Following footsteps

In 1746, Bonnie Prince Charlie spent five months covering 500 miles across the Scottish hills in an escape from the Hanoverian enemies he made at the Battle of Culloden.

It was a fascinating journey that modern-day walkers can now experience themselves, thanks to a new book from Malcolm Seddon: The Escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie is part historical biography, part hillwalker’s guide and a compelling look at a man who effectively ended the Jacobite cause.

The book describes the adventures of Bonnie Prince Charlie. On the run from his Hanoverian enemies, he desperately sought a ship in which to escape from Scotland.

In the process, he and a few companions secretly trekked 500 miles over remote mountainous areas of the Western Isles and the North-West Highlands of Scotland. Eventually, he was rescued by friends, and taken to France.

The author has researched the story from contemporary accounts. Over 10 years, he has also walked and explored the whole route that Charles followed on foot.

For the benefit of present-day hillwalkers, there is a companion Hillwalkers’ Guide, containing details of walks that cover Charles’ complete route, and lead to places that figure in the story.

“Charles Edward Stuart’s five months living among the Scottish hills tells a powerful story; it was a journey that changed the course of British history forever,” explains Malcolm.

“The book was a huge undertaking; I conducted thousands of hours of research and walked the routes myself. It’s as comprehensive as it could be.

“It also provides history and walking buffs with a unique opportunity to follow in the footsteps of a legend.”

The Escape of Bonnie Prince Charlie, from Spiderwize, is available now online at http://amzn.to/2dt8SLU. ISBN-10: 1911113658; ISBN-13: 978-1911113652.