Scenic sections of Hadrian's Wall
When Hadrian's Wall was constructed, the aim was to make the wall an incredibly strong line of defence, meaning it followed the high ground wherever possible. Fast forward nearly 2,000 years and you will find the remains of the wall snaking through some of England's finest countryside. Walking is a real pleasure along the line of Hadrian's Wall with breath-taking views both north and south. Below you find the details of the best scenic sections of Hadrian's Wall, from east to west. You will also find information about some of the less well known places of interest.
The section of wall here at Steel Rigg is probably the most famous to be found along the whole length. Fans of Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves will instantly recognise Sycamore Gap, a short walk to the east, with spectacular views to the north and south.
Cawfields to Walltown Quarry
Widely acknowledge to be the most dramatic section of Hadrian’s Wall, a walk from Cawfields to Walltown Quarry is well worth the effort. One of the best kept secrets on Hadrian’s Wall can be found roughly half way along in the middle of a working farm!
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Sewingshields milecastle
The section of Wall between Housesteads and Sewingshields is best enjoyed on foot with spectacular views of prehistoric earthworks, and many interesting features, including a milecastle and turret.
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Poltross Burn milecastle
One of the best-preserved milecastles on Hadrian's Wall, Poltross includes an oven, a stair to the rampart walk, and the remains of its north gateway. The step found here allowed archeologists to estimate the overall height of the rampart-walk.
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Carrawburgh, Temple of Mithras
Mithras was a Roman god exclusively worshipped by men. He was the embodiment of light who, legend has it, caught and killed a bull in a dark cave resulting in all life flowing from its spilt blood.
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Brunton Turret
Located a few metres from the B1318, Brunton Turret still stands over 2.4 metres high and is one of the last remaining sections where you can see the change from the broad wall design to the narrow wall.
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Heddon-on-the-Wall
The longest visible stretch of broad wall along the whole length of the wall. St. Andrew’s church in the village was built in 680AD entirely from recycled stone from the wall on a site believed to have once been used for pagan ceremonies!
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Heavenfield
Heavenfield is the name given to the area where King Oswald and his Christian army defeated King Cadwallon and his pagan army close to the line of Hadrian’s Wall. This victory lead to the wide scale adoption of Christianity in northern England.
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Benwell Roman Temple
A temple dedicated to a British god called Antenociticus, reference to whom doesn’t exist anywhere else in the Roman Empire. The soldiers stationed in the nearby fort worshipped him in return for favours, such as promotions.
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Banks East & Leahill Turrets
Banks East and Leahill Turrets are both imposing and well-preserved. These turrets were originally part of the turf wall section of the wall, but were later incorporated into the stone wall. Nearby lies Pike Hill, an early signal tower.
Bowness-on-Solway
Just south of “The Banks”, overlooking the Solway Firth, lies the western end of Hadrian’s Wall. Unfortunately, very little of this section of the wall remains, although this marks the beginning or end of the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail.
Crosscanonby Milefortlet
Although Hadrian’s Wall ended at Bowness-on-Solway, a system of milefortlets were constructed down the west coast as far as St. Bee’s Head. Crosscanonby is one of the last remaining examples, situated on a lovely stretch of beach.
Ravenglass Roman Bathhouse
The remains of the bath house of Ravenglass Roman fort, established in AD 130, are among the tallest Roman structures surviving in northern Britain: the walls stand almost 4 metres (13 feet) high.
For further details about any of the sites above, plus itinerary ideas, please visit the official website for Hadrian's Wall, www.hadrians-wall.org
Many of the above sites are managed by English Heritage. For full details of those that are, please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk
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