Modern Lockerbie lies close to one of the best natural routes between Carlisle and central Scotland. The surrounding countryside contains forts, camps, roads and native strongholds that record repeated Roman activity.
Amazing fact
Roman troops fired enormous numbers of lead sling bullets at Burnswark; some were pierced so that they may have whistled through the air.
Why this area mattered
Annandale allowed armies and supplies to move north while remaining connected to the military bases around Hadrian’s Wall. Control of the valley therefore mattered during several phases of Roman advance and occupation.
Roman places near you
Burnswark
Roman camps lie below the native hillfort. Projectiles recovered from the site have made it central to debates about Roman assault and military training.
Birrens
South-east of Lockerbie, Birrens was one of the most important Roman forts in southern Scotland.
Roman roads
The line of the Roman road can be traced in parts of Annandale, linking forts and temporary camps.
What can you see today?
Burnswark offers the clearest landscape experience. Birrens is also important, although much of its story is revealed through inscriptions and excavation rather than standing buildings.
