Close
Articles by Year

<<     >>

Articles by Category
+44 (0)1768 721 210

Wilderness Walking

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Next Trip: 28th - 6th May 2024 Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights

From £2,445 View Prices & Dates

Travel Planning & Advice

Book With Confidence

Trip created by Matt Loveland
View Matt's Profile

Region: Multi-Location
Trip Type: Wilderness Walking
Accommodation: Classic
Max Group Size: 10
Deposit From: £611.25 £611.25

Grading:

Carbon Footprint: 135kg ? What does this mean?
Click here to find out about our carbon labelling project and what we're doing to be more sustainable.

All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

Download Itinerary

Built in AD 122, Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved frontier of the Roman Empire. The wall, with its defensive ditches, turrets and milecastles, marches over 80 miles from coast to coast. Beginning in Wallsend in the east, the wall ends in Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Designated a national trail in 2003, hiking its length provides a unique and fascinating insight into the history of the Romans. This ancient route also traverses some of the most picturesque English countryside.

Accompanied by your expert guide, wind your way over the wild and beautiful escarpments of Highshield Crags to the rolling green pastures of Eden Valley and the stretching sands of Solway Firth. A significant proportion of the wall remains standing. Explore splendid ruins, ancient fortifications and engaging museums along its historic length. Relax in handpicked accommodation as evening light casts a golden glow across the old stone. Enjoy delicious seasonal food and warm hospitality here as wildflowers dance beyond the window. With every aspect of your adventure taken care of, you can immerse yourself in the hike along this rewarding, long distance trail.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the captivating and diverse beauty of the English countryside as you hike.
  • Visit museums, forts and castles, learning about what life would have been like for soldiers stationed in this far-flung corner of the Roman Empire.
  • Admire the striking, symmetrical charm of Sycamore Gap as you enjoy stopping at the famous Robin Hood Tree.
  • Stay in lovely, hand-picked accommodations enjoying delicious, seasonal food.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 – Welcome

Meet your Wilderness guide at your hotel in Newcastle at noon today. After meeting the rest of the group, settle down for a lovely lunch and a trip brief about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, hop on the metro to the starting point of Hadrian’s Wall. Take the opportunity to visit Segedunum Roman Fort, which tells the story of the Roman, coal mining and shipbuilding history of the area. After exploring and getting your Hadrian’s Wall passport stamped, set out from Wallsend (which shares a history with the Vikings, as well as the Romans) to walk the first few miles of this fantastic long distance trail. A short transfer back to your hotel this evening leaves time for a delicious dinner before a good night’s sleep. (L, D)

Walk details: 6.5 km/4 miles | 100 m/330 ft of ascent | approx. 2 hours

Day 2 – Newcastle to Heddon-on-the-Wall

This morning, a short transfer will take you back to yesterday’s finish point, so you may continue winding your way through the heart of the city. With only a small amount of elevation on the cards, this is the perfect second day. Warm up and get into the rhythm of the walk as you meander along the banks of the River Tyne. Although a relatively urban section with little surviving wall, it’s satisfying knowing you’ll have walked its entirety by the end of your trip. After a good day of walking, arrive at Heddon-on-the-Wall. This small village is home to the longest section of unbroken wall at its original and planned width. Transfer back to your hotel in Newcastle this evening and enjoy a celebratory drink to mark the first full day of hiking. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 17.5 km/11 miles | 220 m/720 ft of ascent | approx. 7-8 hours

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

After breakfast, a short drive will take you to Heddon-on-the-Wall to continue your walk west. In contrast to yesterday’s more urbanised route, the trail now reveals gently rolling farmland and picturesque open countryside. Wind your way through small woodlands and between hedgerows that rustle with songbirds. Look out for the wall and ruined fortifications that can pop up in the most unlikely places. Listen out for the electronic peewit of lapwings and the distinctive lollop of brown hares as they bound across the sunny fields. Upon reaching Planetrees, a solid (albeit short) chunk of the wall comes into view. From here, it’s only a short stroll to Chollerford for a refreshing drink at your welcoming 18th-century hotel. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 25 km/15.5 miles | 330 m/1,080 ft of ascent | approx. 8-9 hours

Day 4 – Chollerford to Once Brewed

Feeling well-rested, enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for a fantastic and engaging day. Visit Chesters Roman Fort, the best-preserved Roman Cavalry Fort in the UK. Your route then passes by wonderfully preserved sections of the wall, including turrets, milecastles and temples. Chat with your knowledgeable guide as you explore the fortifications. Learn about the rigorous and unyielding guard executed by the Romans against the Northerners. Later, reach the beautifully photogenic and aptly named Sycamore Gap – the perfect place to stop and enjoy a drink, snack and photo. Arrive at the Twice Brewed Inn later this afternoon and enjoy a pint of the locally brewed bitters. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 21 km/13 miles | 530 m/1,740 ft of ascent | approx. 7-8 hours

Day 5 – Once Brewed to Gilsland

After breakfast, head straight out into the dewy morning sunlight. Like yesterday, the route winds its way through the far reaches of Northumberland National Park. This wild, windswept landscape stretches from Hadrian’s Wall to the Scottish borders. Observe the highest part of the wall (that hasn’t been rebuilt by well-meaning archaeologists in the 19th century), and keep an eye out for King Arthur’s Turret. This is a fantastic part of the trail, as the wall snakes and dives through the dramatic countryside. Visit the engaging Roman Army Museum and learn about what life was like for Roman soldiers living on the edge of an empire. Transfer back to your lovely inn this evening and enjoy another delicious dinner. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 15 km/9.5 miles | 380 m/1,250 ft of ascent | approx. 5-6 hours

