Romans and Reivers Route
The Romans and Reivers Route is a 170 km waymarked route from Carlisle to Newcastle — following Roman Hadrian's Wall and then the Tyne valley through the border country of Northumberland, retracing both Roman and medieval history.
About Romans and Reivers Route
The Romans and Reivers Route connects Carlisle and Newcastle through the border landscape that was contested territory from the Roman period through the sixteenth century Border Reivers. The route uses sections of the Hadrian's Wall path for its western portion before diverting through the North Pennines and down the Tyne valley.
For trail runners it is a three to four day challenge taking in the finest section of Hadrian's Wall (the Whin Sill crags), the remote North Pennines above the South Tyne valley, and the historic Tyne valley downstream to Newcastle. Less crowded than the Wall Path alone, with good variety.
The route
Carlisle to Housesteads (~65 km): Following the Hadrian's Wall Path through Carlisle, Birdoswald Fort and along the Whin Sill crags to Housesteads.
Housesteads to Alston (~40 km): Diverging from the Wall Path south into the South Tyne valley and the North Pennines.
Alston to Newcastle (~65 km): Down the Tyne valley through Hexham to Newcastle.
Getting there & logistics
Start: Carlisle. West Coast Main Line trains to London, Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Finish: Newcastle. East Coast Main Line and numerous connections.
Best time: April to October.
Safety
The North Pennines section between Housesteads and Alston is the most remote. Alston (England's highest market town) is the key resupply point. In an emergency: call 999 or 112. North of Tyne Search & Rescue covers the Northumberland section. Pre-register SMS 999.
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