history
Hadrian's wall traverses Northern England from Wallsend in the East to Bowness on Solway in the West spanning a distance of approximately 74 miles (80 Roman miles).

geology
In the area around Grindon, the wall sits on top of the Great Whin Sill, a geological phenomenon which creates the dramatic scenery for which this section of the wall is known.

forts
There are 14 major Roman sites, forts and museums along the wall. Close to Grindon are Housesteads, a fort situated high up on the wall giving a real sense of 'frontier'- it is one of the most complete Roman forts in Britain.

The nearby Roman fort of Vindolanda has a fascinating museum which houses some of the most important artefacts from Roman Britain including letters (written on slivers of wood) giving a real sense of Roman life.

out and about
The Wall is best explored on foot. The Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is the long distance footpath that runs through the World Heritage site. There are also circular walks and shorter trails to suit walkers of all abilities.

If cycling is more to your liking, try the 174 mile Hadrian's Cycleway, combining shorter cycle routes, quiet roads and off road tracks.