Hadrian’s Wall is the most important site in Roman Britain, with forts, civilian settlements and temples as well as fortifications. A World Heritage listed site, it is the largest surviving monument to the Roman army, stretching for 80 Roman miles from the Tyne to the Cumbrian coast. In a series of visits and walks in the company of renowned Roman historian, Dr Andy Fear of Manchester University, we examine the role and organisation of the largest professional army until the modern era, placing it in context as we visit the altars and tombstones of its soldiers and their families and explore the remains and reconstructions of fortifications, houses and barrack blocks.

Walks will follow marked national paths, at times over challenging terrain, but nothing that a person of average fitness could not achieve. However to maintain momentum, those not up to the required fitness standard will be asked to travel by coach and meet the walking group at the far end. Notwithstanding, everybody will enjoy this hospitable tour set amongst the dramatic scenery of Northern England.

Recognising that the Roman Empire could not expand indefinitely, Emperor Hadrian determined to consolidate his frontiers and the resultant wall reflects that change of policy. Whilst this is the story of the frontier of an empire and the threats it faced, it is also the story of both the flourish and decline of Rome's British province and the experience of the locals living on either side of the barrier. Occupied for two and half centuries, the Wall was heavily garrisoned, yet much about it is a mystery. Mentioned a handful of times in ancient literature, the changing design and function of Hadrian's Wall has to be deduced from excavation and many puzzles remain for us to discuss and unravel as we travel along it.

Day 1 – The Western End

Assemble at our Carlisle Hotel by 12:00 and enjoy a sandwich lunch and introduction. Travel to Maryport to see the remains of a freestanding ‘Mile fortlet’ and visit the excellent Senhouse Roman museum. Taking the coastal route, we visit the site of the western end of Hadrian’s Wall at Bowness-on-Solway whilst at Burgh by Sands we take a short walk along traces of the wall to Beaumont (1.5 km). Return to Carlisle and check-in to our hotel for two nights.

Day 2 – Outposts

At Burnswark Hill fort we discuss Roman siege-craft and see catapult platforms and other traces. We visit the remains of the ‘dangerous’ outpost forts at Birrens and Bewcastle. After exploring the Roman museum at Greenhead, we find the best internally preserved mile-castle on the wall at Gilsand from where we can enjoy a 2½ km walk along the wall to Birdoswald Fort. Here we see clear evidence of the broad/narrow wall transition, a good section of the ditch preserved by a farm track, the Willowford Roman bridge abutment, sections of turf wall and visit the small museum and internal buildings. Return to our Carlisle hotel.

Day 3 – Vindolanda and Housesteads

Visit to Vindolanda which formed part of the putative Stanegate frontier, commonly regarded as the predecessor of Hadrian’s Wall. This iconic site and its excellent museums provide great stimulus for discussions about the wall and its developments After lunch our coach takes us to Housesteads from where we will walk the most beautiful and best preserved sections of the wall to Steel Rigg via Mile-castles 37, 38 and 39 (Sycamore Gap) where our coach will be waiting for us (4½ km). Explore Carrawburgh Mithraeum dedicated to the Persian sun god much venerated by Roman soldiers. Continue to Newcastle where we check-in to our hotel for three nights.

Day 4 – Towns and Forts

Our day starts at Limestone Corner, where the ditch was abandoned. Thnce to the cavalry fort at Chesters, with its impressive bathhouse, and the depot fort at Corbridge. We enjoy a light pub-lunch before returning to explore Hexham, especially its Abbey which houses a number of Roman artefacts. Return to Newastle.

Day 5 - Beyond the Wall

Today we consider legionary life on the far side of the wall starting at the impressive Bremenium fort and its nearby Roman cemetery. At Chew Green we explore the significant traces of a Roman marching camp and walk a short section of Dere Street. We can examine the excavated metalled road at Holystone and at Risingham we see the earthwork remains of Habitancum fort. Return to Newastle.

Day 6 - Points East (activity level 3)

With brief stops at the Benwell Vallum crossing and the temple of Antenociticus en route, we will visit the remarkable reconstructed gate houses, wall sections, viewing towers and visitor centres at South Shields and Wallsend. Thence to the centre of Newcastle for lunch and a visit to the dedicated Hadrian’s Wall exhibition within the Museum of the North. Drop off at Newcastle Central station at 15:30 from where it will be possible to catch the return train to Carlisle (1 ½ hours) or London.