Birdoswald, the River Irthing and Gilsland
Cumbria
Birdoswald is one of the best preserved Roman forts on Hadrian's Wall, standing above a loop of the River Irthing on the Cumbrian stretch of the Wall, with a well preserved eastern gate, fort walls and towers dating from around AD 122. Sheep and cattle graze the farmland the Wall crosses, so dogs need a lead for most of it, though the wooded Irthing gorge offers shade. This 11.8km circuit from the English Heritage car park follows the Hadrian's Wall Path west past Turrets 49b and 50b to Combcrag Wood and an old Roman quarry, then drops through the woods along the River Irthing to Chapelburn. It crosses the river and heads east by lane to Upper Denton, with its old bastle or fortified farmhouse, into Gilsland, a village straddling the Cumbria and Northumberland border, where a detour leads to the waterfall of Crammel Linn. The return crosses the Irthing near the Roman bridge site and climbs back to the fort, with around 200 metres of climbing in all.
This is a dog friendly walk with plenty of history and variety, but much of it crosses grazed farmland along the Wall, so a lead is needed for long stretches. Dogs must also be on a lead in the Birdoswald fort area. The woodland paths beside the Irthing give shade and a chance for a drink, though the river runs fast through its gorge. The Samson Inn in Gilsland welcomes dogs and has a beer garden, and the English Heritage cafe at Birdoswald has indoor seating and picnic benches outside.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 11.8 km (7.3 miles)
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Duration
- 3 hr 45 min
- Walk Type
- Historic, River, Woodland
- Route Type
- Circular
- Off Lead Potential
- Low
- Livestock Risk
- High
- Facilities
- English Heritage cafe and toilets at Birdoswald; the Samson Inn in Gilsland is dog friendly with a beer garden.
- Parking
- English Heritage car park at Birdoswald Roman Fort visitor centre.
Dog Friendly Stays Nearby
Make a weekend of it. These are the closest dog friendly places to stay to Birdoswald, the River Irthing and Gilsland, each one checked for its dog policy before we listed it.
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All dog friendly stays in CumbriaFrequently Asked Questions
Is Birdoswald, the River Irthing and Gilsland dog friendly?
This 11.8km circular walk is a solid choice for dogs, earning a 7 out of 10 for dog friendliness. There's plenty of variety along the way, from Roman history to woodland riverside paths, and the Samson Inn in Gilsland welcomes dogs and has a beer garden. The English Heritage cafe at Birdoswald also has indoor seating and outdoor picnic benches.
Can dogs be off lead at Birdoswald, the River Irthing and Gilsland?
Off-lead time is fairly limited on this walk, as much of the route crosses grazed farmland where sheep and cattle are present, so dogs need to be on a lead for long stretches along the Wall. Dogs must also be kept on a lead within the Birdoswald fort area itself. The woodland paths beside the River Irthing offer more relaxed walking, though the river runs fast through its gorge so it's worth keeping that in mind near the water.
What should I know before visiting Birdoswald, the River Irthing and Gilsland with my dog?
Come prepared to keep your dog on a lead for much of the walk, particularly along the Hadrian's Wall sections where livestock graze and around the fort. The wooded Irthing gorge provides welcome shade on warmer days and chances for your dog to drink from the river, though the current is fast so take care. There's around 200 metres of climbing on the circuit, so it's a moderate day out rather than a gentle stroll.
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