Enjoy a walk along the most scenic part of Hadrian’s Wall, involving some short, sharp ascents. Take time to visit Vindolanda Roman Fort and The Sill.
Terrain – footpaths, tracks and road, some short steep ascents, may be muddy in places. Stiles, gates, and steps on the route.
Please keep dogs on a lead, livestock (sheep and cattle) graze the fields along Hadrian’s Wall.
Download the PDF guide to Vindolanda & Hadrian’s Wall
Download RouteStarting from outside the Sill. Facing the main entrance follow the path around the right hand side of the building to the gate by the main road. Cross the road into the small woodland and turn left up the footpath alongside the road, heading uphill.
At the corner cross the road by Peel Bothy Cottage. Go through the gate signed 'Hadrian's Wall', keep to the left-hand path heading up to Hadrian's Wall. Go through the gate in Hadrian's Wall and turn right down the flagged path.
Climb up the steep stone steps to the top of Peel Crags and continue on the path alongside Hadrian's Wall as it goes up and down to Milecastle 39 and Sycamore Gap.
Continue on, up Highshield Crags where you look down to Crag Lough. Take care along the crags - steep drops!
Follow the path through the wood and go through the gate, then another gate on your right.
Cross over the farm track and keep to the path through the gate, signed 'Housesteads'. Follow the path up to the top of Hotbank Crags and continue following the wall.
Go down the steep stone steps, at the Pennine Way sign (heading left), turn south (right) along the grassy track that zig-zags downhill to the main road.
At the road turn right and walk along to the junction, cross carefully, and head down the road signed 'Bardon Mill'. Go past Crindledykes Limekiln.
At the junction turn right and keep following the road downhill.
Turn right down the single track road signed 'Vindolanda'. Go past the entrance to Vindolanda Roman Fort, well worth a visit if you have time. Keep to the road, passing Causeway House with its heather thatched roof.
Turn right at the T-junction and head along the road until you come to The Sill on your left.
The starting point for the walk is The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre.
On the B6318 (Military Road). An hour’s car journey west from the centre of Newcastle and 45 mins east from Carlisle (Hadrian’s Wall Bus stops here)
Grid Ref: NY 752 668
W3W: scout.talent.resonated
