Hadrian's Wall walk along my favourite section of the wall from The Sill to Housesteads

Walking along Hadrian's Wall looking towards Housesteads - one of the most iconic views on the entire Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall Walk, from The Sill To Housesteads, details:

The Sill to Housesteads Distance: 3.5 miles
Walk time: 2h with stops
Walk difficulty: Easy

There are the odd little steep sections along the wall (and it can be boggy in sections in winter) - but I've done this walk loads and with the kids (as young as 5). It's a greta walk for all the family and an interesting one for kids!

Hadrian's Wall Walk map route:

This particular walking route is a linear walk and starts from The Sill visitor centre and you soon get to Hadrian's Wall and then you just head east to Housesteads alongside the wall - where you can get the regular Hadrian's Wall bus back to The Sill. You can of course extend the walk and make it circular (perhaps via Vindolanda if you have time?)

If you don't have a Phone Map App - I really recommend the one by Ordnance Survey. You can download route maps to your phone such as this one and the app will show you exactly where you are on the route even when you have no signal - so no more taking a wrong turn :-)

Hadrian's Wall Walk photos:

Hadrian's Wall walk best route section Northumberland The Sill Housesteads

As soon as you get onto the Hadrian's wall path you can see the up & down nature of the rugged Northumbrian landscape that the wall was built upon. The first point of interest you approach is Milecastle 39. As the walk is just over 3 miles - you'll encounter 3 of these on this historic walk.

Sycamore Gap Tree Hadrian's Wall walk best route section Northumberland The Sill Housesteads

It's not long before you then encounter the iconic landmark of the Sycamore Gap Tree on this Hadrian's Wall walk (it maybe takes only 30 mins to get to this point) It is possibly the most photographed tree in the country and is thought to be several hundred years old. It was made even more famous when it featured in the 1991 Robin Hood:Prince of Thieves film

Some of the views are immense on this short Hadrian's Wall walk and here we look back on most of the route we have walked along Hadrian's Wall which peers over the craggy Northumberland cliffs and Crag Lough

The remains of Milecastle 37 and some of the arch way that once stood here. It lets you imagine the height of this once tall wall

Onwards we go along Hadrian's Wall and this is the last little dip we have to navigate on this rugged Northumberland landscape

On the last little section of this Hadrian's Wall walk we approach Housesteads Roman Fort - one of the most iconic views on the entire Hadrian's Wall and often the view or photo of choice for many to represent Hadrian's Wall

Right at the end of the walk we arrive at Housesteads Roman Fort - the best preserved fort along the entire Hadrian's Wall. It was constructed just after the wall in AD 124 and has been given it's current name after a local farm stead - but in it's time was known as Vercovicium. This place in itself is worth a good explore of the old barrack blocks, hospital and various other buildings (although you do need to purchase a ticket form the visitor centre at Housesteads)

And that wraps up this little historic and walk. I hope it's made you want to give the route a try - it really is a superb historic walk with stunning views around every bend and is great for adults and kids alike. Upon arriving at Housesteads - we grabbed a bite to eat and drink at the cafe (toilets and a little pay area too for kids) and then got the regular AD 122 Bus back to The Sill (rather than walk) which takes about 10 mins. The bus runs regularly - every 1 or 2 hours depending on the time of year and you can find out more here www.gonortheast.co.uk/ad122/

Happy Hiking!

Post by Stuart Hodgson
'The Hiking Photographer'

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