Wheeldale Roman Road

Archaeological place

Explorer Tom

Wheeldale Roman Road runs across a North Yorkshire moor looking like an ancient traveller laid down a stony argument and left it for us to finish. Walk beside the visible line and admire the nerve of its builders, whoever they were: English Heritage says the celebrated 'Roman' label is still open to debate. The exposed monument stretches about a mile along the slopes above Wheeldale Beck. Its hard core, irregular stone surface and drainage features give it the shape of a route, and maps called it a Roman way as early as 1720. The section visitors see was cleared and uncovered in the early twentieth century. Imagine the antiquaries dusting off stones and confidently naming every one; the moor, being a cheeky place, kept its answer to itself. English Heritage records several possibilities. It might belong to a Roman road between the Malton area and the coast, a medieval route used in the moors, or even an older boundary rather than a road at all. Local legend calls it Wade's Causeway, linking a giant named Wade and his wife Bel. That tale needs no road engineer's certificate; it is plainly a giant's love of a long-distance visit. The monument is free to visit at reasonable times in daylight on Wheeldale Moor, south of Goathland. English Heritage says roadside parking is possible with care, while public transport from Goathland still leaves a long walk. Expect uneven ground, changeable moorland weather and possible livestock; keep to the route and check conditions before setting out. You may leave without settling its age, but you will have walked a fine mystery.

What is recorded here

Map note: There is a map point for Wheeldale Roman Road, an ancient site in North Yorkshire, England. The past can keep its secrets; the map gives you a starting point.

From OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors) w813504324

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