'Be part of history, walk a frontier lost for over fifteen hundred years.' The Western Hadrianic Frontier of the Roman Empire is little known by the general public. Until recently the frontier was viewed as merely a series of forts with a fluid means of defence and administration between them, and the public was understandably drawn to the physical remains of Hadrian's Wall crossing from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend. Archaeologists have always known different, and it is only now that they are beginning to shout from the rooftops that the Western Frontier is as important as the stones that cross the Pennines. Fortunately, through the efforts of a small band of archaeologists and Historic England, the public perception is changing. There is a wealth of magnificent and diverse scenery and amazing archaeology which rivals the better-known sites along the Hadrian's Wall. Walking the frontier offers opportunities for personal adventure and discovery. There is plenty of variety in the west; catch a train or bus, buy local produce, enjoy a beer and a good bed, but most of all enjoy the quest. This fully updated and illustrated guide offers the walker an insight into this relatively unknown world – one that still has much to reveal.
Clifford Jones is an archaeologist and lecturer who has spent over thirty-five years researching the Roman occupation of West Cumbria. He is a passionate supporter of Community Archaeology, Real Ale and Real Pubs, and a commercial member of Cumbria Tourism actively encouraging people to visit the gems of the western coast. He is also a Board member of the Council for British Archaeology (North).
