Haltwhistle

No visit to this area could ever be considered complete without taking in the legacy of the power and might of the Roman occupation. Nowhere else either in Britain or Europe is there such a show of force to mark the boundary of the Empire. A short drive, or a walk of about 30 minutes to the North of the town, brings you to the magnificent Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site. Probably the most impressive feat of civil engineering undertaken by the Romans during their four hundred year occupation of Britain, it remains the best-known frontier in the entire Roman Empire and a permanent reminder of the achievements of one of the world's greatest civilisations. The most dramatic and best-preserved stretches of this awesome defence system are right on our doorstep. No text book or photograph can do it justice. The 15 mile central section of the Wall was built across river valleys, gulleys and on rock outfaces and quite deliberately makes the most of the varied natural geology of the area to make it as difficult as possible for any would-be attacker. You will find sections dropping down into natural cuttings hewn out during the ice age and then soaring high up onto the crags, where the views are simply breathtaking.

Within easy reach of Haltwhistle by car are a number of important visitor sites which are a must for the visitor to the area. From West to East these are the Roman Forts with their Visitor Centres at Birdoswald, the Roman Army Museum at Carvoran, the impressive hillside Housesteads Fort and the archaeological treasures of Vindolanda. For the keen Roman student there are many more elements to highlight the sheer scale and might of the defence system of the four hundred year occupation. During the Summer months there is a special Hadrian's Wall Bus (the AD 122) which serves the whole length of Hadrian's Wall. Stopping at all the major sites it is also possible to use it in and out of Haltwhistle. Timetables are available from Tourist Information Offices and most accommodation providers.