Page 309 - demo

Continuing on from the Vindolanda turn-off . . .

1.5 mi 54.9965, -2.2387 At the i/s with the B6318. The Sill National Landscape Discovery
Centre. This facility, at this intersection, explores and illustrates the landforms and landscapes of
Britain’s national parks and in particular Northumberland National Park. It includes a youth hostel.

Where to from here?

You now have a choice of either (or both) of two Hadrian’s Wall sites. By turning right you can go
directly north and along the way take a walk up to Houseteads Fort. But be advised it’s a solid 20
minute climb from the car-park.

On the other hand, by turning left for Birdoswald Roman Fort, you can get a much better wall
experience without the long hard slog uphill. That is my recommendation. It’s one of the best parts
of the Hadrian’s Wall experience.

For Birdoswald:

At the i/s with the B6318 turn l. on to the B6318 s/p “Cawfields 21/4 / Roman Army Museum 5”
and “Carlisle / Greenhead / B6318”.

5.4 mi 54.9820, -2.5341 Turn r. for the Roman Army Museum
(pictured). This museum is a tribute to Rome’s extraordinary
military legacy. Step into the life of a Roman soldier and
experience life on the front line of Emperor Hadrian’s formidable
British frontier. Explored through reconstructions, objects
excavated along Hadrian’s Wall and the Vindolanda Trust’s
interpretations of army life including the exclusive 3D Edge of
Empire film.

0.7 mi 54.9820, -2.5341 In Greenhead, turn r. on to the A6318 s/posted “Gilsland 2”.

Expert navigator checkpoint: Just before that turn look for the Greenhead Hotel on your left.

At this point, if you are in a real hurry, you can turn left and take the A69 directly towards Carlisle –
but I seriously recommend you take the road to Birdoswald Roman Fort. It’s one of the best parts
of the Hadrian’s Wall experience. If you elect to go direct (why??), pick up the trail again at the
Brampton Roundabout.

For Birdoswald from Greenhead . . .

5.2 mi 54.9964, -2.6028 Turn left s/posted “Lanercost 5 / Priory 5 / Brampton 7”. On the opposite
side of the road is a sign “Birdoswald 1 1/2”.

0.9 mi 54.9900, -2.6042 Birdoswald Roman Fort is the place to see the longest surviving stretch of
Hadrian’s Wall and extensive remains of a Roman Fort.

It is one of the best preserved of the 16 forts along Hadrian’s Wall. The fort 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. From Wikipedia. More . . .

There’s a walking track that follows the wall in either direction.