The best traffic-free bike rides in Spadeadam Forest

At this small sacred monument, there are several reasons why cyclists should not pass by carelessly, but should linger for a moment: Firstly, the church, together with the surrounding cemetery and the 'Bewcastle Cross' standing on the grounds, form a very harmonious unit. Secondly, when contemplating this cross, one looks far back into history, as its creation is dated to the 7th or 8th century. Thirdly, however – and mainly (!) – the artistic design of the obelisk, which rises to about the lower eaves of the church roof, tapering slightly upwards, is extremely noteworthy ('Amy' and 'Joe' have already described this in their contributions). My personal conclusion: Although the actual cross, which once crowned the obelisk, has long been missing, it is still a noteworthy small sacred monument!

Everyday communications along Hadrian’s Wall would have been conveyed in a number of ways. Normally, detailed messages would have been by horseback. However, with the commanding views offered by Pike Signal Tower, it could also communicate with adjoining turrets either by smoke or by lit beacons using simple, predetermined codes. There is evidence that they also used a system of beams to transmit messages using a semaphore messaging system. It is a shame that very little is known of how the latter worked.

Well, we got here nearly at the end of our Hadrian's Wall hike for the day and had a bit of bad luck. Fancy turning up at one of the best Roman forts on Hadrian's Wall to be told it was closed because the wind was too strong and it might blow us off the wall. A place to come back to.

Cawfields Crag is a steep rock face that forms a natural bastion in the landscape and was a strategic point for the Romans. Near Milecastle 42, the northern gate of the fort literally opens onto the vertical face of Cawfields Crag – a testament to the rigid Roman building principles. From the summit, there are panoramic views of Hole Gap and the surrounding hills.

Cawfields Crag is a steep rock face that forms a natural bastion in the landscape and was a strategic point for the Romans. Near Milecastle 42, the northern gate of the fort literally opens onto the vertical face of Cawfields Crag – a testament to the rigid Roman building principles. From the summit, there are panoramic views of Hole Gap and the surrounding hills.

Just a few hundred meters from the western wall of Birdoswald Roman Fort lies Turret 49B, a Roman watchtower that formed part of Hadrian's Wall. Built in the early 2nd century, the tower replaced an earlier structure on the Turf Wall. Excavations in 1911 exposed and consolidated its stone foundations, making the structure clearly visible today. Remarkably, despite its proximity to the fort, Turret 49B remained in active use until the 4th century. Archaeologists discovered four distinct layers of floor—alternating between clay and flagstones—suggesting repeated use and maintenance. The tower provided Roman soldiers with a strategic vantage point over the surrounding landscape and served as a link between Milecastle 49 and other turrets along the wall.

Along a quiet road west of Birdoswald Fort, you'll discover the Piper Sike Turret, a modest but historically significant structure from the early 2nd century. Also known as Turret 51A, this tower formed part of Hadrian's Wall and served as a lookout post for Roman soldiers guarding the northern border. Built around 122 AD, the tower is characteristic of the Turf Wall period, later replaced by stone. Inside, you'll find a raised platform against the north wall, likely used as a living space. Archaeological excavations have revealed cooking hearths and waste remains, suggesting brief but intensive occupation. The walls are still visible today, up to a height of approximately 0.8 meters.

Along Lanercost Road near Banks in Cumbria, you'll find the well-preserved remains of Leahill Turret (51B), a Roman watchtower built around 122 AD as part of Hadrian's Wall. The tower was fully excavated and consolidated in 1958 and is still visible today to a height of approximately one meter. Leahill Turret served as a staging post between Milecastles 51 and 52, providing Roman soldiers with a strategic vantage point over the northern border region. Inside, traces of a raised platform against the north wall and a later shelter structure against the south wall are visible, suggesting reuse in the 4th century.