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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