Gilsland
Potted history
Most of the 400 inhabitants live on the Northumberland side of the Poltross Burn and the River Irthing. Gilsland Spa has been a popular tourist attraction and there is a Spa Hotel, owned by the Cooperative Society. Sir Walter Scott visited in 1797 and later popularised it. After a whirlwind courtship with French émigré, Margaret Charlotte Charpentier, Scott is said to have proposed at the Popping stone. They married in December 1797. Gilsland, originally an Iron Age settlement, has Milecastle 48 on its doorstep. Farming and mining were its staple businesses but now tourism (courtesy of the Wall) has taken over. Some 100 of the local inhabitants earn part or all their living from tourism and there are plenty of B&Bs. 
Places of interest
Tourist Information Centre: 01697 747211 St Mary Magdalene's Church is set in beautiful rural surroundings. Early English Gothic style. Built and partially endowed by George Gill Mounsey who also erected what is now the Gilsland Spa Hotel. Gilsland Spa, known in the past for its sulphurous spa waters, is close by.
Accommodation
| Gilsland Spa Hotel, Gilsland, Brampton, CA8 7AR | |
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An historic tourist attraction (see history above). Extensive views over unspoilt countryside in all directions. Wander through the hotel grounds, which extend to 140 acres of peaceful park and woodland. Test the restorative properties of the Sulphur Well (if you dare). The Wall passes within a mile and a half of the hotel. Handy for the Vindolanda Museum and the Roman forts at Birdoswald and Housesteads. |
Run by: Les Thompson 
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016977 47203 |
Rooms : 4 F (sleep 3-5), 28D, 44T, 18S. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Brookside Villa B&B, Gilsland, Cumbria CA8 7DA | |
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Licensed - serving good, locally brewed real ale or wine with your evening meal. Views are tremendous and the route passes the gate. The house is on the west side of Gilsland, sitting slap on the Cumbria-Northumberland border. Rooms, all en-suite, have the kind of facilities you would expect in a luxury hotel. |
Run by: Denise Collins 
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016977 47300 |
Rooms : 1F (sleeps 4), 2T/D. Beds zip and link so ideal for groups or couples |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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| Walltown Lodge, Greenhead, Brampton, CA8 7JD | |
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On both the Pennine Way and the Hadrian's Cycleway, Walltown boasts a brilliant location just off the B6318 the 'Military Road'. Warm Northumbrian hospitality in beautiful, cycle-friendly surroundings. |
Run by: Diane Lowes 
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016977 47514 |
Rooms : 2D, 1T. |
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Have you stayed here? Let us know! |
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Gilsland to Brampton (9 miles)
Route information
Follow the B6318 for just over a mile before turning left at Kiln Hill. This will take you past Birdoswald Fort. You will follow a three mile section of wall down to Banks Turret. There are great views to be had before heading down past Lanercost Priory (well worth a visit - there's a café and conveniences). Brampton is a further 3.5 miles.
