Over hill and through dale, forging a path through wild landscapes and nearly 2000 years of history- Hadrian’s Wall is Northumberland’s icon. Built in AD122 it formed the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, stretching 73 miles from coast to coast.
Still standing today, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and so much more than a wall.
It is a path back in time, offering a truly unique insight into life in Roman Britain.
And its famous route across Northumberland and Cumbria provides some of the country’s most spectacular walking routes, taking you off the beaten track to drink in panoramic views of our peaceful national park.
No trip to Northumberland is complete without taking time to visit Hadrian’s Wall. And with custom chauffeured tours, guests at our historic 5 star estate can experience it all in absolute luxury. So, to help you plan your excursion, we’ve drawn up a guide to historic highlights, top walking trails and places to take a pause and breathe in the beauty.
Step Back In Time
With Roman milecastles, turrets and forts dotted at regular intervals along its 73-mile route, you simply can’t avoid the wealth of history on display as you walk along Hadrian’s Wall. And, for history lovers – there are nearly as many opportunities to delve a little deeper into Northumberland’s ancient past.
Explore Britain’s most complete Roman Fort at Housesteads. Originally named Vercovium ‘the place of the effective fighters’, 800 soldiers once lived and worked at this fort, sitting on the dramatic Whin Sill escarpment with panoramic views of Northumberland National Park.
Just a few miles away and perfect for bold adventurers of all ages, Chesters is the best preserved Roman cavalry fort in Britain. Explore its museum and get hands on with history in a family trail around the fort itself.
Watch archaeologists unearth new treasures at Vindolanda, a Roman fort and village, occupied for over 300 years. With regular excavations taking place throughout the summer and autumn – it’s the perfect way to experience the living, breathing history of the land. And, take time to visit a museum, home to the Vindolanda Writing Tablets – the oldest surviving handwritten documents in Britain.
And, if you want to stay on trail but don’t want to miss out on historic sights – Brocolita Roman Temple is the answer. Once part of a large 500-strong fort at Carrawburgh, the temple was dedicated to the Persian deity Mithras, beloved by soldiers.
Put Your Best Foot Forward
A walk along Hadrian’s Wall isn’t just a walk. It’s an experience like no other. Stride in the footsteps of Roman legionaries, scaling the same peaks to take in the same, breathtaking views of this wild and majestic land.
A classic and unmissable walk that takes in some of the best views, is the trail from Steel Rigg to Cragg Lough. Lace up your hiking books to follow the sharp, craggy ascents of the wall path, which rewards you with an ancient milecastle, the site of the famous Sycamore Gap tree and, after a final climb, a truly spectacular view from Highshield Crags- looking down at the shocking blue of Crag Lough.
Cawfields is a great spot for a flatter and more moderate walk. A circular route, it takes you from the lake edge and through Northumbrian countryside to the wall, where you’ll come across a turret and Roman mile castle before looping back for a peaceful return leg. A tranquil oasis, when the sun goes down, Cawfields is a particularly beautiful site for a spot of stargazing before you head for home.
For a more accessible experience at Hadrian’s Wall – Walltown Country Park is ideal. A natural haven, just a stone’s throw from the Roman Army Museum it offers accessible, flexi-paved trails for everyone to explore the beauty and nature of Northumberland at their own pace. Find serenity in its willow peace labyrinth and let little ones go wild at its balance bike library and activity centre.
Drink It All In
There’s so much to see, do and experience at Hadrian’s Wall, it’s important to take a breather and give yourself a moment to pause and drink in the atmosphere and unique beauty.
The starting point for many walking trails along Hadrian’s Wall, The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre is also the gateway to Northumberland National Park. Discover the natural heritage and culture of England’s border county with its range of exhibitions, shop locally produced gifts and food, let little ones burn off excess energy at its playscape and settle in with a cup of tea and a well-earned treat in its coffee and bakehouse.
Close to the wall, the picture perfect village of Simonburn is a slice of quintessential English life. Stone cottages and tearooms border a classic village green, a green and pleasant spot to put your feet up for a well-earned pit stop.
A little further east, Corbridge is the place to continue your Roman experience. Learn how people lived and worked in the shadow of Hadrian’s Wall at Corbridge Roman Town . Then, head into the village itself to stroll its cobbled streets, browse artisan shops and reward yourself with a cold drink in its traditional, Northumbrian pubs.
However you experience Hadrian’s Wall, make it unforgettable with a stay at our 5 star country house hotel. Just minutes from the world heritage sites, and with custom chauffeured tours at your disposal – it’s your luxury base for the ultimate Northumbrian experience.