BattlefieldsCope march toward Dalwhinnie and Corrieyairack decision 1745
Jacobite Risings

Cope march toward Dalwhinnie and Corrieyairack decision 1745

1745
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Era
Jacobite Risings
Battle Type
Pitched Battle
Location
Inverness-shire, Scotland
Status
Unregistered
The Combatants

Who Fought

Defeated
Government (Cope)
Forces
Jacobite forces already occupying the heights above the pass
VS
Victor
Jacobites
Forces
Government army under Cope c.3,000
Outcome
Cope decides against forcing Corrieyairack; turns north to Inverness; Edinburgh left undefended
The Battle

History & Significance

General Cope marched from Stirling northward in August 1745 to intercept Prince Charles's advancing Jacobite army. When he reached Dalwhinnie at the foot of the Corrieyairack Pass, he received intelligence that the Jacobites had occupied the heights of the pass above him. Faced with the prospect of marching his infantry up a steep road under attack from Highlanders on the heights, Cope consulted his officers and decided not to force the pass. This decision — to turn north to Inverness rather than fighting through — was arguably correct militarily but strategically disastrous. Jacobite scouts watched Cope's movements from the heights and reported immediately to Charles. The road to Edinburgh was open.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Protected heritage nearby

Scheduled Monuments near Cope march toward Dalwhinnie and Corrieyairack decision 1745

Ruthven Barracks, Kingussie
Scheduled monument · ~5.5 miles
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