THE MAIDEN WAY,
BY THE REV. JOHN MAUGHAN, B.A., Rector of Bewcastle, Cumberland.
Section II.—The Branch Way and Roman Station at Bewcastle.[1]
At the point where the Maiden Way crossed the road to the Wastes (see the map, p. 18, ante) another Way branches off to the West, and proceeds down the side of the hedge to a young ash tree, at the distance of 477 yards, following thus far the line of the Waste Road. Here it turns to the North-west down the hill, across the meadow, in a direct line to the Ford. Several detached stones may still be seen on the side of the hill. This bog was drained about three years since, and the drains intersected the Way in different places. It was cut through by a drain close against the garden behind the Public House.
At 877 yards, it passes a mound of stones in front of the Rectory House; about seventy yards farther, it enters the bed of the river Kirkbeck, close under the station, and would, probably, lead to an entrance into the station on the West side.
This branch appears to be continued straight forwards past the station to the North-west, through the Hallsyke; over the Hallhills, where it is considerably raised; into the Peelshill ground, near the gate above the quarry; through the Park ground, close past the Langriggknow; and it aims for Tinnieshill in Scotland, where there has been an ancient encampment, and where it would probably unite with the old Roman road, leading between Netherby and Trimontium or Eildon, in Scotland. "The Wheel Causeway" from Crew, would, probably, either join it or cross it somewhere on the North side of the parish of Bewcastle.
The Roman Station at Bewcastle.
Bewcastle, from its shape, has been considered by some to have been a Pictish encampment before it was occupied by the Romans. Horsley thinks, that the ancient name of this
