UK Northumberland - Walking Hadrian's Wall
Britain's Largest and Most Historic Roman Monument - 84 Miles long.
Oct 16, 2008
Hadrian's Wall National Trail is an unbroken, signposted path stretching from coast to coast in north-east England, from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. With links to over 80 short walks, the Roman Wall is suitable for people of all ages and offers opportunities for access to many stretches of the Wall. It is ideal for day visits, short breaks or a week-long holiday and a great introduction to Roman Britain.
Starting at Cawfields Quarry, there’s an exciting array of sights along the way. A particularly fine section, wandering over lofty hills to Winshields Craggs, includes the highest point of the Wall, 1230 feet above sea level. Then on to Steel Rigg and the most impressive of all the forts at Housesteads. There are gateways and granaries, latrines and barracks, with a well preserved milecastle close by.
UK Northumberland - Walking Hadrian's Wall - Housesteads Roman Fort
Housesteads is the best preserved Roman fort in the country. Sitting high on a ridge it allows fabulous views over miles of open moorland. It covers five acres and there are remains of Roman granaries, barracks, a hospital and some ‘interesting’ latrines. If you are doing the Wall in bits, this is a great place to spend a little time as you can walk the Wall’s impressive ridge in both directions from the fort. There also are other sites along the way.
This walk is not suitable for very young children as it is steep in parts and care should be taken if the ground is wet.
UK Northumberland - Walking Hadrian's Wall - Free Helpful Guide
An excellent book ,Walking in Hadrian’s Wall Country, which contains details of 15 of the best walks in and around the Wall, can be downloaded free.
A few examples from the book are:
Once Brewed, Roman Vindolanda and Housesteads
Walk No.8 - up to 7-1/2 miles
A spectacular section of the Wall. Vindolanda was once a garrison fort. There have been some amazing archeological finds here, including wooden tablets documenting the daily life of the soldiers and their complaints about the weather, shortage of beer and the locals.
Chesters Roman Fort and Humshaugh
Walk No.6 - 2-1/2 miles
An extra treat here is the 18th Century Chesters Walled Garden, right next to the fort.
Gilsland Spa “Popping Stone”
Walk No.11 - 3-1/2 miles
On this walk you will encounter Sir Walter Scott’s “popping stone” where he is said to have proposed to his wife. Birdoswald Roman Fort is close by.
Some of the walks may seem to be fairly short but there is usually lot to see en route, so allow plenty of time. None are difficult or strenuous so you will have plenty of time to enjoy the fabulous Northumberland scenery and the historic attractions of the Hadrian's Wall.
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