Northumberland Travel Forum

In mid October 08, after a stay in the Highlands my wife and I are considering train to Carlisle and hiring a car. We are visiting the south of the Eden Valley - Appleby, Long Marton, Dufton - where my family originally farmed (from at least 17th Cent) before settling in Oz in 1850s. We also want to see the Lakes District and spend a few days visiting Roman sites along the Wall. We expect to have 4 full days and 2 part days before train to Bath.

We are considering using a central base (hotel or B & B) and driving out to accomplish our travel interests.

We think these ideas are achievable given the distances involved - or lack of them. It all seems so small and compact compared to travelling in Oz.

We would be grateful for any comments, criticisms or tips about the above; recommendations about accomodation; must see places along the Wall - Vindolanda and Cawfields seem to me to be definites.

many thanks

The Lake District is wonderful. Take a look at www.golakes.co.uk for inspiration. Yes compared to Australia travel over here will be a walk in the park. As for accommodation how about Travelodge .some decent offers if you book early. www.travelodge.co.uk has the details & somewhere like Penrith or Burton in Kendal would be a good base. Both are very close to the lakes. If you would prefer a b&b or farmstay have a look at the golakes site. Have a fun time, Darren.

Although distances seem small on the map, you should be aware that going anywhere in the UK will take longer than you expect: rural roads are often narrow and winding with little opportunity to overtake lorries/caravans/tractors etc. Roads around and in towns are often congested. Have a look at:

http://www.theaa.com/travelwatch/planner_main.jsp?database=B]

for printable point-to-poit routes with details of traffic blackspots etc and timings which are, in my experience, fairly accurate.

As for the Wall area: yes, Vindolanda definitely. Its a fascinating site with an excellent museum. I'd also sugest Housesteads, Birdoswald and Chesters forts; the latter is off the escarpent, and is quite different in character. But there are milecastle and mithraea and remains of vrious ytypes all along thw Wall (as well as stunning views in some parts).

http://www.vindolanda.com/

http://www.hadrians-wall.org/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.13244 (Housesteads)

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server.php?show=nav.13613 (Birdoswald)

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/nav.13166 (Chesters)

You might like to take a train from Carlisle to Newcastle before hiring your car, from Newcastle you can use the local Metro system to visit Roman Forts both north and south of the river Tyne, Segedunum at Wallsend and Arbeia at South Shields

See www.twmuseums.org.uk/segedunum
www.twmuseums.org.uk/arbeia

I booked a B&B in Kendal for my upcoming trip to the Lake District, based on the very good reviews I read about it. The landlady has helped me organising my trip and has answered all my questions promptly and in a very friendly way. If you're interested I can send you the address.