Hadrian's Wall Stage One: Bowness-on-Solway and Drumburgh

This first stage of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail takes us from Bowness-on-Solway, along the Solway Firth, and reaches the village of Dykesfield.

Ascent: 130ft
Length: 7 miles
Map: Explorer 314 Solway Firth and Explorer 315 Carlisle
Last Walked:

There is nothing to be seen of Hadrian's Wall on this first section of the wall, although there was once a fort at Bowness and another at Drumburgh.

This is a new National Trail and so is still likely to change from time to time. Our guide describes the walk as it was when we did it, but obey any divertion signs you find along the way.

Be aware that the first part of this walk is sometimes under water at very high tides, so check the state of the tides before you plan your walk.

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We start at the T-junction in the centre of Bowness-on-Solway. The first of the WAYPOINTS? is in the pub here.

We need the right hand branch of the T-junction, which heads east along the shores of the Solway Firth with the water to the left. We follow this road east for a mile, to the western edge of Port Carlisle.

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At the western edge of Port Carlisle we turn left onto a track that runs between the Solway Firth and the buildings of the village, and follow to the other end of the village, where the track rejoins the road.

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We stay on the road for half a mile. Just as the road begins to curve to the left, we turn right onto a lane that leaves the road at ninety degrees. Follow this lane for 500 feet, until it reaches the entrance to a caravan park. Just outside the park, turn left onto another lane, and follow this as it runs south east towards Glasson. We are now following the line of the Vallum, although nothing is now visible.

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This lane leads us into the village of Glasson. Here we turn right onto the road, and follow it through the village. Just past the last houses on the left, turn left onto a field path. This runs along the right hand side of a long field. At the end of this long field we reach a very narrow field. Here we head for the far left corner, where we enter a much larger field. Follow the path down the left hand side of this field. At the end of this field it becomes a farm track. Follow this track past a farm (Walker House) and on until it reaches a T-junction.

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At this T-junction the right hand branch heads for the Drumburgh Mose nature reserve, while the left hand branch heads into the village of Drumburgh, which is located on a small patch of higher ground. Turn left and head into the village.

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At the village we rejoin the coast road. Our route turns right onto this road, and follows it for the next four miles, all the way to Burgh by Sands. This stage of the walk is still dominated by the Solway Firth.

When we walked the Wall there was a small self-service refreshment centre in Drumburgh, selling snacks and drinks, which on that very hot day was very welcome.

Go to stage 2: Burgh by Sands to Carlisle

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