Birdoswald is the Roman fort above the Irthing gorge, reached along the longest continuous stretch of standing wall on the Hadrian's Wall Path. It shows the wall's building phases unusually clearly, has post-Roman timber halls and a farm café with a view. Allow 45 to 75 minutes; it is right on the path.
What you see
Birdoswald (Banna) sits high above the Irthing gorge, and the approach along the longest continuous piece of standing wall on the trail is part of the exhibit. This is where the original turf wall met the stone wall, and the site shows its building phases unusually clearly.
There are granaries and gates, and the post-Roman timber halls: evidence that people went on living and leading here long after the legions left.
Fitting it into the walk
It comes in the first hour of the long day from Gilsland to Carlisle, and its café covers that stretch. On the longer itineraries the short Gilsland to Brampton day leaves real time to linger. Birdoswald is one of the seven passport stamps.
Getting there on foot
On the trail, shortly west of Gilsland.
- About 2 miles along the trail from Gilsland.
- About 9 miles along the trail to Newtown.
Questions walkers ask
How long do you need at Birdoswald?
About 45 to 75 minutes. It comes early in the long day from Gilsland to Carlisle, so on the six-day schedule keep it brief; the itineraries that stop at Brampton leave time to linger.
What is special about Birdoswald?
You reach it along the longest continuous stretch of standing wall on the trail, it is where the turf wall met the stone wall, and its post-Roman timber halls show the site in use long after the Romans left.
Opening times and tickets change through the year, so check them with the operator before you go: English Heritage: Birdoswald Roman Fort.