This route up Cairnsmore of Fleet includes a visit to a cave below Eastman’s Cairn, named after Billy Marshall, the so called King of the gypsies.
From the drop off point the route descends the attractive valley of the Palnure Burn and then commences the climb towards Cairnsmore of Fleet. The forest road is left behind to walk through a dramatic canyon in the granite where the Louran Burn has carved its way down through the granite slabs. The route follows the burn to the top of the forest and across the moor to Billy Marshall’s cave which nestles below Eastman’s Cairn.
Billy Marshall was born in 1666 and was known as the king of the gypsies. Having served as a soldier he was able to organise the country people who lost land when landowners built stone dykes and walls – his men went round knocking them down. It was claimed that he was married 17 times and was 120 years old when he died.
Leaving the cave the route climbs towards the Nick of the Saddle where there are spectacular views to the East and West. There follows a ridge walk to Millfore Hill and then down over tussocky ground to the forest road leading to the Queensway and transport home.
