HADRIAN’S WALL, Tel: 01434 322002,
www.hadrians-wall.org Runs from Wallsend, on Tyneside, to Bowness-on-Solway in the west, a total of 80 miles from sea to sea, and goes across some of the most drama
tic scenery in the Border area. This important historical feature is named after the emperor who built it and is well worth seeing, not just because of its role marking the frontier of the Roman Empire in AD122, but also for the beautiful views towards Scotland. The central sections around Housteads are well worth visiting (and Vindolanda is good too – ed). As the kestrel soars overhead, imagine the Roman centurion far from home – and walk in the footsteps of our ancestors.
ANTONINE WALL,
www.antonineway.com Less well-known, but just as important historically, running from Old Kilpatrick in West Dunbartonshire to Bo’ness in West Lothian. Made of turf on a stone foundation – and you need a well-trained eye and a good Ordnance Survey map to follow much of this route. The Roman baths at Bearsden are well worth seeing; part of the foundations have been excavated and are visible. Two forts in the central section at Bar Hill and Rough Castle
show how the Romans strategically placed this northern frontier.
STIRLING TOWN WALL,
www.walledtowns.com/wtfc/towninfo/scotland/stirling.html This was built in 1547 to defend the town from the forces of Henry VIII, who attacked when the request to betroth Mary, Queen of Scots, to his son was refused. Take in the wall on a walk that includes Stirling Castle and admire some of the best views across the Forth Valley.
FLODDEN WALL, EDINBURGH Built after the disastrous Battle of Flodden, when King James IV was killed. Completed in 1560, it marked the boundary of Edinburgh for 200 years. Best seen near the Pleasance or on Drummond Street.
BERWICK-UPON-TWEED TOWN WALL Surviving and encircling the town, it represents the only complete Elizabethan town wall in the UK. It also incorporates an 18th-century barracks and has more than 260 listed buildings in its boundary. Well worth a walk for its history, architecture and beautiful views over the town and this border territory which, even today, entices debate over who it belongs to.
The full article contains 383 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
