Walking The Best of Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Britain's largest archaeological feature and was the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire. An immense feat of labour, the building of the wall started in AD122 during the reign of emperor Hadrian and took 6 years to complete. Three Roman legions completed the task of building a 73 mile long wall with 80 milecastle fortlets with two observation turrets between each one and then larger garrison forts every five miles or so along the wall. This 5-night self-guided walk along Hadrian's Wall, from West to East, starts at Lanercost Priory and ends in Corbridge, taking in some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. We've chosen this route direction so the prevailing winds (and any inclement weather!) are always at your back and the scenery in this direction is considerably better than the other way round. Follow Hadrian's Wall Path across the rolling countryside and rugged moorland of Northumberland. The route passes the world-famous Sycamore Gap and over craggy hillsides, such as those of Walltown, Winshield and Sewingshields Crags. You'll have the possibility of visiting some amazingly well-preserved sites including the Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters. These sites offer a captivating journey into the history and significance of this iconic frontier and allow you to truly appreciate the engineering feat that marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire. Wander through the ruins of a Roman fort, a turret, and a milecastle, each telling a unique story of life along the wall. Delve into the story of Hadrian's Wall through informative displays, artifacts, and interactive elements that bring the history of the Wall to life. Gain a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of this frontier and the lives of those who inhabited and defended it. You finish your route in the affluent and once-bustling Roman town of Corbridge. Stay in welcoming inns, guesthouses and B&B's with hearty Northumberland breakfasts to set you up for a day of exploring.