Hadrian’s Wall – Gilsland – River Irthing – Thirlwall Castle round

Thanks to "Walking with the Taxi Driver" for this route.
On the route, we see the ruins of Thirlwall Motte and Bailey Castle which are situated on the bank of the River Tipalt and close to Greenhead and Hadrian’s Wall. The castle is of 12th century and was the home of the Thirlwall family who extended it into a fortified hall-house between 1330 and 1350. It was later strengthened using stones from Hadrian’s Wall, but began to fall into disrepair in the 17th century with much of it falling into the river. The castle has been restored over the last 3 years and can be visited safely and free of charge. The site is now a listed Grade I building and Scheduled Ancient Monument status.
A ten minute walk on the permissive path to the Crammel Linn waterfall is well worth it. The River Irthing which rises in the hills around Paddaburn Moor in Border Forest Park flows south and after passing Butterburn Flow it rushes over the 10 metre high Crammel Linn waterfall at Irthing Gorge and then flows to the west of Gilsland then heads on west to join the River Eden near Newby East north of Warwick Bridge. Irthing Gorge, a sandstone gorge, and Crammel Linn waterfall is a site of Special Scientific Interest and the woodland around the gorge is classed as ancient and semi-natural. The waterfall and gorge is a beautiful and peaceful area seldom busy with visitors but is easily reached on a well marked permissive footpath.
Terrain
This is a moderate walk with a few steep inclines and declines.
Distance
Approx 5 miles using OS map OL43, Hadrian’s Wall.