A shortish walk along the wall today. Cross the River Irthing and then passing the remnants of the old Roman bridge.
Up a short hill into Gilsland where I cross into Northumberland.
Then I come across Thirlwall Castle. This 12th century castle was built from stones from the wall. A get chatting to a group of walkers who donate £20 to my charities.
And further along the wall and stopped off at the Roman Army Museum. There is still debate about the exact purpose of the wall. Although it's construction is defensive (it originally stood up to 20 metres in height), how dangerous or aggressive the Picts were to the North of the wall is disputed. It may have been also used to control smuggling and levy taxes; and as a symbol of the power of the empire (one reason why it was originally bright white with limewash).
After visiting the Roman Army Museum at the site of the fort of Magnae Carvetiorum, I continue along the wall through the drizzle. Negotiating my way down a step bank I slip hard and bruise my thigh on a rock.
The wall becomes even more impressive as it reaches high cliffs thereby creating even more of a formidable barrier to the native Britains below.
Then one short further walk across country and along the B6318 to the bunkhouse, where I meet a fellow walker Will - we retire to the pub for the evening.
Mapping visitors to the pub.