Channel 4 - Big Roman Dig Print
Written by Peter Burgess   
Monday, 14 July 2008

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Peter Burgess produced these souvenirs, available on the day free of charge to expedition members
Map and guide for the event
The BRD Roman march of Saturday July 2, 2005 was one of the highlights of the year.  The whole week was rather an emotional roller coaster ride for me personally.  Walking across an ancient Roman route as part of Channel 4's Big Roman Dig on the Saturday, flying out to Singapore as part of London's Olympic bid on Sunday and then returning to the UK a few days later to the awful news that four young men had exploded their suicide bombs in London.  However, it was a bundle of memories to cherish and the prior experiences of the week were some of my greatest experiences as an adult.  Although you might think being part of the 117th IOC in Singapore was magic, the extended walk over High Street was equally fantastic with our event also mentioned by Tony Robinson and Guy de la Bedoyere on Channel 4.  Of course, walking for all those miles with great friends and acquaintances as part of the OFC was equally terrific.

 

Badges provided by Channel 4 and Peter Burgess
March Badges!
Arriving at 9am or so at Brougham Castle (Brocavum) the gathered party speedily hastened on their way.  We all knew it was going to be a long hike across one of Lakeland's longest upland walks and with little chance of refreshment or relief until Ambleside was reached in about 25 miles.  Although many in the party were seasoned walkers, travelling in a group necessitates an awareness that everybody has their own pace.  To this end, we were in no real rush and the marchers ensured that everybody felt comfortable in the long walk ahead.  

 

david, Jennifer, Andrew and Anne leaving Brocavum
Setting out!
The first part of the walk leaves Brougham in a south-westerly direction passing through Eamont Bridge, Tirril, Celleron before climbing past Winder hall enroute to Moor Divock and the first real ascent  to Loadpot Hill and the remains of Lowther House at about 2100'. To be honest this long walk-in seemed quite monotonous with roads to contend with before the gentler pastures of the hills.  With spirits high and strides long, the group made good progress and with the excellent company and good weather, Lowther House was soon achieved.  Anyway, don't let my words convey the spirit, watch all the visuals including an excerpt from Channel 4 via the tabs below:

Credits

OFC Credits

Guy de la Bedoyere speaking live on Channel 4

 

Thanks to:

The OFC party at Brougham Castle
At the start
Lorraine Barks, David Hall, Jennifer Hall, Jo Hall, Ann Hiley, Roger Hiley, Andrew Leaney, Anne Leaney, John Paterson, Steven Procter, Jill Rowland, John Scadding and Stuart Willis.

Also, a special thanks to Jim Mower (Assistant Producer of the BRD) for his support and encouragement in this project.  As he said, he was very impressed with the OFC and hoped that we felt a connection with the Time Team for the event.

Advert
Advert
 

Thanks to everyone who gave their support to make this one of the most successul OFC gatherings to date.  Well done to everyone!

Ad altiora!
Jim Mower, Assistant Producer sent his own message of thanks to the OFC
Thanks message
OFC walk features on the C4 proposal page
Proposed 'march'
 
 

Part 1


Brougham Castle(Brocavum) to Lowther House
In Tirril
Tirril
 

Part 2


Lowther House to Thornthwaite Crag
Lunch on Twopenny Crag
Lunch stop!
 


Part 3


Thornthwaite Crag to Ambleside (Galava)
Celebrations at journey
At Galava Fort
 


Part 4


The Support March

BRD Support Group
Support Party!
 



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