Roaming the wall

The Albatross

Friday 14 June 2019

Today was Hadrian’s wall day. We started with the bit directly behind us, which is only a couple of kilometres away to the specky bit. It was quite cool, but we were both soon rather warm as we climbed some steep hills whilst both hacking up a lung (we both have colds, so there is a lot of coughing, spluttering and mucus production at the moment). Passing through a quarry, you climb up to dramatic scenes across the wild north from Walltown Craig.

After a quick pit stop at our cottage, we jumped in the car and headed off to Chesters Roman Fort. The name kind of gives it away. Quite petty, and not very busy. It has a reasonable example of a Roman Bath and once held a 600 strong cavalry unit.

We decide to delay lunch late and went to Housesteads Roman Fort. A larger more exposed complex, but along the same lines (actually exactly the same lines, the Romans knew how they wanted things done). Dramatic views over the countryside and the sun even came out for 30 seconds which was very exciting.

Whilst whizzing along between the sights there were lots of people trudging the wall in the drizzle. I’m not sure that’s for me, it’s a long steep stroll in countryside which really doesn’t change very much. However, we have mates that have done it and enjoyed it.

A very late baked spud for lunch in the local pub and then we decided to put our feet up.