Despite deciding that today was the day to “do stuff” due to the impending arrival of snow, we had a leisurely start to the day. We must have seemed massively anti-social as, on our battery saving mission, blinds were down and lights off for quite some time. However, it was just lovely to be back in the “nest”.

Colin’s desire for some Roman architecture took us first to Housesteads Roman Fort: the most complete Roman fort in Britain and one of the best-known from the entire Roman empire. Sitting high on Northumbrian hilltops, the fort, which would have been home to 800 soldiers, had Hadrian’s Wall extending on both sides. We arrived at the carpark below to be pleasantly surprised by allocated campervan/motorhome/caravan parking spaces! This made life so much easier. As we made our way into reception, the National Trust signs confused our understanding that this was an English Heritage Site. Either way, we finally (after a year of membership) managed to use our National Trust Membership to gain entry!

The icy weather did not make the ascent to the fort any easier but, on seeing the sheer size and engineering of it, the complaints soon stopped. How the Romans managed to carry so much stone to their designated site amazed us! A well-appointed museum stood at the top of the hill, with refreshments and souvenirs available. There was even a fancy dress box for children – one we should have taken advantage of! At the back of the museum there is a short video about the history of the fort and many artefacts were displayed.

Each section of the fort was well signposted with information. Children there were loving wandering through the kitchens and into the latrines, while American visitors were getting updates about the Empire itself. The fact it is so old, yet we know so much is awe-inspiring. Even in such bitter weather there must have been over 50 visitors there, plus committed walkers following the Hadrian’s Wall Trail. Having been to the Roman Baths in Bath, this was just as fascinating; if not moreso due to the isolated location. My desire to walk the length of Hadrian’s Wall has been heightening…I just don’t think its something to do in December!

Freezing from the bitter winds, we enjoyed hot chocolate and returned the van to Bellingham. Our afternoon adventures were to take us to Hareshaw Linn – a waterfall just 2.5 miles from the Camping and Caravanning site…