There’s still a lot of evidence around England dating back to when we were invaded by the Romans. Many of the roads they laid out are still in use as routes today, some major trunk roads, others little more than tracks. They stand out a mile on a map as they are as straight as a die, Fosse Way, Ermine Street, Watling Street…we walked along Dere Street in Northumberland when we walked St Cuthberts Way a couple of years ago…

In between Addingham and Skipton is a track known locally as the Roman Road. Having consulted the internet, there was a road there which was part of the route from Ilkley to Ribchester, however Lidar imaging shows the Roman road to follow a slightly different route. That said, it’s still an ancient track over the hills between the two places.

My walking buddy and I decided to walk along the route. We got the bus to the lovely village of Addingham and then spent an hour trying to find the right footpath out of the village – it was just off the map!! In our defence it is quite a big village!!

By the time we were back on track we were ready for our first break – Greggs sausage rolls!

As you can see it was a glorious day, blue sky, white fluffy clouds, perfect for walking – we were meant to walk it the week before but when we woke up that morning the rain was coming sideways! So glad we postponed it!

It was a steady climb out of Addingham and up to the old track, we took our time and enjoyed the views. From the top you have a great view down Wharfedale with Ilkley and Otley (where I live) somewhere in the distance.

This route is part of the Dales Highway, a path which runs 90 miles from Saltaire to Appleby along the higher moorland paths. We’re quite tempted with this walk sometime as we do enjoy walking across the tops. The views are worth it…

Just before we started to descend into Skipton we had a great view going up the valley. Sharp Haw is clearly in view, we walked up there a couple of weeks ago or so, it’s the shapely little conical hill on the horizon on the left.

Altogether we walked about eight miles, so a good stretch of our legs and plenty of time to chat or just enjoy each others company.