Laura the Explorer visits Carlisle
Our competition winner took a trip to Hallmark Hotel Carlisle. She enjoyed walking along Hadrian's Wall, exploring Carlisle castle, the Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, and the town centre's nightlife.
Hadrian's Wall Walking Tour & Roman Forts -Vindolanda, Housesteads etc
Hadrian’s Wall was the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, built AD 122-8, coast to coast, creating an impenetrable barrier to protect the empire, it stands as the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain.
I set out to walk the best remaining parts and as many forts as possible in 5 days. The distances covered were moderate and the scenery was breath-taking. I have set out my itinerary below with some advice if you feel inspired to walk the wall. English weather is changeable, it rains even in the summer, so be prepared.
Money saving tips: Obtain 10% discount on your entrance fees, upon presentation of your bus ticket, when you use the AD122 bus at following: Housesteads, Vindolanda, Roman Army museum and Chesters.
Day One - Newcastle, travel from the Eldon Square bus depot, Newcastle on the X84 to Hexham, get off at the Angel Inn, Corbridge. Purchase one day “Hadrian’s Frontier Pass” ticket to cover bus journeys and save money. Corbridge Roman Town is only a short walk, featuring well-preserved foundations and a small worthwhile museum. Must see - Corbridge Lion.
Back to the Angel to catch the X84 to Hexham where you change to the AD122, the bus running along sites on Hadrian’s Wall, to travel to Chester’s. Chesters Roman Fort is situated in a pretty location, has well-preserved foundations, a good cafe and small museum. Must see - Roman Bath. Walk north up a really pleasant country lane to one of the nearby pre-booked B&Bs. For evening food have to travel about half a mile to either Chollerford or Humshaugh.
Day Two - Short walk along excellent stretches of the wall between visits to Housesteads and Vindolanda. Recommend catching the AD122 outside Chesters to Housesteads. Decide whether to buy a one day rover ticket as may be able to use the bus later. Housesteads is perched on the wall, with stunning views. Must see - the latrines and small museum. Resume walking the wall west, 3 mile stretch covers some stunning sites. Although distance is short there are a number of descents and climbs. Head south after Peel Crags to Vindolanda - probably best site, it boasts: extensive foundations; reconstruction of stone tower; good restaurant and excellent museum. Must see - Vindolanda tablets.
Accommodation Twice Brewed. Tip: stopped serving meals early, so make sure you find out when last orders are for food.
Day Three - Day of Walking, stopping off at Roman Army Museum, finishing at Greenhead. Retrace steps back to the wall and continue west, stunning scenery and excellent sections of wall. Don’t miss remains of Great Chesters.
Roman Army Museum - best museum describing the Roman Army, very visual, colourful, plenty of costumes, weapons and film presentations bringing history to life, so really good for children. Don’t miss the excellent 3D film. Good cafe.
Back on the wall path with under a mile of walking through some pleasant scenery to Greenhead, for accommodation. The wall disappears on this stretch but you pass Thirwall castle ruins.
Day Four - Objective walk the section of wall from Gilsland to Birdoswald Fort. You may wish to catch the 185 bus to Birdoswald and then walk back. This stretch contains some of the best sections of the wall. The fort has well-preserved walls and granary although the majority of fort foundations are not visible.
Return to Newcastle by bus AD122 to Hexham from Greenhead then X84. Overnight stay in Newcastle and chance to explore the city.
Day 5 - South Shields Fort and Segedunum, both close to Metro stations so accessible.
South Shields
Good: free ; reconstructed gatehouse, barracks and house.
Not so good: urban setting; foundations not well-preserved.
Segedunum
Good: a good museum; viewing tower; reconstructed bath-house and newest discovered section of wall.
Not so good: some foundations not well-preserved.
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Music Acknowledgments with many thanks.
Intro: Lock & Load by Jens Kiilstofte
Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International
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Main Film:
Music by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0
Titles: Hidden Past and Heavy Heart.
Music by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution licence (
Artist:
Titles: Top 40 Rap; So Dramatic; Enemy Ships and Acoustic Mediation 2.
Lanecrost Priory, Cumbria, UK - 19th February, 2013
Exploring the Town of Corbridge and the Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian's Wall
Day 2, Part 2 of the Great SPiS Adventure. We have progressed to the town of Corbridge in the north of England. A beautiful little town to stroll around in. Last stop of the day is a large Roman fortress along Hadrian's Wall called Housesteads. This is a large and rather remarkable ruin of a 2000 year old Roman fort that was one of Rome's last defense against the barbarians to the north.