When the Romans crossed the Tyne they called the settlement after the single bridge, Pons Aelius. Today Newcastle is still famous for the bridges that join the city to neighbouring Gateshead.

Perhaps then as now you get a lump in your throat when the bridges come into view as you approach the Tyne. Mind you perhaps that's also where the similarity ends. I doubt the soldiers ever sent dispatches back to Rome urging other legionaires to get posted to Pons Aelius because of its legendary nightlife!

I used to live in Wallsend and you know it always staggered me how few people realised how the town got its name. Of course it's where the wall ends, but then again until a few years ago there was precious little evidence of it. Old terraces used to inhabit the site of one of the most fascinating roman forts - Segedunum.

They have been cleared and in a bold move the uncovered remains have been turned into a visitor centre, complete with ultra-modern viewing tower and a fully functional roman bath. With the end of coal mining and the collapse of shipbuilding Wallsend had its heart torn out - but such a prestigious attraction has given it back a sense of pride.

Grid Reference: NZ 263 581

Our flight along Hadrian's wall drew to a close as the wall descended into the Tyne right in the middle of the Swan Hunter Shipyard but we couldn't leave without a final detour to a modern day landmark that has also gained world-wide recognition, the Angel of the North in Gateshead. Made of the same Corten Steel as the bridge at Birdoswald it is a 21st century statement of our pride, heritage, industrial and technical knowledge - just like Hadrian's wall was back in the 2nd century.

Love or loathe the Angel, it gives us a true sense of place.