Carbriggs

The Roman fort at Carbriggs sits quietly above Ilkley, and unless you know exactly where to look, you'll walk straight past it. There's no visitor centre, no gift shop, no crowds - just earthworks that tell the story of a garrison stationed here nearly two thousand years ago to keep watch over the Wharfe Valley.

What you're actually looking at are the defensive ditches and ramparts of a small auxiliary fort, built around AD 80. The layout is still readable if you know what to look for: the rectangular outline is clear enough, and the scale becomes properly apparent once you're standing in it. The views back toward Ilkley are the real bonus - you get a sense of why the Romans chose this spot.

This is purely for archaeology enthusiasts and fell walkers. If you're hoping for reconstructed buildings or interpretive panels, you'll be disappointed. Bring an OS map and ideally a bit of background reading so the lumps and bumps make sense. Allow an hour if you're walking from Ilkley itself - less if you drive closer. There's no charge, and no fixed opening hours because there's nowhere to open or close.

Stay at Brown Bank Caravan Park, Breaks Fold Farm, or Tip Top Campsite, all within five miles, and you can work Carbriggs into a broader walk around Wharfdale. It's not a day-out on its own, but it's a proper addition to a walking holiday exploring the Roman frontier in Yorkshire.