Hadrian’s Wall Path

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)