📌 Haltwhistle, Northumberland
★★★★
Perhaps the best short walk anywhere on Hadrian’s Wall, this route explores the area around Cawfields Quarry, where whinstone was extracted in the early 20th century. The quarry itself has been filled with water and is an exceptionally attractive spot, especially in evening light, while the remaining, undisturbed sections of Roman wall run up and down steep slopes, giving great views. There’s also a well-preserved milecastle to see, and the return route follows part of the vallum: a ditch and mounds which run parallel to the wall on its south side.
📷 Chronological photo guide
🌍 Location
📌 Start / finish at Cawfields Quarry, minor road 1.5 mi north of Haltwhistle
🧭 O.S. Grid Reference: NY 713666
🛰️ GPS coordinates: 54.992923,-2.450252
🚌 Bus stops on B6318 at Cawfields turnoff (0.5 mi)
🚗 Car park (charge)
📝 Key info
▶ 1 km / < 1 mi | ▲ 30 m | ⌛ 30 min
Features: 💧 Cawfields Quarry; 🎖️ Hadrian’s Wall including Cawfields Roman Wall, Milecastle 42 & vallum
⬤ Easy | Clear paths, narrower / rougher for return. Optional steep ascent to viewpoint overlooking Milecastle 42.
Download file for GPS➡️ Clockwise circuit: start – north side of Cawfields Quarry – Milecastle 42 – detour to viewpoint by wall to south – vallum – public footpath west to road – start
🥾 On our last visit
Wildlife: Mallard ducks, butterflies, distant cows.
Weather: Dry, fine weather, temperature in high teens.
September 2023
