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Duration
10 days
Activities
  • self guided walk
Accommodation
  • 9 nights in guesthouses, B&B's or hotels
Meals
  • 9 Breakfasts

Price

$1550USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: WRE

Trip highlights


  • Experience the scenic variety of northern England from the modern, busy cityscapes of Newcastle Upon Tyne to the red sandstone hues of medieval Carlisle, to the quiescence of Bowness on Solway.
  • Explore the barren blustery heights of Highshields Crags in the Northumberland National Park and the lime green pastoral scenes of the Eden valley
  • Trace the history of the north as you walk alongside this iconic monument
  • Enjoy the hospitality of country B&Bs brimming with personality and local charm
  • One of the famous National trails of Britain

Walk East on our 10 day Hadrians Wall walk. With the addition of a couple of extra days it generally lessens the length of some days, thus making it better for slower walkers, or perhaps those who want to spend more time visiting museums and historical sites.

The route stretches 83 miles/133 km across town and country, forest and moorland, World Heritage Site and National Park.The wall was started in 122 A.D. The Roman Emperor; Hadrian was having a lot of trouble with the restless natives to the north; those devilish blue painted Pictish and assorted Caledonian warriors were causing mayhem across the wild Northern frontiers and hassling trade and settlement.

It became imperative to create some kind of order and consolidate the extreme North of the Empire. The wall was built “to separate Romans from Barbarians,” across northern Britain at its narrowest point between the Solway Firth and the North Sea. In its original form it was built in 6 years. It was then extended and enhanced with impressive stone defences following natural ridge lines and with a deep ditch (The Vallum) dug alongside it. Later much of the stonework was mortared allowing it to survive the centuries to become one of the oldest structures in the country today. Small forts called "Milecastles" were built every Roman Mile over the whole of the route. At intervals huge garrison forts were built so that a counter attack or a raid could be organised at short notice.

Things are more peaceful today and much of the imposing defensive structures were dismantled and used for building and field wall stone. This means that you can enjoy “walking the wall” unmolested by Romans or barbarians, on this alternative Coast-to-Coast route. It is a great walk, with a lot of scenic variety from the red sandstone hues of medieval Carlisle, to the modern, busy cityscape of Newcastle Upon Tyne; from the quiescence of Bowness on Solway to industrial Tyneside. From the lime green pastoral scenes of the Eden valley to the barren blustery heights of Highshields Crags in the Northumberland National Park. Omnipotent along the route the Wall snakes its way. In sections interrupting a housing estate here, popping up under a road there. Then from being little more than a grassy bank it transforms into stone and rollercoasters over crag tops and down into impressive fort like structures such as at Birdoswald and Housesteads.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Traveller Rating

 

The walk commences from Carlisle; a very interesting historical city, with a castle founded by Henry I, extensive wall and other Roman remains and then there is the cathedral. The town has changed hands several times between Scotland and England and this is reflected in parts of the town’s structure. Carlisle is quite a bit smaller than Newcastle. A lot of the buildings such as the castle and the Old Town Hall are made of fine red sandstone. Visit the Tullie House Museum for a fine collection of Roman remains. The inner city has been pedestrianised making exploration enjoyable around the market square. Accommodation: For two nights we stay at Abbey Court Guesthouse, it is centrally located and is a Victorian Town House.

Meals:  Nil

As you have a second night in Carlisle, the first walk of the tour can be done in either direction. Ideally take a bus* or taxi to Bowness-on-Solway and walk back to Carlisle. The walk starts from very near the site of the former Roman fort of Maia, looking out over the Solway Firth. The trail follows a minor road and then from Glasson, joins an old railway embankment for a couple of miles. Walking through Burgh-by-Sands a short detour takes you to the point on the marsh where Edward I died in 1307, awaiting to invade Scotland yet again! There isn't much evidence of the wall on this section as it was largely a mud construction in this area, however walking through the villages of Beaumont and Grinsdale, you veer towards and follow the River Eden, and you may get some Lakeland views of the peaks of Skiddaw and High Pike to the south. The trail is more or less parallel with the line of the wall and vallum (defensive ditch). You follow the south side of the River Eden into Carlisle passing through old industrial areas and gardens to emerge in the town near the castle. * Bus schedules have been cut back recently and it maybe better to walk from Carlisle to Bowness and return on the early evening bus; unless you are taking a morning Taxi, Accommodation: As Day 1

