Captain's Log 

Cawthorn Roman Camp

There were two Roman forts Cawthorn, one with an extension and a temporary one built to an unusual plan. It dates from the 1st and 2nd centuries AD. Initially, it had been suggested that they were built for practice, rather than actual military use, although the latest theory is that they were actually active military installations.

I set off on a grit trail behind the couple of dozen people that had arrived in the cars and minibus. As I caught up the rear of their party, I could see that it looked like a group outing for adults that had some mental impairment. They had split into a 'fast' and 'slow' group and I overtook the slower ones. It wasn't long before the trail delivered me to the remains of the Roman forts. To be honest, apart from some deep ditches and high banks in the heathland, there wasn't a great deal to see. I'd guess that the site would be more impressive from aerial shots. The slightly elevated viewing platform was out of use and so I continued along the trail. 

Slippery Slope

I heard a shout behind me and saw that a woman had fallen on to her side. We were on a grassy trail now and she must have slipped on the angled saturated grass. She didn't seem to be able to get up and so I went back to see if I could give a hand. The woman looked to be in her sixties and apart from groaning she wasn't able to communicate. She seemed so immobile that I thought she might have actually broken something, but she seemed to be able to move her legs okay. I think it must just have been the shock of falling. I couldn't believe that she was wearing rubber, summer plimsoles. No wonder she'd slipped over. Eventually, me and one of her friends managed to get her back on to her feet. The leader of the group turned up at that point from the forward party. Rather bizarrely, she had this expandable seat that was compressed into what looked like a large discus. I did wonder whether trekking poles and good shoes might be better equipment for a walk in the countryside. She asked if the lady wanted to sit down, but all she wanted to do was to return back to the carpark. The group led her off gingerly back to the grit trail that went back to the carpark. 

I continued along the trail and overtook the 'forward' group. The second camp came into view and it looked pretty much like the first camp, with a series of ditches and banks

Return

The trail left the camp and headed back to the carpark through the tree plantation. As soon as I got back to the car the rain really started. I half expected to see the workers dashing back to their minibus for shelter. From the conversations going around me, it looked like my fellow walkers were now heading off to a café. I just hoped it didn't have a slippery floor. 

Cawthorn Roman Camp isn't quite as spectacular as Hadrian's Wall or Vindolanda. It could do with a few information boards to give you an idea of how things may have looked. It is a remarkable construction though, given the tools of the time, and worth a visit...just make sure to take some trekking poles and some good walking boots.