Walking the Wall

While it is sad that the Earthwatch teams are small and not as much work can be done at the dig, we are getting loads of time and attention from the experts The groups have been so large in the past, they've had to rent a bus to take participants to see local sights. With just three of us on Sunday, our supervisor Nick drove us out into the countryside in his car for a bit of walking along the Wall. We pulled off a miracle, and it didn't rain a drop on us. The sun even made an appearance from time to time!

After a quick spin around downtown Newcastle, we headed west. Our first stop was Housesteads Fort, built in AD 124, and perched high on a ridge,

Up and over we went!

 

Foxglove in full bloom.

 

 

 

The remains of Milecastle 37.

The Wall, of course, was built along the highest ridges, which must be climbed!

 

 

There are sections that you can walk on, but many areas ask that you walk alongside the Wall or on the military road running parallel to it.

Crag Lough (the English version of Loch) is in sight.

 

We made it to the top and the view north, towards Northumberland National Park, was well worth it.

I couldn't resist the requisite sheep picture. Lunch time for him, too.

A fellow hiker helped with the official hike photo.

(me, Keith, Maggie, and Nick)

After a fortifying lunch at the Twice Brewed Inn (love the village names of Once Brewed and Twice Brewed!) we moved on to Chesters Roman Fort, which was also built around AD 124. Set much lower in the landscape than Housesteads, Chesters was built to guard the bridge which not only crossed the River North Tyne, but carried the Wall and the military road across the river. For 47 years, between 1843 and 1890, antiquarian John Clayton excavated nearly all of Chesters.

 

Sadly, Clayton's home, also on the park's property, is a private residence. This is as much as you can see.

 

 

 

It's fun to have the person who wrote the Chesters guidebook as your mentor and tour guide!

Inside the barracks.

 

The street that divided the two barrack blocks.

 

The floor rested on these supports.

It's amazing what is still intact after all these years.

Niches in the changing room of the baths, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in Britain.

As usual, you never have pictures of yourself unless you ask someone to take them!

The Wall running down the hill towards the River North Tyne and the fort. The bridge ruins are on the other side. Chesters straddles the Wall.

Wild poppies growing in a field across the river. They are frequently seen growing among the ruins at many sites because of the loose soil.

It was along, but wonderful day out. Needless to say I slept well that night!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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