Delivered by Food Carlisle
As part of both the Hadrian’s Wall 1900 celebrations and Food Carlisle’s Food at the Frontier project, there will be a guided walk along the part of the Maiden Way from Birdoswald (Banna) to Bewcastle (Fanum Cocidi) on September 1st 2022.
Walkers will gather at 9am at Slackhouse Organic Farm for a light Roman breakfast, and the walk will start at 10am, led by Mark Richards. The Maiden Way passes through Slackhouse Farm and the walk is approximately 8 miles. After Slackhouse Farm, the route of the road is followed partly with permission of landowners and partly on public rights of way. Arriving at Byers farm around 4pm, there will be a Roman-themed afternoon tea.
Dianne and Eric Horn of Slackhouse Organic Farm and The Main family of Byers Farm will be the hosts and will be happy to explain how their lands are farmed. There will be information on the recent Maiden Way dig between Birdoswald Fort and Slackhouse Farm, information on the landscape along the route and a talk about recent Roman discoveries on Byers Farm as well as Bewcastle in general. There will be an opportunity to view the Bewcastle Cross, church, remains of the fort, and museum. The builders of the fort at Bewcastle were housed at a temporary marching fort, the site of which has recently been found at Byers Farm. Cars will return walkers to Slackhouse Farm.
There are a maximum of 20 places on the walk and booking is essential. Dianne Horn at Slackhouse Farm will take bookings, either via email: slackhouseorganicfarm@gmail.com or phone/text 07900 472342. Please bring a packed lunch to eat en route, suitable clothing and footwear for sudden changes in weather and something to sit on to eat lunch.
Donations welcome for food provided by Slackhouse Farm and Byers Farm. There is a suggested donation of £5 for each food offering, to be paid on the day at each venue to help cover the costs.