THIS summer, members of the Classics Department at Haberdashers’ Monmouth School embarked on an unforgettable six-day journey along the length of Hadrian’s Wall.

Combining a passion for Roman history with a fundraising challenge, the group walked the entire 86-mile route from Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway in support of Walking With The Wounded.

The expedition not only brought to life one of Britain’s most important Roman monuments but also raised money for a charity that supports veterans and their families. Donations can still be made via the fundraising page:

Over six days, the team covered 86 miles, clibed a total of 6,700 feet, and completed the challenge in an impressive 42 hours and 55 minutes of walking.

The adventure began on July 3 at the statue of the centurion at Segedunum Roman Fort in Newcastle. Although there were relatively few Roman remains visible during this first stage, the walk offered the opportunity to experience the modern city while refelcting on the centuries of human occupation that have transformed what was once a quiet frontier landscape of the Roman Empire.

By the end of the day, the group reached the site of Vindobala Fort, now hidden beneath grassy fields.

Here, they finally encountered their first visible section of Hadrian’s Wall. Although only a scattering of stones remained beside the path, seeing part of the Wall for the first time after a full day of walking was a memorable moment.

On Day two of the trip the team headed on a route into the countryside. Along much of the day’s journey, the walkers followed the unmistakable line of the vallum, the impressive earthwork ditch and rampart that accompanied the Wall.

Shortly after midday, the group reached the remarkably preserved section of Wall at Planetrees, where the scale and ambition of the Roman engineering project became strikingly clear. Later in the afternoon, they encountered their first turret at Brunton, one of the small watchtowers positioned every third of Roman mile.

The day concluded at the Mithraeum of Brocolitia, a fascinating temple dedicated to the god Mithras, whose cult was particularly popular among Roman soldiers stationed on the frontier.

The third day proved to be the most physically demanding, involving approximately 2,200 feet of ascent and 1,400 feet of descent. It also offered some of the most spectacular scenary along the entire route.

Traversing the dramatic crags of Northumberland National Park, the group followed long, uninterrupted stretches of Hadrian’s Wall as it snakes across steep ridges and cliffs. Walking alongside these remarkably preserved remains gave everyone a genuine appreciation of the Wall’s grandeur and strategic significance.

Along the way, the walkers passed numerous turrets and milecastles, together with some of the Wall’s most famous forts, including Chesters and Housesteads. They also stopped at sycamore Gap, where they pleased to see new shoots emerging from the famous sycamore stump, a hopeful reminder of renewal resilience.

On day four a shorter walking day allowed time to visit one of the most important Roman sites in Britain: Vindolanda Fort and Museum. Vindolanda is renowned for its exceptional preservation and extraordinary archeological discoveries.

Among its most famous finds are hundreds of leather shoes and the celebrated Vindolanda Tablets, personal letters written nearly 2,000 years ago that provide remarkable insights into everyday life on the Roman frontier. One particularly famous message simply requests that someone “send more socks.”

In the afternoon, the team resumed their journey as the rugged crags gradually gave way to gentler landscapes. A brief stop at Thirwall Castle, built during the fourteenth century using stones taken from Hadrian’s Wall, highlighted how the monument continued to shape the region long after Roman rule had ended.

The section approaching the remains of the Roman bridge at Willowford was especially impressive and provided another vivid glimpse into the engineering achievements of the Romans.

The fifth day led through rolling countryside as the group approached Carlisle. While the best-preserved sections of the Wall were now behind them, there were still numerous milecastles, turrets, and traces of the vallum to follow across fields and farmland.

Evidence of the Wall's long history remained visible in unexpected ways. Over the centuries, many of its stones were reused to build local homes, barns, and other structures. Several buildings along the route clearly demonstrated how Roman materials had been incorporated into later architecture.

Arriving in Carlisle brought a strong sense of achievement. The group had successfully walked all the way from Newcastle and could look back on nearly the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall. Only one final stage remained.

The final day brought warmer temperatures and an atmosphere of anticipation. Beyond Carlisle, the route passed through peaceful fields and attractive villages before reaching Burgh-by-Sands, where a statue commemorates King Edward I, who died there during his campaigns against Scotland.

The closing miles followed a remarkably straight path across the tidal plains of the Solway Firth, offering beautiful views across the water and abundant birdlife overhead.

Reaching the official end point at Bowness-on-Solway was an emotional occasion. After six days spent following the line of Hadrian’s Wall across northern England, nobody was quite ready to say goodbye to the monument that had become such a constant companion throughout the journey.

The Hadrian’s Wall challenge perfectly combined classical history, physical endurance, and charitable fundraising. Over six days, the Haberdashers' Monmouth School Classics team walked 86 miles, climbed 6,700 feet, and completed the route in 42 hours and 55 minutes.

Most importantly, the expedition helped raise funds for Walking With The Wounded, supporting those who have served their country. The school community can continue to support the cause by donating through the team's JustGiving page: