Map of Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights including United Kingdom

A historic walk through the heart of the English countryside

Spanning coast to coast across the north of England, Hadrian’s Wall is a historic spectacle of emperor Hadrian’s reign in the once Roman province of Britannia. These days the wall, along with a number of ruins dotted along the way, provides the trail for a seven-day exploration of pre-British history on two feet. Walking from the western outpost of Carlisle to the eastern reaches at East Wallhouses near Newcastle upon Tyne, spend a week following one of the richest examples of Roman history in the United Kingdom. Walking at a reasonable but not strenuous pace, stopping by quaint English villages and staying in comfortable twin-share accommodation, this guided Hadrian’s Wall walking adventure is the ideal way to discover well-preserved sections of the wall and the surrounding countryside.


Start
Carlisle, United Kingdom
Finish
Hexham, United Kingdom
Destination
United Kingdom
Style
Original
Theme
Walking & Trekking
Code
BMXH
Physical rating
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1, Max 12

Why you'll love this trip

  • Hadrian’s Wall walking trails are well developed and full of Roman history. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll gain a true insight into this piece of history which is often overlooked by travellers in England.

  • Admire the stark beauty at Sycamore Gap as you enjoy a photo stop at the famous Robin Hood tree.

  • Take your time to discover important spots along the way, with an included visit to Vindolanda Roman Fort and a stop Fort at Housesteads, learning the tales of the Wall.

  • Walking every day doesn’t mean you’re going to be ruined like the remains along the trail. With a well-designed itinerary, the prevailing winds behind you plus some time at leisure in Cholleford, you’ll be walking with ease.

  • The English countryside has never looked so good. While the focus is Hadrian’s Wall on this itinerary, your eyes – and camera – will be occupied every step of the way by the lush landscapes of northern England.

Is this trip right for you?

  • This walking trip is a point-to-point walking itinerary. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes and comfortable clothes.

  • Your luggage will be transported for you, but you need to bring a daypack to carry your essentials.

  • Some days of walking include undulating sections and some uneven terrain, so consider bringing walking poles as an aid at these times if you wish.

  • The diversity of the seasons in England makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be cold. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. Please be equally prepared to walk in sunshine and rain.

