Hadrian's Wall

Northumberland 23

Image by moey

Incoming Traveller Apr 23, 2013 09:43:06

Greetings all. I don't usually do Roman but for a change I'm going up to Hadrian's Wall next month - doing a bit of walking but nothing like the whole thing - and have plenty to see, but wondered if there was any particular section that had to be seen (for archaeological/spiritual/incredible landscape reasons). And the museums? I'm thinking Vindolanda looks the best (I only want to visit one if possible) but if anyone's got rave reviews of any of the others then please let me know.

CARL Apr 23, 2013 15:32:32

Replying to Incoming Traveller

A couple of years ago I spent a week travelling along Hadrian’s Wall visiting all the sites.

Off the top of my head I would say the ‘must see’ sites are:

Housesteads – excellent fort – don’t forget to see the toilets!
Vindolanda – fantastic museum / good reconstructions
Temple of Mithras – small but perfectly formed
Corbridge – like stepping into the past

The drive / walk between Hosesteads and the Temple of Mithras is the best surviving section of the wall and is well worth a view. You can see it snaking along the top of the crags for miles.

For refreshments you can’t go wrong with a visit to the Twice Brewed Pub.

Don’t forget to visit the ‘old stones’ along the way as well.

Hope you have as good a time as I did!

Hob Apr 23, 2013 17:58:11

Replying to Incoming Traveller

Aye, there's a whole interesting day's walk just north of the wall. Monuments focused on significant natural features and things like that. Much better than that daft linear thing the ancient Italians built.

I'm full of busy right now, but will try and get back and provide some links later on.

Howburn Digger Apr 25, 2013 21:32:41

Replying to Incoming Traveller

I can suggest a little diversion on your route which might just blow your socks off.
A 15 mile drive North up the A68 from Hadrian's Wall North of Corbridge will bring you to Rochester. Head down the A698 past Otterburn and turn off towards Hepple. Park at Billsmoor Park and head up the footpath towards what is marked as "The Pedlar's Stone" on this map...

http://binged.it/ZRuP6A

What you are looking for is NOT immediately easy to locate. Indeed it was only "discovered" fairly recently. You can orientate yourself using this photo which looks towards North Yardhope.

http://flic.kr/p/Ks48B

There are many rocky outcrops here. Persevere. You'll find it.

Look upon the Shrine To Cocidius.

http://flic.kr/p/Ks4a2

Enjoy your trip.