3
moderate
Activities
  • guided walk
Accommodation
  • 7 nights in guesthouses, B&Bs or hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

8 Days£1320GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: EHW

Hadrian's Wall Guided Hiking Holiday Trip highlights

  • Cross England on foot, following Roman emperor Hadrian's Wall
  • Get a better understanding of the route & Roman history from your experienced guide
  • Explore the barren blustery heights of Highshields Crags & the lime green pastoral scenes of the Eden Valley
  • Enjoy the hospitality of country B&Bs brimming with personality and local charm
  • Camaraderie when walking with a small group of like-minded travellers
  • Modern cityscapes of Newcastle Upon Tyne, the red sandstone hues of medieval Carlisle & the quiescence of Bowness on Solway
  • Trace the history of the north as you walk alongside the iconic monument of Hadrian's Wall (122 AD)
  • Alternative Coast to Coast guided group holiday
  • Experience scenic variety of northern England
  • Northumberland National Park & Solway Coast AONB
  • Colourful England in spring

Hadrian's Wall was built more than 1900 years ago by Roman Emperor Hadrian at Britain's narrowest point. The wall forms a barrier between the North and the South of England. The Wall was extended and enhanced with impressive stone defences following natural ridge lines and with a deep ditch 'The Vallum' dug alongside it. Remains of Roman presence are still very much evident today. The 135km walking path through rugged moorland, rolling fields and dynmic landscapes opened in May 2003 making it a relatively new trail.

On this guided hiking holiday, enjoy the satisfaction of crossing Britain under your own steam, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea Coast while joining a small group of international travellers. Our experienced guide will add to your understanding of the history, culture and nature.

** History of Hadrian's Wall **

Officially opened in May 2003 after many years of negotiations with landlords and farmers to finalize the exact route which stretches 83 statute miles/133 km across town and country, forest and moorland, World Heritage Site and National Park. The actual wall however, was started as long ago as 122 A.D! At this time the Roman Emperor; Hadrian was having a lot of trouble with the restless natives to the north; those devilish blue painted Pictish and assorted Caledonian warriors were causing mayhem across the wild Northern frontiers and hassling trade and settlement.

It became imperative to create some kind of order and consolidate the extreme North of the Empire, especially after one of the legion divisions was withdrawn from Britain to fight the German tribes leaving Britain under defended. The wall was built “to separate Romans from Barbarians,” across northern Britain at its narrowest point between the Solway Firth and the North Sea. In its original form it was built in 6 years over 73 modern miles (80 Roman ones). It was extended and enhanced with impressive stone defences following natural ridge lines and with a deep ditch (The Vallum) dug alongside it. Later much of the stonework was mortared allowing it to survive the centuries to become one of the oldest structures in the country today. The amount of work and finance that would have gone into the wall was immense; even with slave or conscript labour. Post forts were built every Roman Mile over the of the route. At intervals huge garrison forts were built so that a counter attack or a raid could be organised at short notice.

These included baths with hypocausts (underfloor heating). There were also gatehouses controlling access over the frontier forests and moors. So there must have been hundreds of skilled and semi skilled masons involved and thousands of labourers. Even stone was brought in by boat on the Tyne, to supply areas where it could not be cut locally. Things are more peaceful today, the Picts have disappeared altogether, absorbed perhaps into other tribes like the Scotti, the Romans have gone and much of the imposing defensive structures were dismantled and used for building and field wall stone. This means that you can enjoy “walking the wall” unmolested, on this alternative Coast-to-Coast route. It is a great walk, with a lot of scenic variety from the modern, busy cityscapes of Newcastle Upon Tyne to the red sandstone hues of medieval Carlisle, from industrial Tyneside to the quiescence of Bowness on Solway. From the barren blustery heights of Highshields Crags in the Northumberland National Park; to the lime green pastoral scenes of the Eden valley. Omnipotent along the route the Wall snakes its way. In sections interrupting a housing estate here, popping up under a road there. Then from being little more than a grassy bank it transforms into stone and rollercoasters over crag tops and down into impressive fort like structures such as at Birdoswald and Housesteads.

Countries:

England

Starting Point:

Whitley Bay

Finishing Point:

Carlisle

Itinerary

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Travel to Newcastle and then onto Whitley Bay. Stretch your legs and take the time to visit St Mary's Island, Lighthouse and Visitor Centre where you will experience spectaluar coastal views. This evening you will meet your fellow walkers and guide for a trip briefing. Accommodation: The Metropolitan is a contemporary styled 4* B&B.

