Hexham to Haltwhistle
The Wall’s central section crosses England’s high northern ridge through spectacular Northumberland National Park, and contains some of the most magnificent Imperial remains. The Calvary fort at Chesters has well-preserved Wall, an inspiring museum and a Roman herb garden nearby. Either side of Chesters are a number of sections of Wall and some turret remains viewable from the road: Planetrees, Brunton and Black Carts Turrets and adjoining Wall. All can be accessed by foot, often on the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, as can the remarkable ruins of the temple of Mithras at Carrawburgh.
This is marvellous walking country, and the peaceful riverside village of Haydon Bridge is an ideal place to set up base camp. Haydon Bridge is ideally placed for Housesteads Roman Fort and Sewingshields Wall, Turret and Milecastle. Birthplace of renowned Victorian artist John Martin, the village offers lovely walks through the countryside which inspired his work.
From Steel Rigg car park there are fantastic, if challenging, walks across windswept Winshield Crags past continuous Wall to Cawfields. Best foot forward also to Sewingshields Wall, Turret and Milecastle sitting on dramatic Whin Sill, or to Sycamore Gap (made famous by Kevin Costner in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves).
Housesteads Roman Fort is unmissable: magnificent ruins, great museum and spectacular views. Enough said. There are also brilliant walks through the National Park. At the classic fort and civilian remains of Roman Vindolanda there are some amazing reconstructions; with tremendous treasures showcased at the nearby Roman Army Museum. The village of Bardon Mill is handy for Vindolanda, but then so is Haltwhistle, the official geographical centre of Britain. It’s also the centre for the circular Haltwhistle Rings walks; the Wall, Cawfields and the Stone Age Mare & Foal Stones Circle are all accessible by foot.
