Share this postHadrian's Wall Path: Part Onejmelliott.substack.comCopy linkFacebookEmailNoteOtherGalleryHadrian's Wall Path: Part OneWallsend to HousesteadsJun 07, 20226Share this postHadrian's Wall Path: Part Onejmelliott.substack.comCopy linkFacebookEmailNoteOther10ShareOut of the city and on the path.The path led through this imposing fellow’s pasture. Through the gate behind him, in fact. Luckily, he was a complete gentleman.One of the many stiles encountered along the way to help cross walls and fences. On a wet day early in my trek, I execued a bad dismount off a stile like this and sprained my knee, making the rest of the 98+ mile walk more interesting.No, I don’t know what the fish is about to do to that dick. I was delighted by this little scene after a long day of walking when I ventured off the Wall Path to view the remains of a Roman bridge. My feet ached and it began to rain, so I sat on some stones to have some tea from my thermos, and when I looked up, there it was: a cock-and-balls saluting a fish. The Romans displayed dongs everywhere, including this hilarious one found recently at Vindolanda. They apparently found the phallus a symbol of prosperity and good fortune, also capable of warding off the Evil Eye. It certainly brightened my day.The temple of Mithras, one of the most popular dieties among the Roman military. During the rituals performed in the temple, a lamp would have been lighted behind the altar to shine through the holes in Mithras’ crown.Can you be nonchalant when you’ve lost your head? You be the judge.Up until now, glimpses of the actual wall have been few and far between. Most of it has be reappropiraed for local building projects. However, when it does appear, it makes a statement.Did I mention it’s a long walk?But the landscape is stunning, and for the most part peaceful. So far, just me and some sheep most of the way…The approach to sprawling Housesteads fort.Remains of a gate between the Roman world and the barbarian frontier. Most access points through the wall were located at milecastles which, as their name suggest, were situated at every Roman mile along the wall. Forts eventually also offered access through the wall.It’s 2022 and I don’t even have underfloor heating. Not too shabby…It’s not always easy to conjure lives lived from a pile of rubble, but the intention and order evident in the remains here are obvious the minute you walk on the site. Each of these small rooms, with walls of stone three feet thick, was constructed and used for a purpose. As part of the greater Wall complex, it’s impossible not to be impressed by the scale and scope of of such a project, even though it’s now in ruins.PreviousNext
Where is this? I’ve never heard of it until now. Thank you for sharing this journey!!
I'm going here in September. Great little chronicle.