Day 24 Wednesday May 31 Walk along Hadrian's Wall

Today we took the Hadrian's Wall Bus west of Vindolanda, so we could hike along sections where the Wall is still standing

This lake is part of a quarry that was in use until the mid 1940s - the crags in the background were along the route of Hadrian's Wall, but this section of the Wall was destroyed as part of the quarrying operation

Looking back toward the quarry - the Wall and part of a milecastle.  The Wall rises, turns and stops abruptly at the quarry

Looking over the Wall northward into barbarian territory

A large helicopter flying overhead

A few climbs on this section

And more climbs - but a beautiful day, with great views north and south

A tower against the Wall - trail is to the right, farmers' fences in the background

Another milecastle

Climbing down into Sycamore Gap

Too many people out today... Couldn't get that iconic photo

And then more climbing

Beautiful farmhouse along the trail, made of familiar looking stone...

Final climb up to Housesteads

And another milecastle, this one with part of an arched entrance

One for Sandy

Section of the trail through a forest

And after 10k, the walls of Housesteads

The climb down from the fort to the parking lot and bus stop

Great dinner in Hexham, in the Heart of Northumberland pub - very dog friendly!

Off to Carlisle tomorrow morning

Day 23 Tuesday May 30 - around Hexham

We took the AD122 part way along its route, to the Roman fort at Vindolanda

On the short walk in to Vindolanda, you could see a famous section of the Wall in the distance - Sycamore gap -  named for the tree growing in the valley beside the Wall. Vindolanda was located about a mile behind the Wall, inside Roman territory

Part of the civilian village outside the fort - thought to be iron smelting workshops 

More drains outside the fort, this time in front of houses and a tavern

Ongoing excavations - in a wet layer with good organic preservation (we could see lots of wood in the trench - planks, complete tree trunks)

Possible wooden water pipes (being kept wet under the cloth)

Reconstructed mile castle and section of wall

Looking down at the site from the top of the mile castle

Part of the wall of the fort - the day was getting darker...

After Vindolanda, on to Housesteads

Housesteads is one of the most complete forts found along the Wall.  It's located right on the Wall, on the crest of a hill.

Part of the civilian village outside the fort - more houses and/or workshops. Misty and blustery day up on the hill.

The Wall running up to the outside walls of the fort

The Western gate of the fort

Bake ovens located inside the fort walls

The fort commander's private bathhouse inside his residence

The weather cleared up by the evening - we're  hoping to get out for a walk along a section of the Wall tomorrow

Day 22 Monday May 29 Halton Shield to Hexham 18k

Setting off this morning on the last day of St Oswald's Way/Hadrian's Wall path - a bit damp and misty, but great walking weather

The first of many stiles

Halton Red House

Another kind of stile

And another kind of style (reprinted with permission...)

Sandy explaining how Hadrian's Wall was constructed

Sheep climbing out of the earthworks next to the Wall - the wall has disappeared in this section, mostly into the construction of local farmhouses 

More of the ditch - we're on the northern side at this point and the Wall would have been where the road is now

Nearby farmhouses

The official end of St Oswald's Way

The church in Heavenfield

Walking south, still along Hadrian's Wall path

The first piece of the Wall that we've seen

The Wall starts to become narrower in this section

Heading south from the Wall towards Hexham

Who's got carrots?

No, seriously... Who's got carrots?!

Fallowfield Farm

View towards Hexham

Beautiful country lanes

Hey... You guys coming in for lunch?

Leaving Acomb after lunch

Rush hour

Climbing out of Acomb - Acomb House behind us

Neighbourhood watch

River Tyne - coming into Hexham

Hexham Abbey

Our B&B - Hexham Town House.  Beautiful rooms and a great recommendation for dinner (fantastic meal at the Beaumont Hotel)

Heather and Wayne leave tomorrow for a few days in London.  Hope to see you again next year and share more adventures on the road!

Sandy, Doug, Scott and I will stay in Hexham for two more days, then on to Carlisle, Grasmere, Glasgow and home.