Hadrian’s Wall Path

Day 1 - Arrive in Newcastle & Hadrian’s Wall

Make your own way to the bustling city of Newcastle. A great option for today is to visit Hadrian’s Wall Gallery in the Great North Museum. Artefacts from every major site on Hadrian’s Wall are on display, giving a fascinating insight into building, daily life and subsequent history of the Wall as well as the Roman Empire. It’s an excellent way to build excitement for your trip. Relax in your accommodation this evening before the start of your journey tomorrow.

Day 2 - Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall

Starting at the appropriately-named Wallsend which shares a history with Vikings as well as the Romans, you’ll hike along the banks of the River Tyne and through the heart of Newcastle. This is the busiest part of the route and not much of the Wall survives here due to the turbulent history and subsequent industrialisation of the area. However, this section allows you to hike what would have been the full length of the Wall as you journey through time, from present-day to the 2nd century. Near the end of your hike, you are rewarded with the first intact 100m of the famous wall which you’ll follow through the quiet village of Heddon-on-the-Wall where you will spend the night. (B)

Walk details: 25km/15.7 miles | Ascent: 59m/194ft | Approx. 6 to 8 hours

Day 3 - Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford

Gently rolling farmland, beautiful views of open countryside and quaint hamlets are revealed as you follow the old Roman road westwards. Keep your eyes open for rounded earthworks which are the remains of additional fortifications as well as the point where the wall design changed from 3m wide to just under 2m at Planetrees. From there, it is just a short hop to the village of Chollerford where you’ll overnight, home to the famous fort of Chesters, once a significant and bustling border town 2,000 years ago. (B)

Walk details: 26km/16 miles | Ascent: 241m/791ft | Approx: 6 to 8 hours

Day 4 - Chollerford to Once Brewed

Where possible, the Romans laid their wall along the easily-defensible natural ridgelines that provided excellent views over the wilder countryside that you now pass through. This section of your hike boasts wonderfully-preserved sections of the wall, including turrets, milecastles and temples. Rigorously patrolled, these Roman garrisons once guarded this fiercely contested region against the raiding northerners. Exploring the fortifications along the trail allows you to imagine life for those who lived on the wall in the heyday of the Roman Empire. Towards the end of your hike today you’ll arrive at the wonderfully-photogenic Sycamore Gap, where the ‘Robin Hood’ tree stands proud on its own in a dramatic dip. Arriving in the uniquely-named village of Once Brewed you can enjoy a local beer in the Twice Brewed Tap House. (B)

Walk details: 20.5km/12.7 miles | Ascent: 416m/1365ft | Approx: 6 to 8 hours

Day 5 - Once Brewed to Walton*

Before continuing along the wall today, it is well worth taking a short detour to visit the Roman fort of Vindolanda. Occupied for hundreds of years, the ongoing archaeological site of Vindolanda has revealed many fascinating artefacts, including altars, graves and an assortment of everyday objects. Unique written pages about daily life in those ancient times can be seen in Vindolanda’s Roman Army Museum. Today sees the highest point of the walk where your climb will be rewarded with a magnificent panorama of the beautiful countryside below as well as the snaking spine of Hadrian’s Wall stretching out into the distance. The route meanders slowly into a  gentler landscape towards Walton, regularly punctuated with watchtowers and milecastles. (B)

Walk details: 28.5km/17.7 miles, Ascent: 300m/984ft, Approx: 6 to 8 hours
*This day can be split into 2 shorter walking days if desired, meaning an additional overnight in Gilsland.

Day 6 - Walton to Carlisle

Enjoy easier hiking today with the landscape gradually softening to lush farmlands dotted with pretty little villages and hamlets, each with something unique to discover. There is little evidence of the wall here other than grassy mounds and ditches however it is a lovely walk with sweeping views over the gentle fields of Cumbria and out to the northern fells of the Lake District. The city of Carlisle was originally established as a Roman settlement and is guarded by Carlisle Castle, a fortress which has endured more sieges than any other place in the British Isles. Arriving this evening there is a great selection of restaurants or pubs to enjoy here before settling into your accommodation, ahead of the final leg of your journey. (B)

Walk details: 18.5km/ 11.5 miles | Ascent: 392m/1287 ft | Approx. 6 to 8 hours

Day 7 - Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway

Your final day is a wonderful hike through an Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty. You’ll follow the River Eden to the Solway Firth which opens to the coast with views to the Scottish mountains in the north. An amazing variety of birds call this nature reserve home including pink-footed geese, waders and curlew as well as many other species. Arriving in Bowness-on-Solway you can celebrate the end of your hike. Enjoy a final night in a warm and welcoming accommodation looking back across the miles and through history, completing your journey along Hadrian’s Wall. (B)

Walk details: 24km/ 15 miles | Ascent: 33m/108 ft | Approx. 6 to 8 hours

Day 8 - Depart

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast this morning perhaps followed by a walk along the beach or a visit to St Michael’s Church before departing for your onward travel. (B)