings in a rock recess about 50 metres away.