Pike Hill Signal Tower

Pike Hill Signal Tower is a Roman military structure built from stone with walls about 6 meters across, constructed on a mortared foundation set deep into the ground. The surviving remains show how strongly this outpost was built to last.

The tower was built during the early Roman occupation of Britain, before the construction of Hadrian's Wall in the early second century. It was part of an earlier defense line called the Stanegate, which the Romans used before they built the more famous stone wall.

The tower served as a communication point within a network that connected Roman soldiers across the frontier and allowed them to send messages quickly. These outposts were important for how troops organized their daily work and watched the landscape.

You can reach the tower remains by following a footpath from Banks East Turret car park, and it is best to wear suitable shoes for the ground conditions. The terrain can be wet and muddy, so come prepared for outdoor walking.

The tower stands at an unusual angle to Hadrian's Wall and displays stonework that was built with particular care. This level of craftsmanship sets it apart from many other fortifications along the Roman frontier.

Location: Waterhead

Part of: Hadrian's Wall and vallum between the field boundary west of Coombe Crag and Banks Green Cottage and the road to Lanercost at Banks in wall miles 51 and 52

Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/pike-hill-signal-tower-hadrians-wall

GPS coordinates: 54.97595,-2.66294

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22