Hidden away in woodland overlooking the Angus village of Newtyle, a lone wooden cross stands amongst the trees.
Known as the Polish Priest’s Cross, the simple yet sturdy oak memorial marks the spot where a wartime chaplain died while out walking in the forest, a peaceful tragedy commemorated by the soldiers, far from home, whose spiritual needs he tended to.
The memorial (GR: NO 294403) stands in High Bannatyne Plantation, on the northern slopes of Newtyle Hill, and can be accessed on foot from the village by following the trackbed of an abandoned railway line, part of the well-established local path network. The final half mile is signed from the trackbed and follows a peaceful woodland trail.
To walk to the cross, from Newtyle Parish Church, follow Kirkton Road south-west to Bannatyne House and, skirting to the right of the grounds, continue ahead on a field edge path then progress straight across the next field to meet the old railway line. Descend right to join the track then go left and follow the trackbed path for a mile, rising steadily into Glack of Newtyle. Just before the trackbed path ends, ascend a flight of steps on the right (Jacob’s Ladder) and the path leads to a sign for the Polish Priest’s Cross. Bear right along the path, walking through woodland, to the cross.
Arriving in Scotland in June 1940, Father Karol Bik was initially stationed in Arbroath, where Polish troops maintained and strengthened coastal defences, building pillboxes and anti-tank blocks, but he later moved inland to Newtyle.
When not ministering to the soldiers of the 14th Lancers Polish Forces, the 54-year-old enjoyed walking in the hills and woods around the village and sometimes collected mushrooms. On August 28, 1941, however, he did not return from his outing. The following day a search began and his body was soon found. It is believed he suffered a heart attack. He was laid to rest in Wellshill Cemetery, Perth.
For a longer circular walk visiting the Priest’s Cross, click here. For an article on Father Karol Bik and the cross in Polish, click here.
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