It was Agricola, Britain's first Roman Governor who decreed to tame the "wild barbarians" in the North. When Hadrian arrived in AD122, the barbarians were still at large thus to defend his empire's boundaries, he ordered the building of a mighty barrier stretching from the Solway Firth in the West to the North Sea in the East - now one of the most important designated World Heritage Sites in existence.

 

Today, the 84 mile Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail allows you to walk in the footsteps of Legions on a fascinating journey across England, past some of the country's greatest archaeological monuments.

 

Using Carlisle as a base, you can explore many parts of the Wall. Spectacular stretches are still intact at Birdoswald Roman Fort and Visitor Centre to the east of Carlisle. To the west, the Trail offers a pleasant walk through to Bowness on Solway providing spectacular views of Scotland and the Galloway Hills.

 

The new 174 mile Hadrian's Cycleway gives cyclists the opportunity to enjoy these inspiring sites as it winds across country to the sea.  

 

Alternatively, why not take a trip on the Hadrian's Wall Bus and visit the main Roman sites or friendly market towns and villages along the Wall? At certain times, heritage guides will travel with you on the bus.