Rey Cross Roman Camp

You won't find much to look at here, but that's rather the point. Rey Cross sits on high moorland between Mickleton and Bowes, a cluster of Roman earthworks that marks where the legions marched north from Richmond towards the frontier. The ditches and ramparts are still visible if you know what you're looking for - and honestly, if you don't, you'll just see bumps in the grass.

This is a serious history spot for people who actually care about Roman military engineering. You can trace the layout of the fort and follow the vallum, that distinctive ditch that ran alongside Dere Street, the main road connecting forts right up to Hadrian's Wall. It's the kind of place where you stand looking at what appears to be nothing much and suddenly realise you're standing in a 2,000-year-old military installation. That's either thrilling or tedious depending on your patience for archaeology.

The walk to it is worthwhile in itself. From Richmond, you're looking at a proper moorland expedition - bring a map, take waterproofs. It's not a five-minute stop on the way through. If you're camping at The Old Armoury Campsite near Richmond and fancy a long day out exploring the northern frontier, this is worth adding to your itinerary. But come prepared, come with knowledge, and don't expect information boards or facilities. It's just you, the moors, and two thousand years of Roman concrete showing through the earth.