hadrians wall

Hadrians Wall and the Lake District

All Along the Watchtower

I crossed the border entering England and drove B6318 West following the wall through Northumberland National Park between Newcastle and Carlisle. I stopped at Vindolanda an old Roman fort that has been excavated and partially rebuilt with a small museum

Vindolanda is an ancient Roman fort now partly restored with a museum of Roman artifacts and history.

Hadrians Wall

I then went to the Steel Rigg parking area to walk along part of the wall. The wall of stone (sometimes topped with grass) wanders across the top of a hill in a ragged march across the countryside.

There are several places to park as well as public transportation and great walking trails.

HG Wells War of the World and the movies had the Martians in tripods but these wind turbines still bring those back to mind - seemingly striding across the British countryside.

Carlisle disappointing from my brief stop - one pub stopped serving food before I arrived and another was out of what I ordered - maybe it was a long summer of ugly Americans. :(

The Lake District was a different story even in the rain. Lake Wasdale is one of the more remote but beautiful places in the lake district. You travel down a single lane dead end road to the Wasdale head. At the inn at the end of the road I had
a nice couppa and cake before braving the rain. Beautiful unspoiled lake with mountains dropping dramatically into the water.

Wasdale Head

Lake Wasdale

Next stop York

Or return to UK