Hadrian's Wall
England
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Hadrian's
Wall,
a barrier separating England from the Scottish hordes, built
in AD 122 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northwest England.
Built
by Roman emperor Hadrian
to protect his English territory from the Scots, this huge
work was partly of earth and turf but mostly of stone, measuring
approximately 3m wide, 5m high and 73 mile (117kms) long. It
was not located precisely on the English/Scottish border, rather
slightly to the south where natural formations aided the defence
works.
Little and large forts manned by Roman soldiers were also constructed
along the wall's entire length, making this border the most
heavily fortified stretch of the entire Roman Empire.

Hadrian's
Wall Sycamore Gap,
also known as the Robin Hood Tree after featuring in a film, 'Robin Hood Prince of Thieves.
© Sue Colvil, Dreamstime.com
After
Hadrian died
the new emperor, Antoninus, decided that Rome needed a wall
further into the barbarian lands so had a shorter turf wall
- the Antonine Wall - constructed about 100 miles (160kms) north;
it was 40 miles long and studded with forts, but didn't help
in controlling the wild tribes and was abandoned by the next
emperor, Marcus Aurelius, who refortified Hadrian's Wall.
Over
the years since the Romans left Britain
(about 400 AD) many of the stones have been taken to build local
housing but there is still enough of the Roman Wall
- especially the central section - left to impress and guide
walkers through the bleak and rolling landscapes of far north
England. The Scots are less warlike and more welcoming these
days so this is a must see if you're driving through England
to Scotland.
The
wall runs from Wallsend on the east coast to Solway Firth in
the west but can be easily tracked from the A69 road which winds
from Newcastle to Carlisle.
The Best Section of Hadrian's Wall is probably the 22 miles (35kms) of reasonably well-preserved wall between the forts of Chesters and Birdoswald, with panoramic views, plenty of bleak and blasted scenery and convenient accommodation at both forts for a relaxed two day hike. More information.

Ruins of a Roman fort, one of many built along the wall. Next, Scotland Pictures.
© Paul Banton
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