Day 6 – Gilsland to Irthington

Leave Once Brewed this morning and take a short transfer back to where you left off yesterday. Today is filled with Roman landmarks and lovely walking through the undulating countryside. Your route winds past the remains of Willowford Roman Bridge, which is now entirely on dry land. Instead, cross a modern footbridge over the River Irthing to Birdoswald Roman Fort. The fort, which sits on the longest continuous stretch of the wall still remaining today, was once garrisoned by an infantry cohort of over 800 men. Later this afternoon, follow a footpath to the door of a traditional county inn. Blending relaxed, rural charm with friendly, attentive staff, enjoy exquisite food and a comfy bed. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 21 km/13 miles | 260 m/850 ft of ascent | approx. 7-8 hours

Day 7 – Irthington to Carlisle

As the early morning mist withdraws across the fields, head out with your guide for the penultimate day of your long distance adventure. Gradually, in harmony with the flattening landscape, the wall here all but disappears into the earth. Despite this, the walking is still lovely as it meanders through meadows and wide-open farmland. As you draw closer to Carlisle, enjoy strolling along the river, looking out for waterfowl and songbirds. Reaching the city, visit the castle and cathedral, both of which have old Roman stones embedded in their medieval walls. Carlisle’s centre is rich with old-world charm. Enjoy the bustle of the town before transferring to your peaceful country house accommodation for the night. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 16 km/10 miles | 75 m/250 ft of ascent | approx. 5-6 hours

Day 8 – Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway

Leaving Carlisle this morning, make your way through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Follow the River Eden as it flows towards the coast, meandering through quiet hamlets until you reach the Soloway Firth. The firth is home to an amazing variety of birds, including pink-footed geese, oystercatchers and curlew. Enjoy identifying them with your guide as you soak up the stunning views that stretch north into the mountains of Scotland. Arrive in Bowness-on-Solway and the finishing point of your adventure. Return to your beautiful accommodation this evening and celebrate over dinner. Raise a glass to a great trip in lovely company. (B, L, D)

Walk details: 23 km/14.5 miles | 95 m/310 ft of ascent | approx. 7-8 hours

Day 9 – Depart

After a relaxed breakfast this morning, your guide will drop you at Carlisle Railway Station so you may begin your onward travel. (B)

X
Wilderness Walking
Hadrian’s Wall Path

To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

Fields marked with * are mandatory

The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

Trip Dates & Prices

Trip Dates for 2024AvailabilityStatusPriceBook
28th Apr - 6th May 20245 place(s) leftCONFIRMED£2,445Book Now
2nd Jun - 10th Jun 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,445Book Now
30th Jun - 8th Jul 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,445Book Now
21st Jul - 29th Jul 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,445Book Now
11th Aug - 19th Aug 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,445Book Now
1st Sep - 9th Sep 202410 place(s) leftUNCONFIRMED£2,445Book Now

Trip Details

Accommodation Read More

This trip features some of the best small hotels and food along the route we travel, all hand-picked by us. Accommodation is in a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

Solo Travellers

There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a room for single occupancy, a supplement of £425 is charged.

Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Meals Read More

All meals are included in this trip from lunch on day 1 to to breakfast on day 9. Included dinners are two courses as standard.

Great food is of paramount importance on all Wilderness England trips and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip.

Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group.

Inclusions Read More
  • 8 nights accommodation in 3* and 4* hotels/inns on a B&B basis.
  • All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary (Meals included indicated as B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
  • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout.
  • All transfers as needed during the trip starting in Newcastle and finishing in Carlisle.
Trip Grading Read More

Blue Graded: Difficulty 4-6

Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

On this trip, the distances are longer on some days – up to 25 km/15.5 miles, but there are no mountain ascents, see the itinerary for details.

Travel Read More

You will be met by your Wilderness England Guide at Hotel Indigo, 2/8 Fenkle St, Newcastle at 12:00pm on Day 1 of your trip.

The trip will conclude at Carlisle Railway Station at 10:00am on the final day.

Photo Gallery

Make This Trip Private

Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your prefered departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

Speak to an Expert

Jane Gillies

Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of England. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

Ask Jane a Question

Meet Your Guide

Difficulty Grades Explained

Blue Graded Walking Holidays
Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

Compare walking grades

Our holidays reviewed
in your own words

I selected this tour because it provided the opportunity to combine a holiday in Scotland with an opportunity to also explore the Yorkshire Dales and Lakes. It was a very well designed tour, providing a good variety of landscapes and walking challenges. Staying two or more nights in each area allowed us to adjust the walking itinerary to allow for the changing weather conditions. Our guide Dave, the accommodation, food and additional touring experiences all combined to provide a wonderful experience. Cant wait to come back!

Katharine Tighe
Wilderness Walking - National Parks of the UK
Reviewed on 09/10/2018

Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 716 reviews

Read More Reviews

Want more Wilderness in your life?

Be the first to hear about new trips, locations and activities with our monthly newsletter