{mosimage}Take the opportunity to visit a World Heritage Site and imagine yourself back in the time of the ancient Roman world in Britain. The construction of the wall was ordered by the Emperor Hadrian in A.D. 122 to separate the land of the Britons from the land of the Picts. The wall stretched from the River Tyne to the River Solway and remnants of the wall still remain across the cliff on which it was built. The original wall was 73 miles long and 15 feet high. The remaining parts of the wall are only one metre high in some places, but you can still get the idea of the construction techniques of the period and marvel at how the work was accomplished.
You can see the evidence of how these ancient people lived through the archaeological excavations that have been carried out at the site. There are 18 forts along the wall as well as evidence of Roman villages, several temples and Roman altars, and many reconstructions of military buildings and houses. The Birdoswald Roman Fort at Gilsland is one such example of how you can immerse yourself in history. The Hadrian’s Wall National Trail lets you walk in the footsteps of history as you pick up your passport and have it stamped at the various stations along the way. What a wonderful souvenir to bring home with you!
Although Hadrian’s Wall is a must on your list when you visit Northumberland, there are also many other sites that you can indulge in and prolong your stay. Since part of this wall is in Scotland, you can choose to stay in either country and make it your base for visiting the entire area. Choose a hotel, motel , a bed and breakfast or a self-catering cottage and plan your day. If you wish to walk the entire length of the wall, you can stop at the villages along the way or camp out overnight under the stars.
For the outdoor enthusiast, you don’t have to limit yourself to walking along Hadrian’s Wall. This area is well known for its wonderful fishing opportunities in one of the many lakes and the whole area provides you with an opportunity to go birdwatching or exploring the natural flora and fauna of the region.
The north of Carlisle provides you with stunning scenery where both the Scottish borders and the Lake District are only a short drive away. You can take the train ride along the Eden Valley and across the Cumbrian Pennines. Your visit to the Walls can be combined with stops in the little market towns where you can do some shopping and pick up unique gifts. Visit the quaint little pubs and chat with the locals who can fill you in on the exciting history of this part of the world.
You don’t have to walk the trail along the wall if that is not your style. Why not rent a car and drive through all the villages and towns? Stop and have a pub meal or just enjoy the spectacular scenery. You will be so enthralled by what you see that you will not be able to drink it all in. It will leave you craving for more and keep you returning time after time.
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