Meals:  B

From Carlisle the route once again follows the River Eden where you cross the river after Stanwix and through Rickerby with its Victorian folly tower. Further on at Linstock there is a medieval ‘pele’, Peel Tower that rang a bell in times of danger so that the locals could congregate within its fortifications. Back on the riverside you pass Crosby-on-Eden, perhaps in time for coffee, and follow the old Roman road or 'Stanegate' out of the village. Then a sandy lane takes you up to the old wall line, along by Wall head and Blea head farms. The trail skips across fields then joins a minor road near the village green in Newton nearby, crossing the attractive Cam Beck before once again undulating across country to the village of Walton. If we cannot get you booked into Walton then you will be staying in Brampton which is approx 3 miles off the route. Accommodation:B&B or Farm House

Meals:  B

Follow attractive cross country walking from Walton, and parts of the old Roman Road from Banks with its Roman signal turret.Then it is on to cross the River Irthing leaving Cumbria for Northumberland, and arriving in the village of Gilsand. Today is a shorter day giving you the chance to see the remains at the Roman site called Birdoswald near the River Irthing where you can see the longest continuous remaining stretch of Hadrian’s Wall. Explore the extensive remains of the fort and discover interactive displays, artefacts and a model of the wall in their fascinating exhibition. Naturally, the place has delicious locally made cakes and treats in the tearoom. Accommodation: Hollies on the Wall is a modern guesthouse.

Meals:  B

From Gilsand the next photogenic attraction are the remains of Medieval Thirlwell castle, virtually bestriding the line of the wall. the way then passes by Magnis Roman fort and then starts the famous roller-coasting route undulating past Great Chesters Fort with views onto the Pennine hills.From here its up through Cawfields Crags, through Thorny doors and then from the delightfully named Bogle Hole ascend to the highest point of Hadrian' Wasll at Winshields Crags (345m). The views are familiar to anyone who has seen documentaries about the wall. From here you descend off the wall to your accommodation at once Brewed near the visitor centre. Depending upon time, you could decide to carry on 2.5 miles to visit the famous Roman fort museum site at Housesteads, or take the bus from Once Brewed. Accommodation: Twice Brewed Inn is situated a stones throw from the Wall.

Meals:  B

From Once Brewed the route ascends to the National Park at Steel Rigg, back on the wall and undulates passing peel and Highshield Crags above Crag Lough, a lake below the cliffs. Now arguably the most scenic walking section of the holiday, where the remains of the wall sit on top of the natural Whin Sill basalt ridge. there are excellent views over the “Northward Tynescape” to the Bellingham and Simonside Hills. Next you roller-coaster to Housesteads, with its famed fort and National Trust Museum. A good couple of hours will do it justice. Another spell of walking gets you to where you leave the Whin Sill at Fozy Moss and follow beside the road, which in places is on the line of the wall. The next attraction is Brocolita Roman Fortress. Nearby there is a 3rd century mithric temple with replica deity figures of the Persian God Mithras and his associates. The Walk continues on to Chollerford where there is a beautiful stone bridge from 1775 crossing the River Tyne. You may have time to visit the Chesters Roman Museum which has Wall artefacts, and great gardens with remains of the baths. Accommodation: The George Hotel is situated close to Hadrian’s Wall by the bridge over the river. This cosy pub is an ideal spot for walkers to relax.

Meals:  B

As you commence walking today from either wall or Chollerford it might be worth taking footpaths down to the River Tyne to examine the foundation stones and footings of the original Roman bridge which are well preserved. The next attraction along the walk, is the hamlet and church at Heavenfields where Oswald King of Northumberland defeated the Welsh hordes in 633 AD, thus uniting Northumbria. Unfortunately the Northumbrians didn't do quite so well against the Vikings later on! Walking on, a slight deviation to Halton might be in order to examine a pele tower and grade I listed building situated close to Hadrian's Wall. The tower was first recorded in 1382. The walk then largely follows alongside the road into East Wallhouses. Reach a pub called the Robin Hoods Inn and maybe after a pint, you have a short walk up to your accommodation. Accommodation: The guesthouse is about a mile north of the pub in East Wall Houses along a footpath. A spacious stone-built former farmhouse dating from 1735. With well-kept gardens beautifully situated in the Northumberland Countryside. There is a Farm Brewery next door. Their Visitor Centre has a shop, bar, award winning tearoom & restaurant. If we are unable to accommodate in East Wall, we will make a booking in Corbridge where a return taxi transfer is required (own expense).

