All This & Sycamore Gap Too: Iconic Hadrian’s Wall from Walltown to Housesteads Challenge (pt.4)

For one last time this season, I’m taking on the challenge of the Hadrian’s Wall Path heading eastwards. This time fully in Northumberland and stretching over the iconic, beautiful, rugged and oh so steep section from Walltown to Housesteads (aka Vecovicium). And this time, I’ve only had a day’s rest since the last stretch! I start just outside the Walltown Quarry car park, before climbing atop the first of many high crags today, and immediately encountering the wall. Then it’s off heading roughly north east up and down a few rolling hills and alongside woodland and the occasional isolated farm, taking in the stunning views at the same time. Before too long I’m meeting a few other intrepid hikers, also exploring this fantastic part of the country. I come out onto the road near Cawfield’s Quarry and Lake, and for a moment everything is flat: but the route’s fooled me again! Up I go past hole gap, and Milecastle 42 to run alongside another great section of the wall. Passing Thorny Doors (no, me neither) the route dips into Caw Gap before a lengthy and challenging series of climbs and descents to emerge at Steel Rigg Car Park. Of course there’s another major climb just ahead, but again the views more than compensate. Just after passing Milecastle 39 I drop down the most terrifying slope of the day, to pass through Sycamore Gap and the Robin Hood Tree (or at least what’s regrowing there now!). Joined by Mrs Llama for the final miles, we crest atop the ridge overlooking Crag Lough, curving up a number of hills which she claims are the last (they aren’t) before encountering a relatively easy rolling route towards the Fort. We finally emerge at Housesteads, ready to call it a day and take in just a little of the amazing Roman Ruins that can be found alongside Hadrian’s Wall. Have you walked this section of the Hardian’s Wall Path? What did you think? Were there any favourite bits? How does the route compare to other sections of the Wall path – be kind! And if you want to experience more relaxing but fascinating walking tours through the gorgeous British countryside, and occasionally a little urban treat, consider subscribing or leaving a like! Incidentally, this video is dedicated to a lovely family member who loved watching my walks, but sadly passed away between the filming and release of this one. Start: ///gasping.direct.obscuring End: ///recap.myths.roughest Timecodes 00:00 – Walltown Quarry (Intro & Start) 01:28 – Reintroducing the Wall 04:46 – Cawfield’s Quarry 06:50 – Caw Gap 07:59 – Trig Point 08:45 – Steel Rig & Peel Gap 10:21 – Sycamore Gap & Crag Lough 11:29 – Hotbank & Milecastle 38 12:10 – Rapishaw Gap 12:46 – Housesteads/Vercovicium (Finish & Outro)