Maiden Way

Heritage Site in Cumberland Eden

England

Maiden Way

Shepherd's hut showing the fire grate and well-constructed chimney into the stonework marked as a sheepfold on map Second wild camp close to the hut. This time I spent a few hours repairing one wall as it&#039;s just too good and remote to let it go to ruin. — Shepherd's hut showing the fire grate and well-constructed chimney into the stonework marked as a sheepfold on map Credit: brian mccaffery

Maiden Way is an ancient Roman road located in the county of Cumberland, England. This heritage site holds great historical significance, as it was constructed by the Romans in the 2nd century AD to connect the forts of Brougham and Kirkby Thore.

Spanning a distance of approximately 27 miles, Maiden Way follows a relatively straight path across the rugged terrain of the Cumbrian Pennines. The road was built using a combination of stone paving and gravel, showcasing the engineering expertise of the Romans. It was primarily used for military purposes, facilitating the movement of troops, supplies, and communication between the forts.

Today, Maiden Way remains largely intact, despite some areas being eroded or damaged due to natural elements and human activity. The road offers a unique glimpse into the Roman occupation of Britain, revealing their infrastructure and strategic planning.

Visitors to Maiden Way can explore various sections of the road, with some parts still retaining the original Roman pavement. The surrounding landscape provides a picturesque backdrop, showcasing the beauty of the Cumberland region.

Maiden Way is recognized as a protected heritage site, and efforts are underway to preserve and maintain its historical value. It serves as a testament to the Roman influence in the area and offers an opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the rich history of Cumberland.

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Maiden Way Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.74/-2.537 or Grid Reference NY6538. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shepherd's hut showing the fire grate and well-constructed chimney into the stonework marked as a sheepfold on map

Second wild camp close to the hut. This time I spent a few hours repairing one wall as it's just too good and remote to let it go to ruin.

brian mccaffery

Shepherd's hut marked on map as a sheepfold

Few hours' repairing one side. Probably constructed purely for an overnight stay to escape the harsh elements, complete with a fireplace/metal grate and chimney. Roof was constructed out of a tree trunk for the joist and branches for the purlins, then corrugated sheeting covered it.

brian mccaffery

Shepherd's hut.

Spent an hour rebuilding another section.

brian mccaffery

Hill track ascending above Meikle Awfell above Melmerby

Colin Park

Summit cairn on Melmerby Fell

Colin Park

Cuns Fell (539m)

Seen across Ousbydale from the Maiden Way. There are quite a few rounded or peaked summits along the East Fellside (the section of the North Pennines rising above the Eden Valley). Probably the best known are the "pikes" such as Dufton, Knock and Murton. They are formed from different rocks to the more usual sandstones, shales and limestones of the nearby Pennine escarpment. Some are probably volcanic in origin or igneous like the dolerite that rings High Cup and which outcrops all along this part of the fells.

Karl and Ali

Upright stone, Maiden Way on Melmerby Fell

We saw no markings on the stone but its location near the old bridleway (and Roman Road) suggests it was a marker for the route in poor weather. No need today with Cross Fell in clear view across the moorland miles.

Karl and Ali

Stone by the Maiden Way

This large, tapering stone just beside the track may have been a route marker when, of course it would have stood upright. There are signs of straight cuts and pittings which could conceivably be prehistoric (or just chisel marks and natural weathering). The view is towards Cuns Fell and the distant northern fells of Lakeland.

Karl and Ali

Small tarn near the Maiden Way on Melmerby Fell

The upright slab of gritstone may be a marker (similar to Link - but if so, why is it here and not by the track?

Karl and Ali

Crossing Melmerby Fell on a fine frosty afternoon

Firm, easy going - where else would you wish to be? Looking towards Cross Fell which looks a lot closer than it actually is.

Karl and Ali

Summit cairn, Melmerby Fell

Looking from the 709m top (Dun Edge) towards the large cairn on Knapside Hill. It was from here that we began to see deeply rutted trail bike tracks which took the edge of what was a superb day on the North Pennine fells.

Karl and Ali

Heading for Knapside Hill

An easy track leads across from Melmerby Fell.

Karl and Ali

Trail bike damage on Knapside Hill

These ruts were apparent much of the way from the footpath entry onto the open fell Link right across to Melmerby Fell. The people who ride these bikes (illegally) on public footpaths and over fragile ground could not care less about the environment. I have reported the problem to the North Pennines AONB unit so at least they are aware of the situation.

Karl and Ali

Ruined sheepfold on west flank of Knapside Hill

Looking towards a distant Cross Fell.

Karl and Ali

Cairn above Blea Scar

This large cairn is in prominent view on the descent from Knapside Hill. Across the hazy Eden Valley rise the northern fells of the Lake District.

Karl and Ali

Going nowhere, very slowly

The remains of what look like a tractor engine and chassis rust gently away by the footpath above Blea Scar.

Karl and Ali

Trail bike damage below Knapside Hill

These ruts were apparent much of the way from the footpath entry onto the open fell right across to Melmerby Fell Link The people who ride these bikes (illegally) on public footpaths and over fragile ground could not care less about the environment. I have reported the problem to the North Pennines AONB unit so at least they are aware of the situation.

Karl and Ali