Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland

[1] From the far R-hand corner of the car park (NY751677), follow the tarmac path that soon turns left through a gate, joining the route of Hadrian’s Wall Path and leading to a fine viewpoint of Peel Crags ahead of you and Crag Lough beyond. When the tarmac finishes, carry on down the grassy slopes. The stone-pitched path soon runs close to the wall and a turret on the far side. At the top of the ascent, you go through a gate and continue with the wall on your left. A bit further on, the path takes you past Milecastle 39, and beyond that you descend to Sycamore Gap. Go through a gap in the wall and climb up the other side. The stretch along the top of the crags above Crag Lough is especially dramatic. Beyond Hotbank Farm, the path ascends once more to continue along the top of Hotbank Crags, thence past Milecastle 37 – notable for its north gate, which still has some of its supporting piers in place. On entering a stretch of woodland, you have the option of staying on the footpath or walking on the top of the wall. This short section (which leads to Housesteads) is the only place where it is officially acceptable to do so. 

 

[2] At Housesteads, go through the gate on your right and down the grassy slopes that will lead you to the entrance for the fort on its south side and the nearby museum (both well worth visiting). Follow the tarmac road south-west down to the B6318. Diagonally right across the road you’ll see a signpost and ladder stile. Follow this path to Crindledykes and continue along the drive to a road. Turn right, noting the limekiln at the first junction, and take the next road on the right after that leading to Vindolanda. This remarkable site (where excavations take place each year) boasts the most extensive remains of any fort or settlement. Again, it’s well worth a visit.

 

[3] Continue up the lane from Vindolanda to a T-junction and turn left (or right back to the start for a shorter walk). Take the next right, an access road leading to Cranberry Brow, and continue along a track to another lane. 

 

[4] Turn right up to the B6318 and carry on along the footpath opposite to Caw Gap. 

 

[5] Back on Hadrian’s Wall Path, turn right and head uphill to reach Winshield Crags trig point – at 345m/1,130ft, this is the highest point on the wall. Then it’s just downhill back to the start. 

The 134km/84-mile Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail crosses the north of the country, coast to coast – from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Now established as one of the country’s most popular long-distance paths, it’s satisfying indeed to walk it all in one go (best done during the drier months from May to October). But there are also many excellent circular walks you can do, incorporating stretches of the path, ideal for short-stay visits or for those who prefer to base themselves in one place and explore the surrounding area, forts and museums. The most impressive stretches of the wall and the wildest scenery are to be found in the central parts of the route. This walk takes you along one of the most spectacular sections, and also passes two of its best preserved sites, Housesteads and Vindolanda – evidence enough of why the wall is recognised as a World Heritage Site.

Route devised by Fiona Barltrop for Walk Magazine.