Page:Archaeological Journal, Volume 11.djvu/253

 THE MAIDEN WAY, 1!V TlIK KEV. JOHN MAUOHAN, U.A., Rector of IJcwcastlc, Cuiubuilana. Section III. — Survey of the Maiden Way tlirouyh the Farish of Bewcastle* On crossing: the river Kirkbcck at the Dollerlino the Maiden Way quits the parish of Lancrcost and the feudal region of the Barony of Gilsland, and breaks ground in the parish of Bewcastle, continuing forwards in the same straight line, which characterises its Roman origin. It then passes through the Borderrigg Meadow, about the middle of the field, where the track is very distinct, being visible from the summit of the Side Ground and the Tower Brow, when the grass is short. The stones show themselves in abundance to the great annoyance of the mowers, who generally remove some of them in each succeeding year. Thus in course of time the track will probably disappear here as in other places. This track is constantly pointed out as the Maiden Way, and known as such by the people in the district. Before the ascent over the Greyfell Common the ^Maiden Way passes (at 530 yds.) the solitar}^ ruins of the Braes Tower, another of the camp-forts, or ancient strongholds. This encampment measured about 70 yards from north to south, 60 yards from east to west, and covers nearly an acre of ground. It has been protected by a ditch (or perhaps a covered way) on the west, south, and part of the east side, and there has been a stone rampart on the outside of the ditch on the south side. A kiln for drying corn has been on the north- cast side about GO yards distant. This fortress appears to have been a place of considerable importance. Several of the stones used in the erection of the adjoining farm-houses at the Borderrigg and Lowgrange have an ajijiearance of Roman origin, and have probably been brought from this fortress. The stones and mouldings of an old door at
 * Cijiitinuod from page 135.