King Robert the Bruce's Cave Caravan & Camp site is situated in the historic grounds of Cove Manor House (formerly Dunskellie Castle) that also houses the famous ancient monument - "King Robert The Bruce's Cave" ...

Robert The Bruce, born at Lochmaben Castle in 1274, was Knight and Overlord of Annandale and was crowned King of Scotland in 1306.

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The Cave is accessible by a platform from a path leading to the river.

In the winter of 1313 after suffering defeat, King Robert went into hiding in the cave. While evading capture by Edward Longshanks the first of England - he spent three months living a solitary existence at a time when The Wars of Independence were at their bleakest for the Scots.

Whilst in the cave and at the depths of despair, King Robert happened to watch a spider attempting to build a web - the spider would spin then fall, get up and spin again and again relentlessly until it eventually made the web.

This gave Robert heart and is reputed to be the birth of the saying - If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again.

King Robert then went forth from the cave on Cove estate, raised an army and won the Historic Battle of Bannockburn in 1314 - even though he was outnumbered ten to one. He established his claim to the throne and thus the beginning of freedom for Scotland.

Cave Visitors are Welcome - Enquire at Reception on Arrival.