Walking Post podcast 24: Cawthorn Roman Camps and Coolcations

This week, we’re talking about the trend of avoiding hot places for vacations, and about a new trail at a Roman site in North Yorkshire.

Interview times:

04:17 Edge of Empire Trail

23:17 Coolcations

Cawthorn Roman Camps

Nearly 2,000 years ago, Roman legions set out from their fortress at York to conquer the north by defeating and controlling the local British tribes; particularly the Brigantes.

They constructed a network of camps and forts connected by military roads, systematically occupying new territory and carving their mark into the land. Now, visitors to the North York Moors can step back into this chapter of Britain’s history, with a new illustrated trail at Cawthorn Roman Camps, one of the most significant Roman sites in the region.

The one-mile Edge of Empire trail invites people to experience what life was like for Roman soldiers stationed at Cawthorn and to imagine the encounters with the Parisi and Brigantes tribes who lived and farmed in the surrounding landscape.

Featuring a series of interpretation panels, artistic impressions and historical insights, the trail covers the three distinct Roman fortifications, including the more mysterious and possibly experimental temporary camp.

A herd of Royal Golden Guernsey goats have been enlisted to protect the site as conservation grazers. The goats are now roaming the camps as part of a pioneering effort to prevent invasive scrub, bramble, and bracken from damaging the archaeological remains and heathland habitat.

Our conversation is with Nick Mason, archaeology officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority, and Jacob Lawson, conservation officer at the North York Moors National Park Authority.

Coolcations

While the sunny destinations in Europe such as Greece, Spain, Turkey and Italy are still popular, for some, rising temperatures has prompted a rethink. As temperatures rise, some people – walkers included – are actively looking to avoid the heat, and are choosing to visit new places in cooler climates.

The term has been dubbed coolcations, and regions such as Scandinavia are reaping the rewards. Vacationers are also changing the timing of their holidays, and are either visiting warmer destinations when they are out of season, or even going so far as to head to a different part of the world to get away from the heat and experience new adventures.

Our guest this week to talk about coolcations was Enrique Umbert, from Mountain Lodges of Peru, a company that provides unique trekking holidays in the South American country.

To get in touch with the podcast with comments, guest ideas, or for advertising/sponsorship opportunities, email us at [email protected]