The Romans put a road through the valley, crossing the Pennines via the Stainmore Gap. A famous road even in later years, where the Viking king Eric Bloodaxe died bloodily. Much of the road’s now incorporated into the present A66. Look at the Ordnance Survey map and see the many Roman forts along the way.Continue reading “Walking the Roman Road”
Tag Archives: Roman Roads
New Year’s Day on the Ullswater Way
Having had an early night, we set out early for Pooley Bridge for a New Year’s Day walk. New Year’s Day is quite a good time to go out for a walk, because most people are having a lie in after the raucous night before. But you do have to get out there early, particularlyContinue reading “New Year’s Day on the Ullswater Way”
Walking the Lowther Castle Loop
The Ullswater Way was set up in the wake of Storm Desmond and a beautiful route it is too. We walked it a couple of years ago and very much enjoyed our exploration. But apart from the main route around the lake there are now two loops, heading away from Ullswater itself, but which exploreContinue reading “Walking the Lowther Castle Loop”
Land Beyond Domesday
The Domesday book was William of Normandy’s great survey of England, as he consolidated his realm after his invasion of England in 1066 – though the Domesday Book wasn’t begun until 1085. As the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle has it: Then, at the midwinter, was the king in Gloucester with his council … . After this hadContinue reading “Land Beyond Domesday”
Walking to England’s Highest Roman Fort
Epiacum, the Romans called it, a second-century fort built to guard the empire’s interests in Pennine lead mining, and probably to provide backup for Hadrian’s Wall. It’s unique in being the only lozenge-shaped fort in Britain – rather than the more familiar playing-card shape, and has the most complex defences of any Roman fort yetContinue reading “Walking to England’s Highest Roman Fort”
Walking the Old Ways 