Hadrian's Roman Wall Housesteads

Hadrian's Wall: Now a World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall which once stretched 73 miles across the narrowest part of England from Wallsend in the east to Bowness in the west, was constructed by the Romans around AD 125 as a linear defence against the Scots and any possible infiltration from the north.

Emperor Hadrian commissioned the work which for many years marked the northern limit of the dominance by Rome. The central section of Hadrian's Wall around Housesteads Fort, is by far the most isolated and impressive climbing up every crag and hillock to muster height, sometimes reaching over 1200ft, giving commanding prominence to the wild moors all around with stupendous views into Scotland.

Apart from the ruined forts along Hadrian's Wall the remains of Milecastles can be seen (Milecastle 37 the best preserved, west of Housesteads). Built of stone, the height varying around 16ft, Hadrian's Wall is probably the most remarkable Roman relic in Britain with a protective ditch running along its northern flank and a vallum (flat bottomed ditch) along the south side which often deviates away from the wall.

Later a Military Road (now the B6318) was added between the wall and vallum for further support and back up. Hadrian's Wall, Forts and Milecastles were garrisoned by cavalry and infantry with detachments from legions stationed across Britain, finally abandoned by AD 383.

Large sections of the wall were demolished from the mid 18th century for the construction of roads, farms, houses and churches in the vicinity.

Location: Best sections of wall are around Housesteads Fort, close to B6318, NE of Haltwhistle, West Northumberland.

Rated for a visit: Wall, Forts etc. 10/10