Location
Grid Reference: NY 670 660 (OS Outdoor Leisure 43)
Ownership
Northumberland National Park Authority
Description
Walltown is a former quarry cutting dramatically through the Wall and the underlying Whin Sill dolerite bedrock. It has been landscaped and developed as a recreational site with extensive network of paths and ponds. From here you can walk up to the well preserved section of the Wall at Walltown Crags overlooking the site. There is also a short walk to Thirlwall Castle, 1 km west.
Access
Drivers are signposted from the B6318 near Greenhead. The Hadrian’s Cycleway passes 500m to the south of the site and both the Hadrian’s Path National Trail and the Pennine Way National Trail pass through the site itself. There is also a bus stop for the Hadrian’s Wall Bus (AD122), which runs a daily service between Easter and October.
Facilities
- Refreshment Kiosk – Open daily between April and October
- Toilets (including disabled)
- Public Water Tap
- Cycle Stands (2 lockable, 3 open stands)
- Car Parking Max: 55 bays including 3 bays for disabled badge holders (£1.00 per car per day)
- Coach Parking Max: 10 Coaches (£5.00 per coach per day)
- Easy Access to National Trail
- The Hard Rock Trail – a geological trail (Takes approx. 45 minutes)
- Clue Trail – for 6-9 year olds (Takes approx. 45 minutes)
- Orienteering Trail – simple course for 7 year olds (Takes about ½ hour)
- Picnic Tables
- Dogs, under close supervision
Car Park concessions for Charity-led Walks only
- Coach Parking Charges would be halved
- Up to 20 vehicles(minibuses and cars) would not be charged at all
- Over 20 vehicles (minibuses and cars) would be charged half price
- Ranger time - free
Access & Land Management Issues
The land along the route is privately owned and farmed. East of Walltown Farm the path is extremely sensitive and there are number of slopes that are vulnerable between King Arthur’s Well and Allolee farm (see map). This area also falls within a biological SSSI and is Scheduled and is therefore protected by the relevant legislation. Care is needed to avoid disturbing stock, especially during lambing and calving time in the spring and autumn. At Walltown no fires or overnight accommodation is allowed. Event planners are requested to be familiar with new Open Access legislation that applies to land either side of the route (see www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk). Note: National Park Rangers will monitor all event activities to assess their impact on the surrounding environment.
Wet Weather Alternative Route
There is a wet weather alternative route from Walltown that follows the minor road and Byway running parallel and south of Hadrian’s Wall Path. Return access to the Trail is via a permissive path to Great Chesters Fort.
Contact
Paget Lazzari, Senior Ranger
Email: paget.lazzari@nnpa.org.uk
+44 (0) 1434 344430
Mobile: 07795 834951