Hadrian's Wall on England-Scotland Borders Awaits Hiking Lovers

In this July 3, 2018 photo, a stretch of Hadrian's Wall cuts
through the northern English countryside, near Birdoswald Fort,
Cumbria. (AP Photo/Jerry Harmer)
In this July 3, 2018 photo, a stretch of Hadrian's Wall cuts through the northern English countryside, near Birdoswald Fort, Cumbria. (AP Photo/Jerry Harmer)
TT
20

Hadrian's Wall on England-Scotland Borders Awaits Hiking Lovers

In this July 3, 2018 photo, a stretch of Hadrian's Wall cuts
through the northern English countryside, near Birdoswald Fort,
Cumbria. (AP Photo/Jerry Harmer)
In this July 3, 2018 photo, a stretch of Hadrian's Wall cuts through the northern English countryside, near Birdoswald Fort, Cumbria. (AP Photo/Jerry Harmer)

The Hadrian's Wall is one of many remains of fortifications built by the Roman Empire after invading Britain in the second century A.D.

The wall's original structure stretched over 73 mile (117 kilometers) within the English countryside, near the borders between modern Scotland and England. It extends in the west and the east, from Wallsend and Newcastle to the River Tame in the East.

The Roman soldiers constructed it in six years starting from the eastern side. The wall is enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is considered a popular tourist landmark. It was originally built upon the orders of Emperor Hadrian in 122 A.D. to support thousands of troops deployed to watch the borders with Scotland.

Hiking lovers can walk this path in both directions, and those who have time can start their hike from Carlisle in Solway Firth, a water outlet that separates Scotland and England.

Experts suggest the best hiking route is the one extending from Carlisle or Haltwhistle to Corbridge. Hikers who take it would need three to five days to reach Newcastle, according to the German News Agency.

On the path's sides, hikers would see green pastures, rocky hills, and some grey rural houses that appear on their way. They would also enjoy a soothing scene of cattle pasturing under the trees. Haltwhistle, which marks the middle of the itinerary, is a 700-year-old town that still features ancient rural houses known as "Bastle" that are open to the public. These houses were constructed by locals in the 16th and 17th centuries amid constant threats by the soldiers dominating England and Scotland.

It is thought that the Hadrian's Wall was the inspiration behind the famous ice wall separating the seven fictional kingdoms from the wild lands beyond in George R. R. Martin's Game of Thrones.

The great appeal to walk along the Hadrian's Wall is partly attributed to the banners spread along the road, in addition to the scenery that accompanies the hikers during their trip, and not to the wall itself. The itinerary extends between the hills and valleys, and passes by fields full of cattle, animals, and flowers.



North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
TT
20

North Riyadh Geopark, Salma Geopark Join UNESCO’s Global Geoparks List

The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA
The newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation - SPA

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has officially designated the North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark as part of its UNESCO Global Geoparks Network, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia in preserving geoheritage and promoting sustainable development.
The recognition follows UNESCO’s stringent selection criteria, which emphasize the comprehensive management of geoparks. These criteria ensure a balance between conservation, education, and sustainable development while actively involving local communities.
CEO of the National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification (NCVC) Khaled Al-Abdulkader praised the announcement as a testament to Saudi Arabia’s dedication to protecting its natural and historical heritage, SPA reported.
He attributed the achievement to the steadfast support of the Saudi leadership in enhancing environmental initiatives and promoting sustainability.
He also underscored NCVC’s efforts to preserve the country’s unique natural landscapes, particularly its geological sites, in line with Vision 2030’s sustainable development goals.
Senior Director of the Saudi Geoparks Initiative Hussam Al-Turki emphasized that the inclusion of North Riyadh Geopark and Salma Geopark is a moment of national pride. He noted that this milestone not only reinforces Saudi Arabia’s commitment to preserving its cultural and natural identity but also strengthens its role as a global leader in geoheritage conservation and sustainable development.
With this designation, Saudi Arabia reaffirms its commitment to global environmental efforts.

According to SPA, the newly recognized geoparks will serve as key destinations for local and international visitors, offering an opportunity to explore the Kingdom’s geological wonders while fostering scientific and cultural awareness of geodiversity conservation.
Beyond geotourism, geoparks play a vital role in sustainable natural resource management by connecting geotourism with local economic development, creating jobs, and fostering environmental education. This initiative represents a collaborative effort among government bodies, the private sector, and non-profit organizations, enhancing Saudi Arabia’s contribution to both national and sustainable development goals.