Visit Hadrian's Wall Country
Posted on Mon., June 6, 11:38 AM
Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site runs for 150 miles from Arbeia at South Shields to Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast. There were once over 30 forts on the Roman frontier, including the original 16 on the line of the Wall, along with Milecastles, turrets, a ditch to the north and great Vallum earthwork to the south. Today you can visit a string of amazing forts and museums that stretch across the north of England, with the Wall itself visible at some major sites (such as Birdoswald) and at many other places in-between.
The Wall’s central section crosses England’s high northern ridge through spectacular Northumberland National Park, and contains some of the most magnificent Imperial remains. The Calvary fort at Chesters has well-preserved Wall, an inspiring museum and a Roman herb garden nearby. Either side of Chesters are a number of sections of Wall and some turret remains viewable from the road: Planetrees, Brunton and Black Carts Turrets and adjoining Wall. All can be accessed by foot, often on the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, as can the remarkable ruins of the temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh.
This is marvellous walking country, and the riverside town of Haydon Bridge is an ideal place to set up base camp. From Steel Rigg car park there are fantastic, if challenging, walks across windswept Winshield Crags past continuous Wall to Cawfields. Best foot forward also to Sewingshields Wall, Turret and Milecastle sitting on dramatic Whin Sill, or to Sycamore Gap (made famous by Kevin Costner in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves).
Housesteads Roman Fort is unmissable: magnificent ruins, great museum and spectacular views. Enough said. There are also brilliant walks through the National Park. At the classic fort and civilian remains of Roman Vindolanda there are some amazing reconstructions; with tremendous treasures showcased at the nearby Roman Army Museum. The village of Bardon Mill is handy for Vindolanda, but then so is Haltwhistle, the official geographical centre of Britain. It’s also the centre for the circular Haltwhistle Rings walks; the Wall, Cawfields and the Stone Age Mare & Foal Stones Circle are all accessible by foot.
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