A section of the Roman Wall at Steel Rigg and the beautiful rugged Northumberland moors east of Alpha Rise.
Hadrian’s Wall or Roman Wall is 80 Roman miles or 73 modern miles long. It runs from Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne to the shores of the Solway Firth near the village of Bowness-on-Solway. Some of the best examples of Hadrian’s Wall are to be found close to Alpha Rise. The wall itself passes within 100 yards of the property although this part has not been excavated.
A short 10 minute walk west will take you to the Poltross Burn mile castle (No 48). Follow the path across the railway leading to the school, continue to Willowford Farm. A fine stretch of the wall, including two turrets and the remains of an impressive Roman bridge are to be found here. Further downstream the millenium bridge spans the river Irthing, providing a continuous route from Gilsland to Birdoswald.
The Roman name of this fort was Banna and has a long-term archaeological programme of excavation in place. It was also visited by Channel 4’s Time Team who carried out excavations in 2000.
The visitor centre houses interactive displays and a tea room with locally produced goodies! The fort also has special event days where you can see the Roman Imperial Army marching again, so check their website.
This museum houses, replica Roman armour, weapons and a reconstructed barrack room. A fantastic 3D film will take you back in time to give a real insite into life on Hadrian’s Wall 2,000 years ago. Click on the image of the army to see a trailer of the movie. This museum is only 3 miles from Alpha Rise.
Vercovicium, now known as Housesteads Roman Fort, was an auxiliary fort on Hadrian’s Wall. Sitting on the winstone crags this large fort provides stunning views over the wild moorland and is well worth a visit. On route to Housesteads you will pass Sycamore Gap a very famous landmark featured in the Hollywood movie “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves”. This is a photographers favourite!
Vindolanda is a wonderful Roman Fort and civilian settlement, showing partially excavated Roman remains. Lying to the South of Hadrian’s Wall, it guarded the Stanegate Roman road. The open air museum within the gardens has full size reconstructions of a Roman temple, shop, house and Northumbrian Croft, all with audio presentation. The site museum displays artefacts from the excavations such as Roman leather, pottery, textiles and metals. From 2011 a selection of the Vindolanda writing tablets have returned from the British Museum. This superb site should not be missed.
Useful Links
Note there are also some links above try titles and images
- The Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus AD122 Timetable from Friday 22nd April to Sunday 30th October for the 2011 season. New 2013 times will posted in April.
- Walking Hadrians Wall, Guides and Maps
- Birdoswald Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall, Gilsland
- Poltross Burn Milecastle – Hadrian’s Wall, Gilsland
- Willowford Wall, Turrets and Bridge – Hadrian’s Wall, Gilsland
- Lanercost Priory and Tea Rooms
- Housesteads Roman Fort – Hadrian’s Wall
- Milecastle Inn