Short Walks: Hadrian’s Wall

Wander in the footsteps of the Roman soldiers once positioned on this spectacular section of Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 73-miles from Coast to Coast, the wall was commissioned by Emperor Hadrian in AD122 to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire. This 4-mile circular route passes some of Northumberland’s best preserved Roman ruins, a glacial lake, and the iconic Sycamore Gap.

Step-by-step guide

1. From Steel Rigg, go through a small gate in the far corner of the car park signposted ‘Hadrian’s Wall’.

2. Follow the footpath until you meet Hadrian’s Wall. Turn left through the gate.

3. Walk down a grassy bank with Hadrian’s Wall on your right, until you meet a paved footpath at the bottom.

4. Turn left onto this path and climb the steep stone steps to the summit of Peel Crags.

5. Follow the undulating path alongside Hadrian’s Wall past Milecastle 39 and the iconic Sycamore Gap.

6. Remain on the footpath along the lofty Highshield Crags which overlook a glacial lake known as Crag Lough.

7. Continue on the path through the wood and cross the stile. Go through the gate on your right.

8. Cross the farm track and follow the paved path through the gate signposted ‘Housesteads’. Continue straight ahead up the grassy footpath before crossing a stone step stile. Head straight, keeping the farm buildings on your left.

9. Go through the gate and follow the track to a ladder stile situated next to a gate before turning immediately left and crossing a step stile by the footpath sign.

10. Head across the field. Go over another stile and cross the next field towards the footpath sign.

11. Turn onto the farm track. Cross the ladder stile and head across the next field towards a barn.

12. Keeping the stone wall on your right, follow the footpath until it merges into a farm track. Continue on the track until you reach the road. Turn left and walk uphill. Steel Rigg View Car Park is on your left.

Key Information

Distance: 4 miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Duration: Allow 2.5 hours

Start: Steel Rigg View National Park Car Park

OS Explorer Map: OL43

Grid Reference: NY 751 676

What3Words: blockage.deny.relax

Nearest Pub: Twice Brewed Inn