On the first full day of our weekend away at Hexham, an adventurous group of Biggar Ramblers set out on a challenging  8 mile walk along Hadrian's Wall. The walk started at Steel Rigg from where we quickly arrived at some very steep steps to reach the top of  the wall. The first point of interest was Sycamore Gap  - how sad it was to see just a large stump where a proud tree once stood. One or two new shoots could be seen, so hopefuly, given time, the sycamore will again be there for all to admire. Continuing along the wall, there was fantastic scenery to both north and south. The next point of interest was the remains of the Roman fort of Housesteads, situated on the end of the long crag of Whin Sill. Evidently, this was the largest of all the Roman forts in Britain.

After a further couple of miles, the group dropped down off the wall to begin their return at low level to the north of the wall. After all the steep steps,  the going was much easier now, and looking up  from below, the wall looked truly impressive. Half way along, the path crossed the Pennine Way, and shortly aftrwards a lime kiln was reached - standing on top of it providing good views all round! Towards the end of the walk, the lovely sound of a cuckoo could be heard - the perfect end to a lovely walk, made all the better by the sunny weather.