Steel Rigg to Walton – 16 miles (26 km)
As you leave the magnificent escarpment of the Whin Sill this is another section across open countryside with the Wall occasionally visible.
6 and a half miles west of Steel Rigg is the Roman Army Museum which is based at the site of Carvoran Roman Fort. The museum stands next to Walltown Crags, one of the highest standing sections of Hadrian’s Wall and here you can experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s northern frontier. There are reconstructions, objects excavated along Hadrian’s Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of Empire film.
The Pennine Way long distance path joins the Hadrian’s Wall Path near the village of Greenhead before heading east.
A further 5 miles west brings you to the Roman fort at Birdoswald where you’ll pass over the border from Northumberland to Cumbria. It is one of the best preserved of the 16 forts along Hadrian’s Wall and is situated in a commanding position on a triangular spur of land bounded by cliffs to the south and east overlooking a broad meander of the River Irthing. In Roman times, the fort was known as Banna (Latin for “spur” or “tongue”), reflecting the geography of the site.
3 miles short of Walton and just south of the Wall you’ll find Lanercost Priory which was founded by Robert de Vaux between 1165 and 1174, to house Augustinian Canons. It is situated within sight of Naworth Castle, with which it long had close connections.
The bulk of the church building dates from the late 13th century, though there is evidence of earlier work. The Priory was constructed, at least in part, from stones taken from Hadrian’s Wall, as there are several stones with Roman inscriptions within the fabric of the building.
It is now open to the public and run by English Heritage.