Meals:  Nil

Today we take the 20-min train from Whitley Bay to Wallsend; the start of guided Hadrian's Wall walk. If we have time before setting off, take a close look at the remains of the Roman fort of Segedunum which marks the beginning of the route today. This is a multi award-winning site, with reconstructions of a Roman Bath House and an excellent interactive museum. From the Tourist Information in Wallsend, by the Swan Hunter Ship Yard, the trail heads out following the walls of the ancient Roman fort of Segedunum. Take the old Tyne to Blyth railway line, now a footpath through to Walker where you join the River Tyne at the Riverside Park and pass Byker. You come into the riverside area of downtown Newcastle upon Tyne with vistas of the elegant Tyne Bridges and of the Newcastle skyline including St. Nicholas Cathedral. There should be time to climb up to Newcastle Keep. Walk out of the city alongside the river. There is plenty of evidence of present and former industrial activity. As you get to the old village of Newburn, the countryside really begins to open up. You are now in the county of Northumberland. Just before you would cross the River Tyne for Heddon on the Wall, on the trail, we turn off for Wylam and our overnight stop at the end of this flattish day. Accommodation: You will be split between accommodation in the small village of Wylam

Meals:  B

After crossing over the River Tyne, we have our first steep ascent up to Heddon on the Wall, where there are some wall remains. To beyond Chollerford now, the National Trail follows beside the roads that have been built over part of the Wall. The Wall itself became a source of material for the foundations of General Wade’s military road, the trail often follows along the Vallum, the ancient ditch line created as a defensive feature when the Wall was built. Look out for remains of Vindobala Fort and the reservoirs around Welton. There is a pub at East Wall Houses after about 6 miles. A slight deviation to Halton after 9 miles might be in order to admire the old keep. Accommodation: The George Hotel is situated close to Hadrian’s Wall route and the Tyne. This hotel is an ideal spot for walkers to relax.

Meals:  B

The route follows beside the road as far as Fozy Moss, where the road veers off the wall as it reaches the crags of the Whin Sill Escarpment. This stage of Hadrian's Wall roller coasters to Housesteads, with its famed fort and National Trust Museum. There are excellent views over the “Northward Tynescape” to the Bellingham and Simonside Hills. You now follow arguably the most scenic section of the trip; over Highshield Crags and then down via Peel Crags to Steel Rigg. From here you can walk out to Once Brewed. Accommodation: Twice Brewed Inn is situated a stones throw from the Wall. The Inn is a firm favourite with our clients.

Meals:  B

The wall climbs to its highest point over Windshields Crags, before descending to the delightfully named Bogle Hole. Then down steps through Thorny Doors and up Cawfields Crags with excellent views onto the Pennines. The way passes by Great Chesters and Magnis (Roman forts), passing Greenhead, the ruin of medieval Thirlwall castle and in another mile or so crosses the Cumbria / Northumberland border on the River Irthing at Gilsand. There are interesting Roman defences to visit at Birdoswald, and eventually after a trek to Banks you will hopefully find a shop/post office open for refreshment. Banks overlooks the Irthing Valley and Lanercost priory below. From here there are few signs of Hadrian's Wall remaining so enjoy the last significant portion maintained by English Heritage at Hare Hill. The path starts to slowly descend to Garthside. There are interesting views over the Irthing Valley as the walk heads into Walton. This is easy walking along the edge of fields and beside some old established hardwood trees. On approaching Walton the way drops into the valley below crossing King Water. A short section of road takes the walk into the village of Walton, a small village with an interesting church in the centre beside the village green. A further 3 miles takes you into Brampton. Accommodation:Your accommodation tonight is The Howard Arms. It is a family run pub that has a relaxed atmosphere.

