Hadrian's Wall (Latin: perhaps Vallum Aelium, "the Aelian wall") is a stone and turf fortification built by the Roman Empire across the width of what is now northern England. Begun in AD 122, during the rule of emperor Hadrian, it was the middle of three such fortifications built across Great Britain, the first being from the River Clyde to the River Forth under Agricola and the last the Antonine Wall. All were built to prevent raids on Roman Britain by the Pictish tribes (ancient inhabitants of Scotland) to the north, to improve economic stability and provide peaceful conditions in Britain, and to mark physically the frontier of the Empire. Hadrian's Wall is the best known of the three because its physical presence remains most evident today.The wall marked the northern limes in Britain and also the most heavily fortified border in the Empire. In addition to its use as a military fortification, it is thought that the gates through the wall would also have served as customs posts to allow trade taxation.
A significant portion of the wall still exists, particularly the mid-section, and for much of its length the wall can be followed on foot by Hadrian's Wall Path or by cycle on National Cycle Route 72. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Northern England, where it is often known simply as the Roman Wall. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. English Heritage, a government organization in charge of managing the historic environment of England, describes it as "the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain".
Hadrian's Wall Path
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a long distance footpath in the north of England, which became the 15th National Trail in 2003. It runs for 84 miles (134.5 kilometres), from Wallsend on the east coast of Great Britain to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. The path runs through urban areas, and over moors. For most of its length it is close to the remains of Hadrian's Wall, the defensive wall built by the Romans on the northern border of their empire. This is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.
The walking is easy, though muddy in places. The highest point on the path is only 1,000 feet (300 m), and for most of its length the path is more or less flat. Though most of the Wall runs through remote countryside, there are lengthy sections which pass through the cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. The path is well signposted. For most of the walk there are many signs of human activity, and, in summer, many other walkers. Though there are villages and farms near to the path, there are not many places to buy food and drink, especially in the middle sections. The part of the path between Chollerford and Walton is the highest and wildest part of the path; it is also the part where the Wall is most visible, and includes several important Roman forts.
An itinerary
This itinerary breaks the walk into six stages.
- Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall - this section is 15 miles (24 km) long. The path starts by the Swan Hunter Ship Yard. Before starting the walk, it is worth visiting the nearby site of the Roman fort of Segedunum. Most of this section runs through urban areas, including through the center of Newcastle upon Tyne, and along the banks of the Tyne. Only the last part, leading to Heddon-on-the-Wall, is in open countryside. There are occasional glimpses of the Wall.
- Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford - this section is 15.5 miles (24.9 km) long. This section is almost entirely through open countryside. The Wall is occasionally visible, and the Vallum (earthworks) is frequently visible on the south side.
- Chollerford to Steel Rigg - this section is 12 miles (19 km) long. The Roman fort of Chesters is close to the start of this section. The path starts to rise now and the countryside becomes moor, rather than farmland. This is one of the best parts of the walk. Much more of the Wall is visible, and parts of it run along the edge of crags, giving superb views over the open countryside to the north. The path passes the Roman fort at Vercovicium (Housesteads), which has been extensively restored and contains much of interest. The Pennine Way long distance path branches off north just after this.
- Steel Rigg to Walton - this section is 16.25 miles (26.15 km) long. This is another excellent section across open countryside, with the Wall occasionally visible. The Roman fort at Birdoswald has a museum. The Pennine Way long distance path joins the Hadrian’s Wall Path near the village of Greenhead. As the path approaches Walton, Lanercost Priory is a short walk to the south. Much of the Priory was built with stones taken from the Wall.
- Walton to Carlisle - this section is 11 miles (18 km) long. This section of the path moves back down into farmland, and crosses the M6 motorway. Part of the path is alongside the River Eden, passing through a pleasant park and over a large footbridge.
- Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway - this section is 14.75 miles (23.74 km) long. The first part of this section is rather boring, but the walking improves once the path gets beyond the outskirts of Carlisle. Most of the path runs alongside either the River Eden or the Solway Firth. There is not much of the Wall to be seen, but the walking is open and pleasant. The path ends in the village of Bowness-on-Solway.
Accommodation and services
The increasing popularity of the walk, and the lack of accommodation along the route, has made it necessary to book lodgings well in advance.
If one has a vehicle, the attractive small town of Corbridge has three hotels, and is a convenient point from which to tackle the path. There are five youth hostels near the path.
Services such as accommodation, restaurants and taxis can be best found by using the Google Maps UK site. This takes listings from the UK Yellow Pages and other sources and locates them on Google’s maps. Additional information on accommodations can be found on the National Trail website.
Click here for Bing Map
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