Itinerary

Welcome to the northwest English countryside! Today, you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers in front of the entrance to Carlisle train station at 10 am – check the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information for more details. Carlisle is a wonderful historic city dating back over 2,000 years. With its renowned castle and the Tully Museum to see, you might like to spend a night or two here before your trip to get a real feel for the place. After a quick welcome briefing, begin your walk out of town, following the River Eden on your way to the charming village of Crosby-on-Eden. Passing by Hadrian’s Wall through sweeping fields and old bridleways you'll soon arrive in Irthington. From here, take a short transfer to Haltwhistle, your base for the next 3 nights.
Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Carlise to Irthington guided walk
Meals Included
There are no meals included on this day.
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 15.5 kilometres (9.5 miles). It’s very important that you attend the welcome meeting this morning as we will be collecting insurance and emergency contact details at this time. After this meeting you will start walking to your next destination. If you think you may be late, it is highly recommended to book one extra night prior to the start of the trip. We’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation (subject to availability).
After a short transfer back to the trail, begin your walk at Lanercost Priory – once England’s capital, but only for a matter of months. Continue to Birdoswald Roman Fort where there will be time for an optional visit to this historic structure which was inhabited for over 2,000 years and showcases many of the Wall’s defining features. Overlooking the River Irthing Gorge, this section of Hadrian’s Wall is the longest spanning stretch and one of the most well preserved. After spending some time here with your group, walk on to Gilsland from where you'll travel back to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle.
Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Lanercost Priory to Gilsland guided walk
Optional Activities
  • Carlisle - Birdoswald Roman Fort - GBP10
  • Lanercost Priory - GBP7
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 11 kilometres (7 miles).
Start the day with a short ride to the Vindolanda Roman fort. Here you will spend a few hours exploring this wonderfully preserved fort, which is still being excavated. A highlight is the onsite museum that has a treasure trove of well-preserved items such as Roman shoes, boxing gloves and letters. Afterwards hop on the aptly named AD122 bus for the short ride to the Walltown quarry. Walk along one of the most spectacular of the wall as it follows the crags and involves some steep ascents, before descending from the wall and following the lovely Haltwhistle burn back in to town. As tonight is your last night in this pretty town you may like to head out with your fellow walkers and enjoy a well-deserved dinner (at your own expense) before moving on to the second part of your adventure tomorrow.
Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Gilsland to Haltwhistle guided walk
  • Vindolanda Roman Fort
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 9 kilometres (5.5 miles).
After a short transfer to Once Brewed, a quaint place with an unusual - and often disputed - name, start your hike with a steep climb to the crags (rock faces) of Northumberland. Soon you will reach Sycamore Gap – one of the most well-known sections of the trail. With a lone Sycamore tree sitting in a shallow and narrow dip in the countryside, it’s a perfect place to stop and admire the views. Enjoy a must-do photo stop at the impeccably preserved Housesteads Roman Fort. This afternoon, you will finish your walk at Brocolitia fort. Nothing remains of the fort but there are some interesting remains of the Temple of Mithras. From here take a quick ride to your overnight accommodation in Hexham.
Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Once Brewed to Brocolitia Fort guided walk
Optional Activities
  • Bardon Mill - Housesteads Roman Fort - GBP10
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 19 kilometres (12 miles)
After breakfast take a short ride to the outskirts of Chollerford to begin today’s walk. Be sure to walk around the nearby Heavenfield Battle Site and St Oswald’s in Lee Church, both teeming with reminders of the famous victory of Oswald – the King of Northumbria – in AD734. Your walk today takes you through the countryside to Port Gate where you can take the time for a relaxed lunch before continuing to East Wallhouses and a transfer to nearby Hexham.
Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chollerford - St. Oswald’s in Lee Church visit
  • Chollerford - Heavenfield Battle Site visit
  • Chollerford to East Wallhouses guided walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 14.5 kilometres (9 miles).
Your group will mainly follow the old Military Road and earthen defences set on either side of the wall. Today, you'll pass by the Roman Fort of Rudchester and a short section of remaining wall on your way. After a number of days walking along the trail, perhaps celebrate the last night of the trip with your group during a well-deserved group dinner.
Accommodation
  • Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Included Activities
  • Chollerford - Rudchester Roman Fort visit
  • Wylam to East Wallhouses guided walk
Meals Included
  • Breakfast
Special Information
Today’s walking distance is 14.5 kilometres (9 miles).
With no activities or walking included in today’s itinerary, you are free to leave at any time. The town of Hexham is only a short distance by rail or bus to the large city of Newcastle upon Tyne where rail and air connections are available to take you throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.
Meals Included
  • Breakfast

Meals

6 breakfasts

Transport

walking, Public bus, Train, Taxi

Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Carlise to Irthington guided walk
  • Lanercost Priory to Gilsland guided walk
  • Gilsland to Haltwhistle guided walk
  • Vindolanda Roman Fort
  • Once Brewed to Brocolitia Fort guided walk
  • Chollerford - St. Oswald’s in Lee Church visit
  • Chollerford - Heavenfield Battle Site visit
  • Chollerford to East Wallhouses guided walk
  • Chollerford - Rudchester Roman Fort visit
  • Wylam to East Wallhouses guided walk

Dates & availability

Trip departures are unavailable.

There are currently no scheduled departures on our Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights trip. If you are interested in other trips in the region visit one of the links below.

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Important notes

1. This trip starts in Carlisle on Day 1 at 10 am (please meet your leader at the front entrance of the train station at Collier Lane, next to WH Smith store). This trip finishes after breakfast in Hexham on Day 7. 
2. If you plan to arrive by car, please search for relevant car park options in Carlisle. Private and public transport from the end of the trip back to Carlisle are available.
3. Arriving by train is most environmentally friendly. Carlisle is well connected with Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, and Edinburgh as well as London and Manchester. Consider this mode of transport to start your trip.
4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.

Essential trip information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

View Essential Trip Information

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