The Wall - Separating South from North

The north of England is a cold and sometimes quite harsh place, but it is also spotted with regiobs of remarkable natural beauty. When you think of Game of Thrones locations, it's often coastal cities in Croatia, or Icelandic fjords, but perhaps the most significant feature on the entire Game of Thrones map is The Wall, and it was directly influenced by a very real construction.

Hadrian's Wall was an early 1st Century AD build by the Roman Emperor Hadrian, and over a period of around six years, this wall eventually spanned the entire country from west to east coast. I think this wall is incredible for two different reasons. The first is that it shows just how remarkably wild and savage the northern Britons were (modern day Scotland). At this point in history, Rome had defeated Germany, Spain, France and Italy and the combined savagery of their tribal peoples were not enough to stop Rome. However in cold and rainy England, the Romans had to instead, try to keep the tribes out!

The second reason I love this wall, is that it's both a testament to Roman construction and dedication as well as a fantastic place to go and see the scale and commitment Romans built with. There are very few walls of this scale, and where they do exist, they are close to a major civilisation and their wealth sources. Google Maps tells me that the wall is a 447 hour walk from Rome, or 2241 kilometres. And we shouldn't forget that the journey includes crossing the British Channel, and going up 16,000 metres and then back down 16,000 metres to reach the end point (with a modern route of course).

The wall is also home to the famous 'Sycamore Gap' where a scene from Robin Hood 'Prince of Thieves' was filmed. The tree sits in a small saddle, between small hills and offers an incredible photography opportunity, within a quintessentially British landscape. Near to Sycamore Gap lies the Housesteads Roman Fort, which is a fantastic spot to get into the perspective of a Roman soldier, living and watching over this rugged but beautiful land. This fort is not in the very best state of preservation, but will give you an idea of how these soldiers lived. it also helps to give a perspective of what it would be like to feel like the very last bastion of civilisation, looking out over the wilderness and wild lands to the north of the wall!

Hadrians Wall

Hadrian's Wall Path, Brampton CA8 7DA, UK

Sycamore Gap - Hadrian's Wall

UK, Henshaw, Hexham NE47 7AL, UK

Housesteads Roman Fort

Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 6NW, UK