Antonine Wall: Frontiers of the Roman Empire

Frontiers of the Roman Empire

The Antonine Wall was not just the Roman Empire’s most northerly frontier, it was also one of the civilisation’s most sophisticated military constructions, as it exploits the defensive features of the landscape it runs through, using high ridges and steep drops to create a formidable barrier. Unlike Hadrian’s Wall which was built from stone, the Antonine Wall was composed of ramparts built from layers of turf and fronted by a wide and deep ditch to deter attackers. It served as a true state-of-the-art military installation. 

An impressive Roman road, the Military Way, ran behind it and allowed the swift delivery of supplies, troops, and important news across the territory, making it the sustaining force of the last of the Roman Empire’s linear frontiers.

Sections of the Antonine Wall

The best-preserved and most visible section of ditch and rampart can be found along the 8 km stretch at Watling Lodge in Falkirk. However, you can also see the remains of forts, ramparts and even bathhouses at a variety of other locations, including Goldenhill Park, Duntocher, Bearsden, New Kilpatrick Cemetery, Bar Hill, Croy Hill, Castlecary, Kinneil, Callendar Park, Rough Castle, Seabegs Wood and more. 

Public transport 

When you’re visiting sites and places connected to the Antonine Wall, there are many ways to get around. Central Scotland is easy to access by public transport links, including rail and bus. There is also an extensive cycle path network which makes getting around on bike easy. 

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