Battle of Loudoun Hill
Background
By early 1307, Robert the Bruce gathered forces, using his knowledge of the Scottish terrain for hit-and-run raids to weaken English control. In April, his men ambushed Aymer de Valence's English forces at Glen Trool, gaining a small victory.
Robert's army moved from the Dalmellington moors to Muirkirk and reached northern Ayrshire in early May, growing with new recruits.
Robert soon encountered Aymer de Valence, commanding nearby English troops. Preparing for battle, Robert positioned his men on a plain south of Loudoun Hill, about 500 yards wide, flanked by deep morasses. Robert's men dug three ditches in front, creating another obstacle for the English.
Battle
On May 10th, 1307, Aymer de Valence's English forces approached. The ditches restricted English deployment and neutralized their cavalry advantage. Forced into a narrow front, the English advanced toward the Scots' spears. Like at the Battle of Stirling Bridge, the English were bottlenecked, making their superior numbers useless. Funneled between ditches, many horses stumbled, and soldiers lost formation.
The English were slaughtered on unfavorable ground. Bruce's spearmen pressed downhill into the English knights in disarray, causing the rear ranks to panic and flee. The Scots won decisively, while Aymer de Valence escaped to Bothwell Castle.
Aftermath
The battle was a turning point for Robert the Bruce, shattering the aura of English invincibility and boosting Scottish morale. The Scots proved able to win a pitched battle, demonstrating that a small, well-prepared force can outmaneuver a larger one through tactics and terrain.
Scotland and Robert the Bruce were on the path to independence, though further battles awaited.
