3
moderate

Traveller Rating

 

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

8 Days£900GBP

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip Code: HWT

Trip highlights

  • Experience the scenic variety of northern England from the modern, busy cityscapes of Newcastle Upon Tyne to the red sandstone hues of medieval Carlisle, to the quiescence of Bowness on Solway.
  • Explore the barren blustery heights of Highshields Crags in the Northumberland National Park and the lime green pastoral scenes of the Eden valley
  • Trace the history of the north as you walk alongside this iconic monument
  • Enjoy the hospitality of country B&Bs brimming with personality and local charm

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some kind of order and consolidate the extreme North of the Empire, especially after one of the legion divisions was withdrawn from Britain to fight the German tribes leaving Britain under defended.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

Expand all | Collapse all

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. Accommodation: The Metropolitan is a contemporary styled 4* B&B.

Meals:  Nil

Today you take the 15 minute train from Whitley Bay to Wallsend and the start of the walk. If you 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: Overnight in a nice Victorian country house which has been noted by English heritage.

Meals:  B

After crossing over the River Tyne, you have your first steep ascent up to Heddon on the Wall, where there are some wall remains. To beyond Chollerford now, the National Trailfollows 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 Wallhouses 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 cosy pub 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 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.

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. If we cannot get you booked into Walton then you will be staying in Brampton which is approx 3 miles off the route. Accommodation: B&B or Farmhouse.

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, the final walk today can be done in either direction. Take a morning bus to Bowness On Solway and walk back to Carlisle or walk and then bus or taxi 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 journey’s end.

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

Meals:  B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

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 20kg
  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • GPX Files

  • 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 during the walks
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

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. Note that for the dates of your tour we may not be able to get you into the accommodation described. We will endeavour to get you into a similar standard of accommodation nearby, but please appreciate that there is limited accommodation in rural England. Also, although we aim to get you into accommodations with ensuite rooms, this is not always possible. 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 20 Mar to 15 Oct (except 5-9 Sep)

Notes

H
High Season
NB:
10-day version available (code HWW) or start in Carlisle (code WHH)
Note:
This walk cannot start 5-9 Sep due to the Great North Run in Newcastle

Priceper person from

£900GBP

Options & Supplements*
  • Single Supplement 2025GBP£270
  • Solo Traveller Supplement 2025GBP£310
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

Expand all | Collapse all

This 8 day east to west version is the original Hadrian's Wall walk that we offered, to be done over a week.

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 but you need to book trips either: WRE or WHH

Twice Brewed will give you scope to have a full day visiting Housesteads and Vindolanda

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

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

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Personal Experience

We've been walking and cycling the planet for over four decades and are passionate about delivering exceptional service. Combined, we’ve travelled to virtually every corner of Europe, and are eager to share the many benefits of travelling on foot or by bike.

Great Value & Quality

Our well priced trips offer great value for money. Included in your package are comprehensive route notes, maps & guide books along with bag transfers and locally run accommodation. We take the stress out of organising your holiday.

Self-Guided Specialists

We have been operating active self guided holidays since 1973. We handle all the necessary logistics so that you can relax and explore your destination at your own pace. Many of our tours depart daily, giving you even greater flexibility.

Videos

Hike Along Hadrian's Wall Trail with Walkers' Britain