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Cramond Roman Fort and Civil Settlement

Cramond · 12 miles

Evidence of Roman activity survives at the mouth of the River Almond where it joins the Forth, close to the village of Cramond in Edinburgh. The archaeological site, dating from around AD 140, comprises the remains of a fort and an adjoining civilian settlement that together illustrate the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. Visible outlines of the headquarters, granaries and a workshop are marked on the open parkland, with information panels explaining the layout and the discoveries made over the past five decades. Among the artefacts displayed nearby are a stone altar dedicated to the Matres Alatervae, a centurial stone of Legio II Augusta, an altar to Jupiter Optimus Maximus, and a silver sword pendant indicating the presence of a senior officer. The most celebrated find, the Cramond Lioness—a white-sandstone sculpture of a lioness devouring a male figure—was recovered from the river in 1997. The fort was initially occupied from about AD 140 until roughly AD 170, when Roman forces withdrew to Hadrian’s Wall, and it was later enlarged during the Severan campaign of AD 208-214. Subsequent evidence suggests continued native use into the fifth century and earlier Mesolithic activity on the same ground. Although parts of the complex lie beneath later village buildings and are revealed only during development work, the outlined sections remain accessible to the public. No permanent visitor centre or museum has yet opened, but plans announced since 2000 envision a facility to exhibit the collected artefacts, including the Lioness. Access is via the Cramond village area; no admission fee or specific opening times are recorded for the open-air remains.

Balfarg Henge

Gateside · 6.2 miles

20m wide henge with only two stones left

Balbirnie stone circle (original site)

Gateside · 6.2 miles

Moved in 1970s to SE during road widening

Balfarg Riding School enclosure

Gateside · 6.2 miles

A reconstructed site interpreted as a mortuary enclosure on the site of Balfarg Riding School.

Rosyth Castle

Rosyth · 11 miles

Sign exists which states private property, however, Freedom to Roam is likely to apply here, and there are no barriers preventing entry to the site.

The Vat Run

South Queensferry · 12 miles

A local park, with cycling possibilities, walking, nature.