At the crack of dawn on Friday 20th June, thirty-five Year 9 Latin students set off on the long journey to the North East. After many hours on the coach, it was a relief to stretch our legs at Housesteads Fort, where our guide led us through the fascinating Roman remains. From there, we embarked on a substantial hike along Hadrian’s Wall itself.
Instead of the typical northern weather, we were met with soaring temperatures – a rarity for the region! The sunshine and heat gave the dramatic landscape an entirely different feel, though it still evoked what life might have been like for Roman legionaries on long, exposed marches along the frontier. A hearty dinner back at the hotel was followed by a lively and competitive evening of bowling at the Metro Centre – a clear highlight for many.
On Saturday, we visited the excellent Roman Army Museum in Hexham before enjoying a picnic at Cawfields and exploring a nearby milecastle. Our final stop was Vindolanda, an extraordinary site brought vividly to life by our guide’s storytelling.
A huge thank you to all the staff involved and to the students for their enthusiasm and exemplary behaviour throughout the trip.
