IT is a journey which still attracts global fascination more than 250 years later.
Now a property developer from Falkirk will follow in the footsteps of Bonnie Prince Charlie as he made his escape after defeat at Culloden on April 16, 1746.
Gregor Ewing, 41, a history enthusiast, left yesterday as he attempts to retrace the route taken by Bonnie Prince Charlie.
His journey will take him across the Western Highlands and to the Outer Isles, to the Uists, Scalpay, Lewis and most importantly to Benbecula. It was from Loch Uisgebhagh on that island's east coast that the prince, dressed as Betty Burke, and Flora MacDonald sailed over the sea to Skye.
Mr Ewing, who expects the trek to last six weeks, will walk back to the mainland and finally to Loch nan Uamh between Lochailort and Arisaig, to see where Charles Edward Stuart left for France.
Mr Ewing said: "The route is through some incredible landscapes, some of which are quite intimidating.
"One of the trickiest parts is the probably from Glenfinnan to Glen Shiel, as there are some serious peaks to conquer there and it is very wild and remote.
"This is also where Bonnie Prince Charlie was in greatest danger of being caught, so it's a good insight into his experience."
Mr Ewing, who has researched the route using historical accounts of The Prince in the Heather, plans to write a book about his experiences.
The National Trust for Scotland's Culloden property manager, Deirdre Smyth, said: "The battle of Culloden is packed with stories which capture the imagination. Prince Charles's flight from the battle is a great example.
"It intrigues and mystifies visitors that this man who was brought up in the luxury of European Courts, could endure the hardships of being hunted throughout the Highlands and Islands, living in desperate conditions and eluding capture for five months before his escape back to France."
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