Hadrian’s Wall near Haltwhistle Northumberland
No visit to this area could ever be considered complete without taking in the legacy of the power and might of the Roman occupation. Nowhere else either in Britain or Europe is there such a show of force to mark the boundary of the Empire. A short drive, or a walk of about 30 minutes to the North of the town, brings you to the magnificent Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. Probably the most impressive feat of civil engineering undertaken by the Romans during their four hundred year occupation of Britain, it remains the best-known frontier in the entire Roman Empire and a permanent reminder of the achievements of one of the world's greatest civilisations.
The most dramatic and best-preserved stretches of this awesome defence system are right on our doorstep. No text book or photograph can do it justice. The 15 mile central section of the Wall was built across river valleys, gulleys and on rock outfaces and quite deliberately makes the most of the varied natural geology of the area to make it as difficult as possible for any would-be attacker.
You will find sections dropping down into natural cuttings hewn out during the ice age and then soaring high up onto the crags, where the views are simply breathtaking.
Within easy reach of Haltwhistle by car are a number of important visitor sites which are a must for the visitor to the area. From West to East these are the Roman Forts with their Visitor Centres at Birdoswald, the Roman Army Museum at Carvoran , the impressive hillside Housesteads Fort and the archaeological treasures of Vindolanda. For the keen Roman student there are many more elements to highlight the sheer scale and might of the defence system of the four hundred year occupation. During the Summer months there is a special Hadrian's Wall Bus (the AD 122) which serves the whole length of Hadrian's Wall. Stopping at all the major sites it is also possible to use it in and out of Haltwhistle. Timetables are available from Tourist Information Offices and most accommodation providers.
Birdoswald
The only fort on the length of Hadrian's Wall set on the North side of a naturalgeological defence - the River Irthing. There are excellent sections of the Wall heading West towards Carlisle (on a clear day you can also see the Northern Fells of the Lake District). The Visitor and Education Centre based at Birdoswald gives an insight into the way of life of the population during Roman times and through the next 2000 years. The site has been occupied by a wide variety of people for most of its 1900 years. The walls are well preserved and the views over the Irthing and towards the Nine Nicks of Thirlwall are outstanding. Continuing East there is a turret and milecastle then a steep incline down and across the River Irthing to the remains of Willowford Bridge. The remains of this Roman Viaduct stand in the field below the ridge on which Birdoswald fort stands, and are now left high and dry as the river cut into the sides of Harrow Scar. It reveals a fascinating insight into how the builders of Hadrian's Wall tackled the problems of carrying Wall and traffic across such an unpredictable river. The surviving pier is 34' long and 7' wide. Having climbed up the hill alongside the Wall you pass through Willowford Farm which has one of the few remaining carved stones showing details of the Centurian responsible for building that section of the Wall. The long stretch of the Wall from beyond Birdoswald through Gilsland is particularly fine, and shows interesting techniques as the Romans adapted the width of the Wall (presumably to save money). Birdoswald is open daily from March to October. Times may vary. English Heritage membership qualifies for a discount off entry admission. For current prices and opening hours see Hadrian's Wall Tourism Partnership's Roman Forts and Museums leaflet. Visitors can wander around the site all year. An honesty box is available for visitors out of hours or out of season. At the other end of the village, the Poltross Burn Milecastle (no. 48) is probably the best example of a Milecastle on the Wall and was excavated in 1911. Built adjacent to where the Wall crosses Poltross Burn, this Milecastle is concealed behind the railway line built in Victorian times as it passed through the village of Gilsland. It is easily found on foot either by following the Hadrian's Wall National Trail signs or by parking close to the Station Hotel where you will also see signs. As you follow the line of Hadrian's Wall from Gilsland through the hamlet of Long Byre towards Greenhead, the ditch and vallum can easily be seen on the slopes leading to Carvoran fort and the Roman Army Museum. It is said that an astute farming family, the Carricks, were able to satisfy the antiquarian visitors of the 18th and early 19th centuries with inscribed stones ploughed up from this once enormous fort which dates from 80AD - to supplement an otherwise meagre income from farming in such an inhospitable spot!
Vindolanda
About three miles to the North East of Haltwhistle and one mile South of Hadrian's Wall lies one of the most exciting Roman archaeological sites in Europe. Lying partly in a valley is the Roman fort of Vindolanda. One of many forts linked into the network surrounding the frontier, Vindolanda has proved to be an archaeologists' dream. Its peat base has proved to be a near-perfect medium to preserve an extraordinary array of artefacts. Excavations continue at Vindolanda usually from April to October. Archaeologists are usually found on site from Sunday to Friday every week, weather permitting. Take time out to see what emerges from one of the most active excavations in Britain. The site has extensive Roman remains plus an open air museum with replica Roman buildings and a superb museum set in charming gardens. Rare finds on display include shoes, jewellery, textiles and rare ink on wood tablets, voted the No. l treasure by the British Museum on New Years Day 2003! Open: Daily most of the year. Times may vary. For current prices and opening hours see the Roman Forts and Museums leaflet. Discount ticket available with the Roman Army Museum
Housesteads
Built clinging onto a hillside, Housesteads is probably the most complete Roman fort in Britain. Originally excavated in Victorian times, its spectacular position has commanding views to both the North and South. It is possible to see the extent of the Commanding Officers' quarters as well as the granaries, barracks, hospital and the ingenious water system around the fort which eventually makes its way to the latrines! From the car park it takes at least 20 minutes to negotiate the steady incline. For the enthusiastic walker, west of Housesteads is Steel Rigg, and probably one of the most dramatic and photogenic sections of the Wall. Open: Daily from March to October. Times may vary. For current prices and opening hours see the Roman Forts and Museums leaflet. National Trust and English Heritage discounts apply.
Chesters
Set close alongside the South Tyne River and near to Chollerford is Chesters fort. Probably the best surviving example of a Roman cavalry fort in Britain it also features a military bath house which is one of the best¬ preserved buildings along the line of Hadrian's Wall. The Clayton Collection (one of the earliest archaeologists on Hadrian's Wall) of altars and sculptures from Hadrian's Wall is displayed at the Visitor Centre. Open: Daily from April to end of September. Times may vary. For current prices and opening hours see the Roman Forts and Museums leaflet. English
Heritage discounts apply.
Walltown Quarry
Once a noisy bustling place but has now been converted into a wildlife area with easy walks and helpful trails booklets for those who want to recapture the industrial and geological past. An excellent place for starting or finishing walks, it also provides open air facilities for picnics. Originally stone quarries dating back to Roman times, both Walltown and the nearby Cawfields have good parking facilities and are close to some of the best walking sections of the National Trail. Both sites offer the visitor a choice of short leisurely strolls or for the more energetic, linear or circular walks taking in the crags which rise several hundred feet. From both sites it is possible to combine your walk with a visit to The Roman Army Museum. Open: All year. Admission to the Quarries is free. Parking, toilets, picnic area, wheelchair access available.
Cawfields to Winshields
There is a car park and public rest area at Cawfields which is just north of Haltwhistle. For the walker this section of some of the best preserved stretches of the Wall runs high along the rugged crags of the Whinsill. Although a fairly short section heading East towards Once Brewed, this can be a challenge for the casual walker as it is undulating and exposed. You will need stout footwear and warm clothes as it can be a little breezy! To the West is a less rigorous walk towards Walltown and the Roman Army Museum where you will pass the few visible remains of Great Chesters Fort.
Hadrian’s Wall picture gallery
Roman Army enactment group picture gallery
More pictures of Hadrian’s Wall in Rings Gallerys