Apart from the well known Hadrian's Wall - there was a line of coastal defences along the Solway Firth stretching 26 miles from Bowness to Maryport, consisting of Forts, Fortlets, Turrets and Watch Towers. There were also Roman harbours at Ravenglass and Maryport.

Hadrian's Cycleway passes close to many of these coastal Roman Sites, ranging from the Bath House at Glannaventa, Alauna (Maryport) and the oldest Roman Museum at Senhouse. At Bowness on Solway Firth the course of the Hadrian's Wall is followed until Carlisle, but few visible remains can be seen.The cycleway rejoins the Wall at Banks and runs directly along the north side on a minor road between Milecastle 53 and Birdoswald Fort affording some excellent views of the remains of the Banks East Turret and Pike Hill Signal Station as well as substantial remains of the Wall.The route then leaves the Wall until it crosses over near Greenhead, from this point it remains on the south side all the way to Wallsend, passing on the way some major forts, which were part of the original defensive line along the Stanegate - before Hadrian's Wall was constructed. These are at Vindolanda, Chesters and Corstopitum

After Corbridge no Roman remains can be seen until Wallsend and the large fort at Segedunum. Remains of the spur wall to the river edge are crossed by the cycleway and to the north of the Museum a replica section of Hadrian's Wall has been constructed.

Monument at Segedunum to the builders of Hadrian's Wall

At Tynemouth on the other side of the River Tyne can be seen the Lawe Top at South Shields. This was once an island in the river mouth and situated on it was Arbeia Fort - a major supply base for Hadrian's Wall. A reconstructed gateway and various other buildings can be seen here.

Map of Hadrian's Wall showing relationship to Hadrian's Cycleway NCN 72

Note:- Only visible remains that are on or close to Hadrian's Cycleway are described.

Click here to visit Wallnet for an overview of Hadrian's Wall

Click the links below for information and photographs of these
Roman Antiquities and Museums.