Calling all armchair generals! Boudica's Last Stand.

[Nathan Ross]

it could not be across a through route, as the woods that protected Paulinus' rear would have prevented through traffic.

Hmm, could be.

Strictly speaking the Tring site I suggested does not have to be a through route; Akeman street turns westwards at the head of the valley, and the 'suggested Roman line 2' lies beyond it, with the woods at the rear (I believe these woods were identified in the paper about the Cow Roast excavations as being 'in the vicinity of Tring Station', but were cut down for charcoal burning in later centuries).

I will be looking for a side valley off or near Akeman Street which may be open now but which could have been closed by woodland in Roman times.

You might try having a look at the valley north of Aldbury. One of the criticisms of that site was that it might be attacked from the rear, but the wooded north-western slopes of the Chilterns might 'close' it effectively. Paulinus's tactical desire to ensure there was no enemy behind him - the note comes directly after the bit about the 'enclosing' wood - might suggest that without the wood this could be a danger.