FORTS

Mediobogdum (aka Hardknott Fort), Cumbria

OUTPOSTS OF EMPIRE built to supress unruly Britons, forts were vital in securing Rome’s newly conquered territory. They ranged in size from permanently garrisoned stone strongholds to makeshift marching camps, ringed by earth ditches and wooden stakes. One of Roman Britain’s most remote and spectacularly situated ‘castra’ was Mediobogdum (aka Hardknott

Castle), which defended the 1289ft pass between Eskdale and the Duddon Valley in the Lake District.

Its impressively robust ruins date from the lawless frontier days of Emperor Hadrian, circa AD120. Records show its first garrison was a cohort of Dalmatian auxiliaries, recruited from modern-day Croatia. It shares the uniform, rectangular layout of most Roman forts, with a gate on each side and a Principia ( headquarters) at its centre. A parade ground was located on the fellside 212 yards to the east. Miles from home, in the wettest, coldest corner of the empire, Hardknott’s garrison enjoyed a few comforts, including a heated bathhouse located outside the fort’s walls.

Mediobogdum was built as the Roman Empire neared its peak, but on England’s south and east coasts you’ll find forts from a later period, when Rome’s influence was waning.

Richborough, Pevensey and Portchester belonged to a chain of forts established to oversee trade and defend the coastline from Germanic raiders. Part of this defensive line is now traced by the Saxon Shore Way.

WALK THE FORTS: Turn to Walk 16 for a 5-mile walk up Harter Fell and down to Hardknott Roman Fort. Download Deal to Richborough from www.livefortheoutdoors.com/bonusroutes