trackway

Prehistoric and pre-Roman route or way in England. Their principal purpose was the conveyance of goods. Most run roughly in a straight line, using such landmarks as stones, hillocks, and ponds.

Another form of trackway, consisting of wood piles and hurdles, was used to cross bogland safely. Neolithic (New Stone Age) and Iron Age examples have been found in the Somerset Levels, such as the Sweet Track, which shows evidence of organized construction and, at nearly 6,000 years old, is the world's oldest ‘road’.

Some Roman roads, including Watling Street, are known to incorporate parts of these ancient routes.