In 1666, Bloody Tam Dayell led the troops up the Kirkgate in Currie and over to Rullion Green where the Covenanters were routed.
The surviving Covenanters dispersed throughout the Pentlands.
The next day the Shepherd on Blacklaw above Dunsyre, Adam Sanderson buried one unknown Covenanter he had been tending gently to his end in sight of his native Ayrshire hills.Canmore Reference 49005.
That reference is to the Gravestone. On the side of Blacklaw Hill. Adam Sanderson himself is buried in the graveyard at Dunsyre Kirk. His descendants I think lived on into the 19th century At least.
The proposal is a cycle trip leaves Balerno around Summer a solstice. Date to be agreed, could be the nearest Saturday like the a ride to the sun event. The hope is we are able to ride as a group or at least as a loose collective of like minded travellers strung out along the Whang. The destination is Crosswood Reservoir. This can be found a little west of the B8005 road turn down to West Calder. Cycle a little beyond that turn maybe 100 metres. There is then a turn into a road that serves a small house whose owners perhaps have grown tired of cars in their drive and have put up signs. We can ignore these as we are cycling beyond them. Follow the road up past the farm, the imposing Laird’s House (maybe holiday residence now, we will find out) and continue on the road a little on the way up to Crosswood Reservoir, our route veers South and west from the road and the bikes will be locked at this point, reference to follow.
We then walk in following the way pole markers. The grave is always further than you expect. Indeed when the second path joins from Tarbrax turn and the path becomes defined for a while do not get your hopes up. The southern half is easier and eventually you reach the gravestone which is a good spot for luncheon. There might be music and clothed dancing also,
We then retrace our steps. This is easier with the sun behind you. On returning to our bikes we saddle up and cycle home. A long day but the wind will be a taiwind home, generally speaking.
Dates, times references to follow.
On a very clear day you can actually see some dim and distant Ayrshire Hills. Or you can tell yourself you can. As Adam and the dying Covenanter did.
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