The final phase of the Jacobite challenge began in 1745. Prince Charles landed on the West coast of Scotland with a few followers'.I am persuaded my faithful Highlanders will stand by me,' he wrote. He made his way to Glenfinnan, Inverness-shire. There he raised his standard and persuaded some clans to join him. The Jacobite army he cajoled into existence was drawn mainly from the clans - a 'Tartan army'. It included many professional officers and was well organised, but its tactics were traditional, relying on the Highland charge. This had worked well in the past and did so again in the Jacobites' first battles of the 1745 rising. The prince marched Southwards, hoping to draw support as he went.

With a fairly healthy army of Highlanders, Charles made his way South to Edinburgh which he entered with no opposition. He did however meet his first opponent South of Edinburgh in Prestonpans Pans, where he swiftly defeated Cope's army of 4,000 men. Celebration was in order and a great party was underway at Hollyrood House in Edinburgh. London quivered at the thought of the Highlanders on the march again, and it seemed like Charles was doing exactly what he had threatened to do. Although his army took Edinburgh without a fight, and defeated General Cope at Prestonpans, there was little active support for him in the South of Scotland.

The Jacobites continued into England as far as Derby, causing panic in London.

In order to dampen the fears that their Southern subjects may have had regarding French invasion and the already marching Jacobite Rebels, the propaganda machine was set in place.

The Stewarts' goal was the British throne. Charles and his army had now been in England for 26 days and were in Derby, 120 miles from London. It was guessed by Cumberland that the Prince would have actually marched down through Wales in order to pick up more support and to favour the higher ground. He was wrong. When news arrived that Charles was in Derby while Wade was far off in Wales, London feared the worst. This was the closest the Charles would ever get to actually achieving his dream. King George reputedly had his bags packed ready to flee to Germany. If it were not for the next card which was about to be played, Charles could have moved forces into London with only a small London militia as opposition.

Cumberland sent a spy to the Highlanders camp with news that a force of 30,000 men were heading straight for them. Little did Charles know that this news was in fact a lie, but he took it for gospel and on advice from his council of supporters they decided that they should return home.

At this time his troops had been on the move for weeks. Far from home and far from supplies: although there was no opposition there was also no support, and so supplies were in demand. Winter was upon them and all were in favour of a return home and the wait for spring.

Strengthened by the return of troops from continental Europe, government forces commanded by the Duke of Cumberland continued their pursuit.