Fra_Diavolo

You can get some nice views of the wall from the road that parallels it -- I think it is the B6318. There are also some parking lots -- one at Steel Rigg -- which might offer a good view. A stop at Housesteads will allow the more mobile members of your group to walk along a short stretch of wall, which is really the best way to see it.

PalenQ

and mobility is not a factor at the Abbeys - as these type places are always accommodating for mobility impaired.

janisj

I wouldn't presume/assume what your group imagines the Wall to be. But I personally wouldn't skip it - a really amazing sight/site.

"One of the abbeys is set in a wild-setting on a swift river . . ." That would be Dryburgh. Not wild exactly but very pretty.

And if time permits you could easily fit in a stop at Jedburgh or Melrose depending on which route the driver takes. Not <i>instead</i> of the Wall . . . in addition to the Wall.

Reid777

Thanks again for the great suggestions. There are probably only 2 of our group that may have a slow go of it, but most are in very good shape, and the walking shouldn't be a problem. In fact, many of us will be hiking while in Keswick. If they choose not to see the ruins, perhaps there are towns close by that we can leave them off? I have located B6318 but cannot find Steel Rigg on it - would you know what it is close to? Your input is greatly appreciated.

janisj

I'm pretty sure coaches are not allowed to park at Steel Rigg, even getting a large car up that roadway is nail biting time. But not to worry, you'll have plenty of views of the wall.

There is a National Trust cafe at the car park level at Housesteads. Dropping them off in a nearby town and detouring to pick them up may be more trouble than its worth.

Fra_Diavolo

I'm afraid janisj is right and coaches are not permitted at Steel Rigg. However, you might consider dropping off those who might enjoy it for a walk along the wall from the parking lot to Housesteads, a spectacular section.

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadri...asp?PageId=187

Unfortunately, all my Hadrian's Wall materials are elsewhere so I can't give exact distances. There's a lot of up and down climbing, but the views are magnificent.

humptynumpty

There is very little left of Hadrian's wall left. It leaves an awful lot to the imagination and all the sites in my opinion have very little carisma. Tullie House in Carlisle currently has the best Roman exhibition in the north of England and also includes many exhibits from many ages from Cumbria and the borders.

Personally, I would agree with some of the above and skip the wall.

There was mention above of the party needing lunch.

http://www.georgeanddragonclifton.co.uk/

Is currently the best pub in north Cumbria and has the scale to cope with the party size. Which ever pub/hotel you opt for, book in advance. Most would die on their feet if a tour party of this size descended on them unannounced.

Fra_Diavolo

I recall composing a little ditty years ago, which began:

"Oh, I'm in hock in
Interlaken"

Fra_Diavolo

Whoops, wrong thread!

janisj

"<i>There is very little left of Hadrian's wall left. It leaves an awful lot to the imagination and all the sites in my opinion have very little carisma.</i>"

I've read this sort of thing before. It does sort of flummox me a bit --where did I shoot all those amazing photos I've taken on several visits? There really are many significant lengths of the Wall, and Hosesteads and Chesters are really interesting IMO.

But different strokes I guess . . .

humptynumpty

http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ancient...llery_11.shtml

Is a sheep pen or could it be ruined croft? nope it is apparently what is left of a Roman fort, because English Heritage tell you it is.

http://www.scotshistoryonline.co.uk/hermitage.html

Is a few miles up the road and is one of the most shockingly brutal pieces of architecture which easily conveys nature of its history.

Reid777

Ever since I watched a PBS special on Hadrian's Wall, it is something I have wanted to visit. You might say it is on my "bucket list." I have done alot of research, as have others in our group, and I'm sure whatever we see will not disappoint us. Thank You for the lunch suggestion,HumptyDumpty...if we would decide to do a group lunch, that looks terrific, and I would definitely give them plenty of advance notice. Usually, we like to find small towns with a few pubs, shops, etc., where we can all explore and go off on our own. Any and all suggestions appreciated.

Reid777

Also, thanks for all the great website links - I've looked at them all

humptynumpty

Reid

Sorry I forgot Rheged which is the north Lakes visitor centre on the junction of the M6/A66. It is more of a mega cafe/food hall but it excels on both fronts. We have eaten there many times and never been disappointed. You will struggle to find a food hall that better "sells" the produce of northern England/Scotland.

How long are you in Keswick for? My two favourite walks in England are around Derwentwater and Haystacks to Red Pike in Buttermere. The latter offers one point between the two fells where it is possible to see 3 lakes, Ennerdale, Scotland, Isle of Man in one vista.

The walk round the lake is long but great as it facilitates those of varying abilities. There are stopping docks for the lake wooden launch all round the lake which allow you to "cheat" and catch a lift for part for the way.

Try to get to

http://www.the-pheasant.co.uk/

It is an institution.

Our wedding reception was at

http://www.armathwaite-hall.com/

which is again only 7 miles from Keswick but had high standards of food and service.

Last suggestion for Keswick for food is

http://www.lyzzickhall.co.uk/

Spain and Cumbria are in my blood. Mr Fernandez (owner) offers as Spanish country cooking of an excellent standard.

and don't forget

http://www.redbubble.com/people/rich...g-stone-circle

Which hopefully get over the point I was making with Hadrians wall. Both are simple stone arrangements. With Castlerigg you can simply look at a few stones for an hour and ponder as to how the ancients managed to find such a perfect site. If you know the area well, you will know that there is no other plot in the area which produces the same view as Castlerigg. It is a strange place.

janisj

humpty --you picked one photo of one tiny corner of Housesteads. Heck, I could make Dunnottar Castle or Durham Cathedral look like nothing if I chose the 'right' photo. A few of the other shots on that same link are better.

I've been to Hermitage and probably 60 other Scottish castles (ranging from semi-interesting to truly magnificent) - but I'd still explore Hadrian's Wall given the chance.