The broad vale of Strathmore provided the Roman army with a natural route towards north-east Scotland. Around Brechin, forts and large temporary camps record movement during the northern campaigns.
Amazing fact
The great temporary camps at Stracathro show that forces much larger than a normal fort garrison once gathered in this landscape.
Why this area mattered
The valley offered relatively level ground, water and access between the Tay basin and the Mearns. Control of its routes supported campaigning armies far beyond established bases.
Roman places near you
Stracathro fort
A Flavian fort watched the crossing of the North Esk and the road through Strathmore.
Stracathro camps
Large enclosures nearby accommodated campaigning forces temporarily.
Cardean and Battledykes
Other forts and camps show the route continuing south-west through Angus.
What can you see today?
Most remains are best appreciated through aerial photographs and maps. The scale of the landscape matters more than any single visible building.
