The Via Dolorosa
The 'Racers Burn' was originally a small stream that ran from the hill above Mount Stuart down to the sea. In 1896, the 3rd Marquess of Bute asked the landscape architect Thomas Mawson to help him make more of this unassuming burn.
The result was the creation of a series of pools and spectacular cascades replicating the Via Dolorosa the route of Christ’s suffering and death. This stretches from the gently lapping pebbly shore - 'indeed a spot for meditation', agreed Mawson - to Calvary pond at the top of the hill.
The 3rd Marquess was a devout Catholic and The Via Dolorosa was replicated as a kind of spiritual pilgrimage. His peaceful walk was allowed to become overgrown and almost forgotten until 1993, when it was cleared and restored. The full shape and beauty of Calvary pond itself emerged from the surrounding woodland in 2001, after dredging and drainage work had been carried out.
Mount Stuart, Isle of Bute PA20 9LR Scotland Tel: 01700 503877 Fax:01700 505313 Email: contactus@mountstuart.com
