Cycle Roman Frontiers, England

This evening, I am reprising a cycle ride along the edge of the Roman frontier which continued west of Hadrian's Wall. Location is N.W. England.

 

Above image shows Solway farming landscape

Today’s weather was in stark contrast to that prevailing yesterday. We enjoyed perfect conditions comprising zero wind, 60F temperatures and blue skies all of which contributed to a very satisfying and productive trip.

After departing our lodgings in Silloth, Cumbria we first undertook a short tour of the town with its superb views facing the Scottish mountains on opposite side of the Solway Firth.


Silloth, Cumbria

Next we embarked on an inland route south passing through rich and productive farming country. Here we encountered a farming landscape populated with green fields, sheep and cattle. In particular we had encounters with:

  • A ‘saddle back’ sheep.
  • Wind farms.
  • Guernsey heifer cattle.
  • Donkeys.
  • Jacob sheep.
  • A skein of geese.
  • Flock of seagulls.
  • A patch of mushrooms.
  • A peacock (in a children’s farm).


Windfarm

Peacock

Wild Geese

Jacob Sheep

Donkeys

Saddleback Sheep

Inquisitive heifers

Mushrooms on side of road

Eventually, we connected with the B 5390 coastal route which took us south to our next step at the quaint village of Allonby where we stopped for refreshment in a tea room populated with interesting locals and their canine pets. The unique architecture at Allonby provided some photo opps.


Allonby Tea Room

Allonby Architecture

Next, we continued south stopping to view first a 17th century saltpan and then the nearby Roman Milefortlet 121.


Artist’s illustration of Milefortlet 21

Site of Milefortlet  21

Saltpan

Further south we arrived at our destination of Maryport where we visited the Senhouse Roman Museum which is full of altars and other objects from the adjacent Roman Fort which itself is subject to ongoing archaeological investigation.


Artist’s illustration of Maryport Roman Fort

Roman altars at Senhouse Museum

In the evening, we were fortunate to witness one of the sunsets for which this area is famous.


Maryport sunset


 

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