Roman Wall

Greenlee Lough

A shallow lake fringed with water plants. This is one of the Roman Wall Loughs and is a NNR managed jointly by Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Northumberland National Park Authority and English Nature. The site contains a mix of habitats beyond the open water of the lough including carr woodland, bog and grassland. There is a good variety of water plants including 11 species of pondweed (potamogeton) and stonewort. Around the margins are areas of reedbed with other plants including bog bean and marsh cinquefoil. The lough is used extensively by wildfowl and waders that feed in the shallow waters and wetlands.

The site is 3km north-east of Once Brewed and closest parking is at Steel Rigg. It is also possible to walk from Housesteads. Toilets are available at Housesteads or Once Brewed. Note that access to the water's edge is limited.

Crag Lough

One of the most photographed places in Britain, the Roman wall sits on top of the spectacular Crag Lough.The crag, which is dolerite and forms part of the Whin Sill, is the largest and most extensive crag in the county, and although the lough itself can seem devoid of birds apart from (wintering wildfowl) it is probably the most spectacular site in Northumberland for breeding Peregrine. Popular with rock climbers and tourists alike the site is worth visiting for it's stunning scenery.

Note;- It is possible to get to the lake itself and the base of the cliffs. Rock climbers have a self-imposed ban until late June to avoid disturbing the peregrines. Birder's should also do the same.

The crag lies about a kilometre north of the B6318 Newcastle/Carlisle road (the Military Road). Cars can be parked at the Steel Rigg car park which is reached by turning due north from the Military Road at the Once Brewed Youth Hostel. From the car park a clear pathway (right of way) leads beneath Peel Crag and Crag Lough is reached in about twenty minutes.

Grindon Lough

The most watched, recorded and accessible of all the Roman Wall Loughs.Grindon Lough has year round bird interest and can be viewed from the roadside (telescope essential).An excellent site for wildfowl especially in winter. It has been leased by the Northumberland Wildlife Trust since 1972 as a memorial to Drs George Jeans and Tom Hird of Corbridge. A number of geese can regularly be viewed, including white-fronted (inset) greylag, pink footed and bean. Whooper swan also use the lake, although the water is too shallow for diving ducks. Wading species include snipe, golden plover and black-tailed godwit. Teal, shoveler and wigeon are commonly observed.Broomlee lough (SSSI) is the least accessible of all the loughs. Birds such as golden plover and dunlin can be seen in spring. Whooper swan, goldeneye, wigeon and teal in winter.

Birds you may see at The Roman Wall

This is an excellent Winter site for birdwatching. The cooler weather makes for easier walking and there's usually plenty of wintering wildfowl interest with the odd rarity record. However, nothing should be ruled out as both Demoiselle Crane and American Wigeon were present during the summer months.