Balmuildy Roman fort

Balmuildy is a Roman fort on the Antonine Wall in East Dunbartonshire with a rectangular layout and stone ramparts rather than the typical earthen defenses. The site included two bathhouses and grain storage buildings positioned near the River Kelvin.

The fort was built between 142 and 154 AD under Emperor Antoninus Pius as one of sixteen military installations along the Antonine Wall. It served as a key outpost for protecting the northern frontier of the Roman Empire in Britain.

The Hunterian Museum in Glasgow displays objects found here, including altars dedicated to Fortuna and Mars that reveal the religious beliefs of the Roman soldiers stationed at this place.

The remains are located south of the River Kelvin and north of the Forth and Clyde Canal with paths connecting to nearby Bishopbriggs and Bearsden. Wear sturdy shoes as the ground can be uneven and sometimes waterlogged in places.

Balmuildy is one of only two forts on the Antonine Wall built with stone ramparts instead of earthen defenses, which makes it archaeologically distinctive. This construction method differed sharply from the standard approach used at most other installations along this wall.

Location: East Dunbartonshire

Location: Cadder

Part of: Antonine Wall, River Kelvin to 120m NE of Balmuildy Cottages

GPS coordinates: 55.91731,-4.27193

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:52