Dere Street

Dere Street is one of four major roads built by the Roman Army in Britain more than nineteen centuries ago.

Linking legionary bases 260 miles apart at Eburacum (York) and Victoria (near Perth), there are still some Roman camps visible on parts of the route. In the Scottish Borders the Roman road was used and maintained only periodically and now, where known, follows rural tracks and trails, with quarry pits and drainage ditches still visible on either side in places. A short stretch of the road where it crosses the Cheviot Hills forms part of the Pennine Way. South of the fort of Bremenium (Rochester in Northumberland) the route south to York is still largely followed by the A68 and other modern roads.

Pennymuir Roman Camp is near Towford and is clearly visible in its shape and size by the presence of earthen banks.

Route distance – up to 13 miles. It is possible to split the route into shorter sections to walk from Towford or from Jedburgh.
• Start: Pennymuir camps, Towford.
• Finish: Abbey Place, Jedburgh.

1. Cross the Kale Water by Towford bridge. Here the public road follows the line of Dere Street. In the field adjacent are the Pennymuir Camps. Take some time to explore these Roman Camps. These temporary marching camps are often positioned next to the crossing points of rivers and burns.
2. Continue to the road junction and information board detailing the history of the Camps.

3. Take the path to the right of Pennymuir Hall and follow it alongside the wall.

4. Along this section look out for signs of the old road where it ran between quarry pits and ditches on either side; particularly the raised camber of the road to avoid standing water. Also look out for earlier archaeological sites, including a standing stone, the Five Stanes (remains of a burial cairn) and, on a neighbouring hill, Cunzierton Fort.

5. At Whitton Edge the line of the road is almost exactly straight, towards the Eildon Hills. Follow the road to Shotheads.

6. At Shotheads the road goes straight on to Cappuck and the Oxnam Water. Cross the footbridge adjacent to the ford. Remains of a small Roman fort were excavated to the south of Cappuck bridge, but no remains can be seen on the ground.

7. Dere Street road continues in a straight line to Jedfoot. Signs of the old road are less obvious on this section as it is wooded but may still be seen in a few locations. (8a. For a shorter route turn left on to the Borders Abbeys Way before reaching Jedfoot and follow this path back to Jedburgh.) As the old road is still used as an access for farm and forestry vehicles and for horses, it can be muddy in places. In many places a line of trees grows on either side of the road.

8. To return to Jedburgh turn left at Jedfoot and follow the minor road alongside Jed water back to the bridge on the A68 and take riverside paths to the centre of town.