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McFadyen's Cave

S of Pass of Brander, S shore of NW section of Loch Awe, W of Cruachan, Argyllshire.

The only feature visible to which the term 'cave' could apply is a slight overhang in a rocky gully. This is quite prominent when viewed from the north.

Name applied to a cave situated in the face of Creag an Aonaidh, near the top, & close to Meall an Fhitheach [Meall an Fhitich]. It takes its name from McFadyen after being beaten in battle by Wallace having sought refuge, being there discovered, taken out & killed. "The only Cave of interest is that in which McFadyen sought refuge after his defeat by Wallace at the pass of Brander, & where he was dragged out & executed. It is still pointed out as McFadyen's Cave in the face of Craig an Araidh. [Scotland's Places]

On the right Ben Cruachan towers upwards for 43,650 feet. On the left the hills, though not so high, are very precipitous, and rise sheer from the edge of the deep, dark, inky water. In the face of a cliff, at the opening of the Pass, will be noticed the mouth of MacFadyen's Cave. MacFadyen was an Irish adventurer who assisted the English in the Scottish wars of Independence.' Sir William "Wallace, having defeated MacFadyen in the Pass of Brander, followed him to this cave, and put him and a number of his followers to death. [Mackay's Guide, 1897]

Alternative Names: MacFadyen's Cave

Notes: Visited by OS (E G) 11 April 1962. Surveyed at 1:10 000 scale. Visited by OS (R D) 4 May 1970.

Hydrographic Feeds: None

Hydrographic Resurgences: None