Hadrian’s Wall Walk

Hadrian's Wall is a stone and turf fortification built by the Ancient Romans across what is now northern England. Construction of the wall began in AD 122 during the rule of emperor Hadrian, it was the middle of three such fortifications built across Great Britain, the first being from the River Clyde to the River Forth under Agricola and the last the Antonine Wall. All were built to prevent military raids on Roman Britain by the Pictish tribes (ancient inhabitants of Scotland), and to mark the frontier of the Empire. Of the three, Hadrian's Wall is the best preserved. A significant portion of the wall still exists, particularly the mid-section, and for much of its length the wall can be followed on foot. It was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987. Can be walked as a 7 nights programme (see below) or can be adapted to suit your requirements.

Itinerary:

This walk can be broken into shorter stages with more overnights if required: please ask

Day 1: Arrive Newcastle for overnight

Day 2: Walk from Wallsend (short metro ride away) to Heddon-on-the-Wall (15 miles/24 kms). Note the Roman Fort of Segedunum, then continue alongside the River Tyne, passing beneath the millenium bridge (linked to the new Baltic Arts Centre on the Gateshead riverbank). Continue west to Heddon on the Wall for overnight.

Day 3: Walk Heddon on the Wall to Chollerford (15 miles/24 kms). Today the fortifications of the wall become apparent and the countryside through which it passes opens up. Most noticeable initially is the Vallum (the ditch) but as you approach Chollerford, sections of the wall appear. The Roman crossing of the River North Tyne was a short distance south-west of the current crossing, itself a handsome five-arched bridge built in 1775.

Day 4: Walk Chollerford to Once Brewed (13 miles/20.8 kms). Pass Chesters Museum, and ascend to Tower Tye, following the Roman road. Come to the most spectacular sections of the wall with fine views, rugged countryside and Roman ruins and forts. Housesteads Fort has an interesting museum. The section ends at Steel Rigg Peel Crags, a short walk from the hamlet of Once Brewed.

Day 5: Walk Once Brewed to Banks or Walton (13/16 miles/20.8/25.6 kms) Climb to the top of Winshields Crags and the highest point of the trail, with magnificent views. From Gilsland the path follows a marvellous section of wall to Birdoswald and then continues up the hill to Banks and gently through farmland to Walton.

Day 6: Walk Banks or Walton to Carlisle (13/10 miles/20.8/16 kms). A fine section of rural countryside following the banks of the River Eden into Carlisle. Easy walking into the town of Carlisle with its castle and cathedral.

Day 7: Walk Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway (15 miles/24 kms). Follow the River Eden out of Carlisle to pass through Burgh by Sands and then on to Port Carlisle and Bowness-on-Solway. This area, with its marvellous birdlife, is regarded as an area of outstanding natural beauty. Overnight Bowness (also possible to overnight in Carlisle, returning there by bus)

Day 8: Departure.

Total 84 miles/134 kms

Price:

£720.00 per person based on two people sharing one room

Single supplement £260.00

Practical Information:

ACCOMMODATION:

A selection of carefully chosen B&B's or Inns – all rooms with private bathrooms. Upgrades are possible and it is possible to mix and match the accommodation if you wish – please ask us.

WHAT TO TAKE

Sturdy walking boots and walking socks (with a change of socks in rucksack), rucksack/day pack, 1 x water bottle with 1 litre capacity, insect repellent, sun glasses, sun hat, sun block/cream, compass, torch, first-aid kit

WHEN TO GO

Mid-April to mid-September. Accommodation will be difficult to obtain on UK national holidays unless booked well in advance (and may require an alteration to the programme).

GETTING THERE:

Newcastle has excellent transport links, including its own airport.

It has frequent rail connections to both Scotland and the South of England and also frequent bus services.

Departing from Bowness

Local bus and taxi services are available between Bowness and Carllisle from where there are excellent transport links to both Scotland and the south of England.

If you wish to return to Newcastle there are direct trains departing from Carlisle approximately every hour and the journey time is about 1H 40.

It is best to ensure your tour doesn’t finish on a Sunday as there are no bus links on that day between Bowness and Carlisle.

INCLUDED:

7 nights B&B with private bathrooms, luggage transportation each walking day, route notes and maps, local back-up.

NOT INCLUDED:

Lunches, dinners, drinks, insurance, anything not mentioned in programme.

INSURANCE

We recommend that you take out appropriate holiday insurance covering you against illness, injury, and loss or damage to luggage. This insurance should also cover the possibility of your having to cancel your holiday for whatever reason.