During September, following geophysical survey and metal detecting explorations, HDAS excavated a strip trench and test pit above the possible route of the Castleshaw-Slack Roman road at the Western end of Outlane. The road was indeed uncovered, and has therefore helped further define the course of the trans-Pennine Roman routeway.
The evidence found demonstrates that the Roman road descended from a ledge on the western side of Wholestone Moor and followed a curve in order to join with the previously known straight section coming out of Outlane. The road remains visible as a camber in the fields either side of Round Ings Road at its junction with the A640.
With thanks to Pennine Pin Pointers and the landowners.