Wade's Causeway

Wade's Causeway is an ancient path made of sandstone slabs built on a raised embankment that crosses Wheeldale Moor. The structure measures between 13 to 23 feet (4 to 7 meters) wide and displays carefully positioned stones across the wetland terrain.

The causeway was long believed to be of Roman origin, but recent archaeological studies suggest it dates to the Neolithic period and may have marked territorial boundaries. This reassessment has shifted understanding of when and why it was built.

Local stories speak of a giant called Wade who supposedly built this path to help his wife move her cow to market. These tales shape how visitors and locals think about the causeway today.

The surrounding moorland stays wet most of the year, so waterproof shoes and appropriate clothing are essential for a comfortable visit. Plan to walk carefully as the ground can be slippery and muddy throughout the seasons.

The causeway contains multiple perpendicular drainage culverts built into its structure, showing that builders understood advanced water management. This clever drainage system allowed the path to survive across the wet moorland for thousands of years.