Leahill Turret and Piper Sike Turret - Hadrian's Wall

Leahill and Piper Sike preserve two of the small watchtowers that punctuated Hadrian's Wall west of Birdoswald. Built in stone in the early second century, the turrets originally belonged to a frontier whose wall in this sector was made of turf. When the wall was rebuilt in stone, these towers were incorporated into the new line. Their modest surviving walls make it possible to compare the small spaces occupied by the soldiers watching the frontier. Visitors describe them as useful stops along the wider Wall walk, helped by interpretation boards explaining their purpose. Both are included in the Birdoswald Roman Trail, but the immediate setting is directly beside a road. English Heritage recommends the free car park at Banks East Turret, about fifteen minutes away on foot, and specifically advises care on the roadside approach. Combine the two remains as one visit rather than expecting a staffed attraction.