Edge of Empire is a fascinating trail at Cawthorn Camps, the most famous Roman site in the North York Moors National Park.
Featuring well-preserved earthwork remains, including three military fortifications, the site is brought to life by new interpretation panels which explore the history of the camp and the people who inhabited it.
Edge of Empire is an easy-going 1-mile trail with no steps or stiles. Most of the paths have a firm, crushed aggregate surface. The section from the car park to the viewing platform is suitable for assisted wheelchair users and families with robust, all terrain buggies. The same is true for the first seven posts. This is a self-guided trail, with no need for a leaflet or map, just follow the marker posts featuring a carved Roman legionary helmet. Parking charges apply.
View details for the 'Cawthorn Roman Camps' Trail
There's also been a rethink about another prominent 'Roman' site in the North York Moors. Although long assumed to be so, experts now consider that Wheeldale Road (or 'Wade's Causeway') on Wheeldale Moor may not in fact date to the Roman period. It was perhaps built late in the occupation, at a time when normal standards were not applied and thus it appears ‘less Roman’ in character. A 6-mile circular walk from Goathland includes a section along the road – it's covered in the booklet 'Walks around Goathland', available in local shops.
What you can see today
Cawthorn Roman Camps and Wheeldale Road are both open to the public.
A well-preserved Roman Signal Station can be seen within the grounds of Scarborough Castle.