Hadrian’s Wall Copyright © Barry Smith 2012. All Rights Reserved. Day 4 - Steel Rigg to Banks 13.2 miles   With a renewed body - it was now April 2009 - myself, Phil and Richard  returned to the excellent Twice Brewed Inn to continue from where we had  left off the previous August. We were however without Martyn, who was  leading an extreemly busy life at this time, and was unable to join us.  On our first morning we rejoined the Wall by Turret 39B and headed west.  We were soon  at the 345 metre high trig point, which represents the highest  point on the walk and although technically it was all downhill from here, there  would  still be a few good dips and climbs to come, thus complacency was  ruled out. Additionally, there was a fair amount of ‘wall’ to walk beside,  coupled with pleasant scenery! Having passed by a disused quarry lake with a fair amount of wildlife to be  observed, the wall again disappeared and we were soon upon Aesica or  Great Chesters fort. After this the wall would appear and disappear frequently  and we pass Walltown Crags on our way to Walltown Quarry – now a  National Park – which proved a pleasant place to stop for lunch. Soon we are  upon the impressive ruins of Thirlwall Castle, which apparently was  constructed from stones from the wall, and then having criss crossed over  the stream alongside us we departed company with the Pennine Way just  before a golf course, which looked inviting for those of us who enjoy the  game. After passing through Gilsland we crossed over an impressive arcing bridge over the river Irthing before passing the  imposing site which is Birdoswald fort, and after following the route along quite a straight length, eventually come to the  village of Banks where we had our overnight stay booked.  The  very recommendable Quarry Side was a converted farmhouse and quite an impressive building in its own right.  The accommodation was excellent, and as there were no hostelries in the village, the landlady, Mrs Harding, had an  arrangement for her guests with a pub/restaurant – ‘The Belted Will’ - some 5 miles away, whereby she took us there in  her car and the pub arranged transport back to Quarrybank Side when we were ready.     Day 4 - Steel Rigg to Banks