Meals:  B

The route continues undulating across country. After crossing the very attractive Cam beck, you briefly join the road at Newtown Village near the green before skipping across the fields. Here you are following the wall line via Old Wall, Blea head and Wall head farms, before detouring on a little “sandy lane” that takes you down to The Stanegate, the old Roman road that leads into Crosby on Eden and the River Eden. Now you will be riverside walking for about a mile. At Linstock there is a medieval ‘pele’, Peel Tower that rang in times of danger so that the locals could congregate within its fortifications. Next you come to Rickerby which has, in contrast, a Victorian folly tower. Finally cross the River Eden, meander towards Stanwix, then up into Carlisle - a very interesting historical city, with a castle started by Henry I, extensive wall and other Roman remains and then there is the cathedral. The town has changed hands several times between Scotland and England and this is reflected in parts of the town’s structure. Carlisle is quite a bit smaller than Newcastle. A lot of the buildings such as the castle and the Old Town Hall are made of fine red sandstone. Beer fans will not want to miss out a couple of drams, as this is the centre for the Theakstone’s Brewery. Visit the Tullie House Museum for a fine collection of Roman remains. The inner city has been pedestrianised making exploration enjoyable around the market square. Accommodation: For two nights we stay at Abbey Court Guesthouse, it is centrally located and is a Victorian Town House.

Meals:  B

As you have a second night in Carlisle, this afternoon, we take the bus back. The walk itself from Carlisle follows at first the southern side of the River Eden. The trail follows the Eden once again, more or less parallel with the line of the Wall and Vallum, through Grinsdale and Beaumont where you at last veer away from the Eden. You get good views from just north of the village to the peaks of Skiddaw and High Pike to the south and across the Solway Firth to the West. Through Burgh by Sands, a short detour takes you to the point on the marsh where Edward I died in 1307. In the vicinity of Dykesfield House, the trail joins an old railway embankment for a couple of miles before rejoining the line of “The Wall” near Glasson. From here the route follows the minor road to Bowness on Solway, the site of the Roman fort of Maia and our journey’s end. You have walked across England along Hadrian's Wall, congratulations!

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Inclusions

What's included

  • 7 breakfasts
  • 7 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 18kg
  • Walking guide accompanying group
  • Public transport on Day 2 & Day 7

  • Dinners, lunches & beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to arrive at the first B&B and return home
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Public transport not mentioned under Inclusions
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room, as prices are based on twin occupancy
  • Entrance fees

Accommodation

Hotels, guesthouses and B&B's

The hotels described are our usual accommodation, however if these are not available then alternatives are used. Rooms generally do not have baths, the main reason being that they take up a lot of space. Some hotels/guesthouses may have a separate room in the house where a bath is available to guests, but in the main it is showers. At a couple of places on your tour you may be sharing bathrooms, particularly if you are in a single room.

Suitability

moderate

3

Moderate. Some longish days (around 15–17 miles) and short steep climbs and descents. Generally however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected at anytime. Please consider your fitness carefully before booking the guided Hadrian's Wall trip. If the guide considers you to be too slow, you will be asked to take taxis/bus for stages at your own expense. An excellent level of fitness is required. An average of 25 km is covered each day. As a group you will be walking between 6-9 hours per day at a steady pace throughout the day covering 4-5 km per hour. This multi-day walk has long days with back to back steep climbs and descents as well as some flatter sections. You must be comfortable climbing up over stiles, walking on steep rocky and coastal terrain. Mixed weather can be expected. We do not recommend the route for first time multi-day walkers.

Departure dates


Priceper person from

£1320GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single room supplementGBP£350
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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This 8 day east to west version is the original Hadrian's Wall walk that we launched. The trip can be walked over a week and you will join a group of like-minded international hikers and an experienced guide.

This was how the wall was built out from Wallsend it is believed, and the walking guide books, originally at least, were wrote this way

Yes, you can on a self-guided walking holiday. The trip codes for the walk from Carlisle to Whitley Bay are: WRE or WHH.

Sort of! You start near the River Tyne which is tidal and you finish at Bowness on Solway which is also tidal.

Wallsend where the walk starts from is a heavily built up suburb of Newcastle, and Whitley Bay is a pleasant seaside resort.

There are few places to stay directly on the route.You may have to walk a couple of miles off the route as in the case of Wylam, or you may get picked up at a certain spot if the accommodation is too far from the trail on occasion.

Yes, it is the most authentic, wildest and dramatic part of Hadrian's Wall Trail.

There is no where to stay in Bowness on Solway and you need to take a taxi or limited bus service there, or back as you can do the last section of the walk either direction from Carlisle.

Hadrian's Wall Guided Hiking Holiday Trip reviews

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Hadrian's Wall Guided Hiking Holiday Videos

Hike Along Hadrian's Wall Trail with Walkers' Britain