Meals:  B

The walk is now quite flattish, The National Trail follows beside the road, often along the vallum, the ditch created as a defensive feature when The Roman Wall was built. The reservoirs around Welton are good for bird life, and in another 3 miles or so there are the remains of Vindobala Fort which are really just field ridges as most the stone was removed in the 18th century. Arrive at Heddon-on the-Wall, where you can examine a good surviving section of the wall and finally end the day with a nice steep stroll down to Wylam (which is just off the route) Accommodation: Overnight in a nice Victorian country house which has been noted by English Heritage.

Meals:  B

Leaving Wylam, you have some final countryside walking before reaching the old village of Newburn, where the suburbs of Newcastle reach out. Walk into the city alongside the River Tyne. There is plenty of evidence of present and former industrial activity. You come into the riverside area of downtown Newcastle upon Tyne with vistas of the elegant Tyne Bridges and the city skyline including St. Nicholas Cathedral. There should be time to climb up to Newcastle Keep. Following the line of the old Tyne to Blyth railway line, you pass through the suburbs of Byker and Walker, finally reaching Wallsend. If you have time take a close look at the remains of the Roman fort of Segedunum. This is a multi award winning site, with reconstructions of a Roman Bath House and an excellent interactive museum. The museum marks the end of the Hadrians Wall Trail. From Wallsend, take the Newcastle Metro to Whitley Bay (15 minutes) for a night in a seaside town! If you have time tonight or tomorrow, stretch your legs and take a walk to visit St Mary’s Island, Lighthouse and Visitor Centre where you will experience spectacular coastal views. Accommodation: The Metropolitan is a contemporary styled 4* B&B.

Meals:  B

Depart Whitley Bay for your onward journey.

Meals:  B


Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.


Inclusions

  • 9 breakfasts
  • 9 nights accommodation on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities where available
  • One piece of luggage per person transferred from Inn to Inn, not exceeding 20kg
  • Digital information pack including route notes & maps
  • Emergency hotline
  • GPX Files

  • Dinners, lunches & beverages
  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to arrive at the first B&B and return home
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Public transport during the walks
  • A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
  • Guide - this is a self guided holiday

Accommodation


Grading

moderate  

Moderate. Only 1 long day of 15 miles, there are short steep climbs and descents. Generally however undulating. Mixed weather can be expected at anytime.


Departure dates

Daily from 20 Mar to 13 Oct (except 29 Aug - 1 Sep)

Notes

M
Mid Season
H
High Season
NB:
8-day version available (code WHH) or start in Whitley Bay (code HWW).
Note:
This walk cannot start 29 Aug - 1 Sep due to the Great North Run in Newcastle.
DN3
Mid Season is from 1 Jul to 31 Aug and High Season is from 1 May - 30 June & 1-30 Sep. A supplement applies for mid and high season departures.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$1550USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Single SupplementUSD$470
  • Single Supplement - Mid SeasonUSD$470
  • Solo Traveller SupplementUSD$500
  • Single Supplement - High SeasonUSD$520
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - Mid SeasonUSD$520
  • Solo Traveller Supplement - High SeasonUSD$550
*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

This is the 10 day west to east version of the original Hadrian's Wall walk that we offered (in reverse of the original route). There are two extra nights (Gilsland and East Wallhouses) to reduce the length of a couple of days

Some people may prefer going this way as the prevailing weather is from the south west

Yes you can, look for trips HWW or HWT

Twice Brewed will give you scope to have a full day visiting Housesteads and Vindolanda

Sort of! You start at Bowness on Solway which is tidal and finish at the River Tyne which is also tidal

Wallsend where the walk finishes is a heavily built up suburb of Newcastle, and Whitley Bay is a pleasant seaside resort

There are few places to stay directly on the route. You may have to walk a couple of miles off the route as in the case of Wylam, or you may get picked up at a certain spot if the accommodation is too far from the trail on occasion

Yes, it is the most authentic, wildest and dramatic part

There is no where to stay in Bowness on Solway and you need to take a taxi or limited bus service there, or back as you can do the first section of the walk either direction from Carlisle


Trip reviews


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We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

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Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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