Advice on Hadrian’s wall, Dumfries and Ayrshire

[HermioneWeasley]

Hi, planning our staycation. Travelling to Ayrshire coast via one night in Carlisle.

Was thinking of seeing Hadrian’s wall - is there an easy walk near to Carlisle?

We are thinking of heading to the hotel via the Raiders road forest drive - any tips on that? Is it just a drive with some stop points?

Also looking at a boat trip to Ailsa Craig and Culzean house when we’re there. Any other tips?

Thanks

Arran is a good nice day out with another NT place. Millport is fun to cycle round but I’m not sure what the ferry rules are just now and would affect both of these places.

Thanks Messy - I’m hoping that everything is open by the time we go I’m August - being optimistic!

Calmac ferries are currently operating at very reduced capacity (until a couple of weeks ago they only available to islanders) and are only taking bookings 2 weeks in advance of sailings so i wouldn't make too many plans that depend on them.

Hadrians Wall is mainly just the route in the Carlisle area - if you want to see bits of the wall itself you would have to go to Banks, but I would go a bit further East to Birdoswald/Gilsland.

The really dramatic bits of wall/landscape are between Sewing Sheilds (East of Housteads) and Cawfields (North of Haltwhistle).

Having said that the route from Carlisle by the Solway Firth is flat and easy, although part of it is tidal.

Vindolanda is a roman camp near Hadrian's Wall. It's a great day out, if it will be open.

Caerlaverock castle is the only triangular castle in the UK, worth a look.

Great ideas thanks- I've just been looking at ferries to arran and around.