Walks in Northumberland
The Wall itself is internationally recognised as a World Heritage Site, but the area's history is much broader than the Roman heritage.
The corridor of land through which the Wall runs offers the visitor an unique view of the region's past. From Iron Age settlements to medieval village sites and 19th century industrial remains, the rich hsitory of the area is preserved in the landscape. Follow these walks and discover it for yourself.
Shaping the landscape
The dramatic outcrop known as the Whin Sill was formed over 250 million years ago when molten magma was squeezed between existing layers of sandstone and limestone. Subsequent weathering and glaciation created the rugged cliffs which gave the Romans a natural defencee on which to build the Wall.
Quarrying of the sandstone, limestone and ironstones has left many scars on the landscape. Equally evident are the surface remains of coal workings, some many centuries old. In several places glacial clay deposits have been dug for the manufacture of bricks and tiles.
Associated Downloads
- Gilsland and Walltown 7miles/11km[Size: 1.17Mb] {#DownloadURL} This varied 7 mile walk follows the section of Hadrian's Wall between Gilsland and Walltown. It also includes Thirlwall Castle and passes through part of the Irthing Valley.
- Greenhead and Blenkinsopp Common 5miles/8km[Size: 1.2Mb] {#DownloadURL} This 5 miles walk takes in the high ground of Blenkinsopp Common, the valley of the Tipalt Burn and Walltown Quarry.
- Once Brewed, Vindolanda & Housesteads 7.5mile/12km[Size: 872.73Kb] {#DownloadURL} This walk takes in the two major Roman forts at Housesteads and Vindolanda.
- Bardon Mill and Thorngrafton Common 5miles/8km[Size: 1.1Mb] {#DownloadURL} This 5 mile walk climbs from the valley floor at Bardon Mill up to Barcombe Ridge on Thorngrafton Common.
- Wall Village and Fallowfield Fell 3.5miles/5.5km[Size: 969.91Kb] {#DownloadURL} This 3.5 mile walk explores the historic landscape of Fallowfield Fell.