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

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.



Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Celebrates Birth of its 15th Arabian Oryx Calf

The reserve announced the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since the launch of its rewilding program in late 2022. SPA
The reserve announced the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since the launch of its rewilding program in late 2022. SPA
TT

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve Celebrates Birth of its 15th Arabian Oryx Calf

The reserve announced the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since the launch of its rewilding program in late 2022. SPA
The reserve announced the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since the launch of its rewilding program in late 2022. SPA

Prince Mohammed bin Salman Royal Reserve has announced the birth of its 15th Arabian oryx calf since the launch of its rewilding program in late 2022, as part of the reserve’s Integrated Development Management Plan (IDMP), launched under the leadership of Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, chairman of the Board of Directors.

“The birth of the reserve’s 15th oryx is a milestone in our conservation work and our contribution to the regional conservation effort to establish sustainable wild populations of this culturally iconic Arabian species across its native terrain,” a statement quoted CEO of the Reserve Andrew Zaloumis as saying.

The Arabian oryx, once extinct in the wild across the Arabian Peninsula, was declared extinct in the 1970s due to overhunting and loss of habitat.

Sustained conservation and reintroduction programs have since led to its reclassification as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List, highlighting its remarkable recovery.

The reserve’s habitat restoration program continues to support the reintroduction of native species, strengthen ecological resilience, and restore connectivity across landscapes — proof of the reserve’s commitment to Vision 2030 and the Saudi Green Initiative.