Introduction

Today, I have been preparing for a six day hike along a section of Hadrian’s Wall. My route will cover about sixty-five miles in northern England, between Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Carlisle.

I am very familiar with this World Heritage Site. In 2008 I arranged a hike along the same route by re-enactment legionaries which featured in the local TV evening news.

Hadrian’s Wall-Background

The Wall was built around AD122- 138 and originally extended for 80 Roman miles (73 British miles) in a line from/to the modern English towns of Maryport (western end) and Wallsend (eastern end). The Emperor Hadrian was unusual in that he consolidated the empire, no doubt driven by the military and economic imperatives of managing an ever expanding empire in context of hostile tribes to the north of the Wall. Here are some key statistics and information:

• The wall stretched for 74 miles and was 15 feet high and 10 feet wide.
• The wall sat at the heart of a military zone protected by deep ditches (vallum).

• Building commenced around AD 122-125 with completion about ten years later.
• It was (and remains) a magnificent feat of engineering comprising 18 million specially prepared blocks of stone, most of which was sourced locally.
• A fort was built at seven mile intervals. There were 17 major forts of which Housesteads is a famous example. Such forts held about 400 people.
• Castles were built at 1 mile intervals, but not always in a logical place relative to the local terrain. Clearly, there was rigid adherence to the design.
• It is estimated that 10,000 soldiers were assigned to constructing the Wall with each century (80 men) allocated a specific portion to construct.
• The Wall was constructed by the 2nd, 6th and 20th legions aided by auxiliaries. It acted as an imposing frontier for about 300 years.

Hadrian’s Wall: Common misconceptions

• The wall was not built to keep out the Scots. The Romans key adversaries were native people known as Picts, who probably spoke a version of Welsh. Gaelic speaking Scots did not arrive until around the 5th century AD.
• The wall is not now nor ever has been the border between modern -day England and Scotland.

Sustenance for my hike

To connect with the spirit of the Roman period I am planning to take foods and liquid similar to which Roman soldiers were familiar with. Whilst the Romans had cavalry most of the army moved on foot. Soldiers had to be self-sufficient and ready to move at short notice. I have prepared:

Roman Sour Wine: A blend of dark grape juice, water, red wine vinegar and red table wine. This would give a wine connoisseur palpitations but is actually quite drinkable and refreshing.

Roman Hardtack: A mix of plain flour, oatmeal, water, sunflower seeds and honey. This is something akin to a ship’s biscuit or energy bar. Relatively bland to taste but healthy, filling and edible.

Beef Jerky: Bought from a supermarket.Jerky is light to carry, ready-to-eat, needs no additional preparation and can be stored for months without refrigeration.

More information

For more information on Hadrian’s Wall, the Antonine Wall and many other aspects of Scotland please refer Visitors’ Guide to Scotland, ISBN 978-1-9161332-0-4