Image shared for Queens Crags from Housesteads inc Cuddy's Crags
Upland / Hill Circular

Queens Crags from Housesteads inc Cuddy's Crags

Northumberland

Distance
4.5 mi
Est. time
1h 14m
Difficulty
Easy
Put a date on this walk View route
PaulTime Route by PaulTime

About this walk

This loop starts at Housesteads Fort and heads north across open pasture toward the higher ground above Greenlee Lough. The path is steady and climbs gently, giving early views back toward the wall and the fort. Once you reach the ridge, the route turns west and follows a long, straight line of track across open moorland. It feels remote here even though you are never far from the Roman wall.

Queen’s Crags soon appear ahead as a bold line of sandstone cliffs rising above the flatter ground. The final approach is easy underfoot and brings you directly to the top of the crags. The view is excellent in all directions, with Greenlee Lough below, the stepped profile of the wall to the south, and open moorland stretching toward Wark Forest.

From Queen’s Crags the path loops around the back of the outcrop and turns southeast. This leg is quieter and has more broken ground underfoot. As you curve back toward the wall line you reach Cuddy’s Crags. These are a lower but more intricate set of rocky shelves and grassy ledges. It is a good stopping point with a clear sightline back to Housesteads.

The final stretch descends gently to the start, passing near the wall and the milecastles before returning to the fort. The route is straightforward, varied, and gives you two excellent sets of crags with strong views throughout. It is one of the best short loops on this section of Hadrian’s Wall.

Walk details

Main location
Haltwhistle
Nearby towns
Haltwhistle , Haydon Bridge
Walk type
Circular
Category
Upland / Hill
Distance
4.5 mi (7.3 km)
Est. time
1h 14m
Explorer
Yes, off the beaten track

Route map

Use the route details to plan your walk

If the map image does not load, the route description and starting-point details are still on this page.

Route map for Queens Crags from Housesteads inc Cuddy's Crags

The interactive map will load when you reach this section.

Where to start

Directions to start
///flute.landscape.brotherly

Walking on your own?

Start when you're ready and add the walk to your history. No group date needed.

Walk this route on your own

Save the route

Use the route details if the map image does not load.
Route map
Share the route link if the card image does not load.
Walk card
Save map Save card

This walk is waiting for a date

Not ready to pick a date? Follow it and you'll hear when somebody else does.

No commitment. You can follow it now and pick a date later.

Along the route

15 places
Housesteads Visitor Centre
Information
Information
Navigation · 0.4 mi along
West Gate
Ruins · 0.4 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.5 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.5 mi along
North Gate
Ruins · 0.6 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.6 mi along
Information
Navigation · 0.6 mi along
Barracks
Ruins · 0.6 mi along
Angle Tower
Ruins · 0.6 mi along
Knag Burn Gateway
Ruins · 0.7 mi along
Kennel Crags
Cliff · 0.9 mi along
Clew Hill
Peak · 1.0 mi along
King's Hill
Peak · 1.2 mi along
Queen's Crag
Cliff · 2.1 mi along

Joining a walk

A few things to know before you make plans.

Can I join if no one else is going?

You can be the first to join a scheduled walk. A suggested date is an idea for a group walk; choose Set this date up to organise it. Check the participant list and meeting details before setting off.

What if there is no date yet?

Choose Put a date on this walk to organise a group walk. Not ready to choose a day? Follow the route for scheduling updates, or save it for later.

What does the organiser do?

The organiser sets the date and meeting details and helps the group get started. They are a fellow walker and may be new to the route too.

Each walker is responsible for their own safety and navigation. Check the route, weather, equipment and whether the walk suits your experience and fitness.

Can I walk this route on my own?

Yes. Choose Walk this route on your own to open the start screen, then start when you are ready. Finish the walk to add it to your walking history. You do not need a group date.

What happens after I join?

Use the walk page to check meeting details, updates and who is going. Check in from 24 hours before the start to let the group know you still plan to come.

How do I confirm plans with the group?

Check the participant list and check-ins, and message the organiser or other walkers to confirm where to meet and who is coming. This is especially useful when the group is small.