Pennine Way: Steel Rigg to Stonehaugh
From the car park, a path heads back on to the Pennine Way, rejoining it on the north side of Hadrian’s Wall. There is then a sequence of gaps and crags, rising eventually to Highshield Crags above Crag Lough. The wall, and its associated turrets and milecastle, are in good condition on this most famous stretch of the monument. Further on, the route climbs again quite steeply past Hotbank farm. From Hotbank Crags, four loughs are visible and ahead lies the familiar picture-postcard view of Cuddy’s Crags.
The Pennine Way leaves Hadrian’s Wall at Rapishaw Gap, just before Housesteads (Vercovicium) Roman Fort. The excavated ruins, almost too neat and tidy, are worth a special visit as, of course, are the other forts and features on Hadrian’s Wall. The route turns north and heads out over marshy pasture inhabited by black Galloway cattle, then follows an indistinct path through rolling heather country with the air full of the cries of curlews and the songs of skylarks. To the left is Greenlee
Lough, bought by the National Park as a wildlife refuge. To the right, in the distance, are King’s Crags. Ahead lies the forest. The path rises to the right of Stonefolds, then drops down to meet a track.
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Been on this walk?
Send us photos or a comment about this route. Or recommend a route of your own.
Walking in Safety
Read our tips to look after yourself and the environment when following this walk.
Get an AA guide
Explore our range of ‘50 Walks in’ guides - they’re the ideal companion for a ramble.
Nearby places to stay
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- Total units: 2
- Private garden
- Lawn area
- Garden furniture
