Chesters is the cavalry fort that guarded the wall's crossing of the North Tyne at Chollerford. Its riverside bathhouse is the finest military bathhouse in Britain, and the Clayton Museum is packed with altars and sculpture. Allow 60 to 90 minutes. It sits at the end of a walking day, so the evening is there for it.
What you see
Chesters (Cilurnum to the Romans) was built to guard the bridge where the wall crossed the North Tyne. As a cavalry fort its layout differs from the infantry forts, with spacious barracks that housed horses as well as riders.
You walk past barracks, the headquarters building and its strongroom, and down by the river the bathhouse, complete enough to follow the sequence from changing room through cold plunge to the hot rooms, with the underfloor heating channels open to view. The Victorian Clayton Museum adds a dense collection of altars and sculpture.
Fitting it into the walk
It comes at the end of the classic second stage from Heddon-on-the-Wall, which is precisely why it works: you arrive with the evening ahead. It is the easiest of the big forts to fit into any itinerary, and one of the seven passport stamps.
Getting there on foot
Next to the trail at Chollerford, a short stroll from the bridge.
- It is at Chollerford, one of the overnight stops.
Questions walkers ask
How long do you need at Chesters Roman Fort?
About 60 to 90 minutes for the fort, the bathhouse by the river and the museum. Because it sits at the end of the walking day into Chollerford, most walkers visit it that evening.
What is special about Chesters?
It was a cavalry fort, built to guard the wall's bridge over the North Tyne, and its riverside bathhouse is the finest military bathhouse in Britain, with the underfloor heating channels still visible.
Opening times and tickets change through the year, so check them with the operator before you go: English Heritage: Chesters Roman Fort and Museum.