Lavatrae guarded the eastern approaches to the Stainmore pass, through which ran an important road connecting Carlisle and York. Much of the fort is hidden from sight by the medieval castle Bowes Castle, church and vicarage, but one corner can be studied quite clearly. It is sited above the River Greta and the Roman name Lavatrae - ' Riverbed ' echoes this fact.

In 1970 the fort was excavated and finds included a number of inscriptions, one of which refers to the rebuilding of the fort after it was damaged in the rebellions of AD 197. This inscription can now be seen in the village church. As one travels westwards along the A 66 other Roman features can be explored, notably the Roman signal station opposite the Bowes Moor hotel ( NY 930126 ) and the marching camp of the ninth legion at Rey Cross. The northern ramparts of which can be seen clearly from the road.