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Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop from Burtholme

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Hiking trails & Routes

Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop from Burtholme

Moderate

4.8

(8)

hikers

Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop from Burtholme

04:19

16.1km

190m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 15, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

2.69 km

Resting Spot on Hadrian's Wall Path

Highlight • Rest Area

3.10 km

Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall

Highlight • Monument

Banks East Turret, also known as Turret 52A, is one of the best-preserved watchtowers along the western section of Hadrian's Wall. Built around 122 AD on the orders of Emperor Hadrian, this tower was part of an ingenious network: two turrets stood between each milecastle, manned by a handful of soldiers who guarded the boundary. The tower is built of stone, even though the wall here was originally turf—a rare example of early Roman engineering. You'll find an impressive section of wall reaching 1.75 meters high at the tower itself.
The site offers panoramic views of the southern landscape, while the northern terrain is higher—a strategic yet surprising choice.

Translated by Google •

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3.34 km

Pike Hill Signal Tower

Highlight • Historical Site

A short climb away lies the remains of the Pike Hill Signal Tower, a 2nd-century Roman watchtower strategically located along Stanegate—the military road that preceded the construction of Hadrian's Wall. The tower was part of a network of signaling posts that allowed Roman troops to quickly communicate between forts and watchtowers.
From this vantage point, you have a commanding view of the surrounding landscape. The tower's position, diagonally positioned relative to the Wall, demonstrates the ingenious design of Roman engineers, focused on maximum visibility and military coordination. During the construction of Hadrian's Wall, the tower was integrated between two turrets: 51B and 52A, near the fort of Banna (Birdoswald).

Translated by Google •

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4.89 km

Honesty Snack Shed at Birdoswald

Highlight • Structure

Hikers can refuel or buy snacks (1 pound)

Tip by

5.47 km

Hadrian's Wall and Ditch

Highlight • Monument

Very impressive to see how this wall with the accompanying deep ditch was made at the time.

Translated by Google •

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7.57 km

Turret 49B

Archaeological Site

8.06 km

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Highlight • Historical Site

Birdoswald Roman Fort is the site of the longest surviving stretch of Hadrian's Wall. Managed by English Heritage, there's plenty to discover with exhibitions and lovely walking trails in the surroundings too. After a ramble, you can put your feet up in the rustic cafe and enjoy a slice of cake with a hot drink.

Tip by

14.2 km

Hare Hill, Hadrian's Wall Ruins

Highlight • Monument

Hare Hill is the tallest surviving section of Hadrian's wall at about 3m high. It may well have survived as this section of the wall was built against in medieval times.

Tip by

14.4 km

View Towards Banks

Highlight • Viewpoint

15.1 km

Turret 53B

Archaeological Site

16.1 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

5.53 km

4.58 km

3.29 km

2.47 km

234 m

Surfaces

5.76 km

4.58 km

3.26 km

1.58 km

870 m

< 100 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Weather

Sunday 5 July

18°C

15°C

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Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall – Birdoswald Roman Fort loop from Burtholme

Resting Spot on Hadrian's Wall Path

Banks Turret – Hadrian's Wall

Pike Hill Signal Tower

Honesty Snack Shed at Birdoswald

Hadrian's Wall and Ditch

Birdoswald Roman Fort

Hare Hill, Hadrian's Wall Ruins

View Towards Banks

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