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

Price

$USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: HWC

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.
  • See some of the finest Georgian architecture in Britain. The iconic Angel of the North and Tyne Bridge (the template for the Sydney Harbour Bridge), Victoria Tunnel and SAGE arts Centre.
  • 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

In 122 A.D. the Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered a great wall to be built separating 'Romans from Barbarians' across northern Britain at its narrowest point between the Solway Firth and the North Sea. It was 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.

Combining the vibrancy and special character of Newcastle with the history and wide open spaces of walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path offers a unique perspective of the northern England. The trail is an 84 mile (135 km) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast. The National Trail follows the line of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of England – from rolling fields and rugged borderlands to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle – with dozens of fascinating museums along the way. At night stay in welcoming hotels and B&B and dine in traditional English pubs.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

On arrival into Newcastle, make your way to the joining hotel. Accommodation – The Sandman Signature or the Vermont Hotel

Meals:  Nil

A self-guided walking tour that will take you to Newcastle Castle, the waterfront, Millennium Bridge, SAGE Centre, Victoria Tunnel and Baltic Centre for Contempory Art. Bus to Angel of the North. Optional extra of tour of St James’ Park, home of Newcastle United. Accommodation – The Sandman Signature or the Vermont Hotel

Meals:  B

Today you take the 15 minute train from Newcastle to Wallsend and the start of the walk. If you have time before setting off take a close look at the remains of the Roman fort of Segedunum which marks the beginning of the route today. This is a multi award-winning site, with reconstructions of a Roman Bath House and an excellent interactive museum. From the Tourist Information in Wallsend, by the Swan Hunter Ship Yard, the trail heads out following the walls of the ancient Roman fort of Segedunum. Take the old Tyne to Blyth railway line, now a footpath through to Walker where you join the River Tyne at the Riverside Park and pass Byker. You come into the riverside area of downtown Newcastle upon Tyne with vistas of the elegant Tyne Bridges and of the Newcastle skyline including St. Nicholas Cathedral. There should be time to climb up to Newcastle Keep. Walk out of the city alongside the river. There is plenty of evidence of present and former industrial activity. As you get to the old village of Newburn, the countryside really begins to open up. You are now in the county of Northumberland. Just before you would cross the River Tyne for Heddon on the Wall, on the trail, we turn off for Wylam and our overnight stop at the end of this flattish day. Accommodation: Overnight in a nice Victorian country house which has been noted by English heritage.

Meals:  B

Start the day with a nice steep stroll up to Heddon, where you can examine a good surviving section of the wall. The National Trail follows beside the road, often along the vallum, the ditch created as a defensive feature when The Roman Wall was built. After about 1 mile, you soon come off the road to follow the footpath by its side. Look out for remains of Vindobala Fort and the reservoirs around Welton which are good for birdlife. A slight deviation via Halton to admire the old keep and down into the village of Corbridge. Accommodation: Maften High House in Corbridge

Meals:  B

Climb back out from Corbridge and continue along the wall into the attractive little village of wall, with a pretty green slightly off route or the small town of Chollerford. If you are staying in Wall its worth a walk into Chollerford with its handsome five-arched stone bridge from 1775. Or take footpaths down to the River Tyne to examine the foundation stones of the original Roman bridge which are well preserved. Accommodation: Hadrian Hotel

Meals:  B

The Walk continues on through Chollerford crossing the tyne over a beautiful stone bridge. You may have time to visit the Chesters Roman Museum which has Wall artefacts and great gardens with remains of the baths. The path still lingers beside the road as far as Fozy Moss, where the road veers off The Wall as it reaches the crags of the Whin Sill Escarpment. You walk past Brocolita Roman Fortress. Nearby there is a 3rd century mithric temple with replica deity figures of the Persian God Mithras and his associates. This stage rollercoasters to Housesteads, with its famed fort and National Trust Museum. There are excellent views over the “Northward Tynescape” to the Bellingham and Simonside Hills. Now follows arguably the most scenic section of the trip over Highshield Crags and then down via Peel Crags to the National Park car park at Steel Rigg, from where you can walk out to your accommodation at Once Brewed. Accommodation: We use a range of B&Bs with ensuite accommodation

Meals:  B

The Wall climbs to its highest point over Winshields Crags, before descending to the delightfully named Bogle Hole. Downsteps through Thorny Doors and up Cawfields Crags with excellent views onto the Pennines. The way passes by Great Chesters and Magnis (Roman forts), passing Greenhead, the ruin of Thirlwall Castle and in another mile or so crosses the Cumbria / Northumberland border on the River Irthing at Gilsand. Accommodation: Hill on the Wall B&B

Meals:  B

Today is a shorter day giving you the chance to see the remains at the Roman site called Birdoswald where you can see the longest continuous remaining stretch of Hadrian's Wall. Explore the extensive remains of the Roman fort and discover interactive displays, artefacts and a model of the wall in their fascinating exhibition. With delicious locally made cakes and treats in the tearoom, it is the ideal place to stop and relax. Cross the River Irthing into Cumbria, and follow the trail to Banks and another signal tower turret. You can then turn off to visit Lanercost Priory which has a café. If we cannot get you booked into Walton or Lanercost then you will be staying in Brampton which is approx 3 miles off the route requiring a walking diversion or transfer. Accommodation: B&B or Farm House

Meals:  B

The route continues undulating across country. After crossing the very attractive Cam beck, you briefly join the road at Newtown Village near the green before skipping across the fields. Here you are following the wall line via Old Wall, Blea head and Wall head farms, before detouring on a little “sandy lane” that takes you down to The Stanegate, the old Roman road that leads into Crosby on Eden and the river Eden. Now you will be riverside walking for about a mile. At Linstock there is a medieval ‘pele’, Peel Tower that rang in times of danger so that the locals could congregate within its fortifications. Next come to Rickerby which has, in contrast, a Victorian folly tower. Finally cross the River Eden towards Stanwix, then up into 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. Beer fans will not want to miss out a couple of drams, as this is the centre for the Theakstone’s Brewery. 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 stay in a small 3 star AA graded hotel was built in the 1850’s and it has its foundations literally on Hadrians Wall

Meals:  B

As you have a second night in Carlisle, the final walk today can be done in either direction. Take a morning bus to Bowness On Solway and walk back to Carlisle or walk and then bus or taxi back. The walk itself from Carlisle follows at first the Southern side of the River Eden. The trail follows the Eden once again, more or less parallel with the line of the Wall and Vallum, through Grinsdale and Beaumont where you at last veer away from the Eden. You get good views from just north of the village to the peaks of Skiddaw and High Pike to the south and across the Solway Firth to the West. Through Burgh by Sands, a short detour takes you to the point on the marsh where Edward I died in 1307. In the vicinity of Dykesfield House, the trail joins an old railway embankment for a couple of miles before rejoining the line of “The Wall” near Glasson. From here the route follows the minor road to Bowness on Solway, the site of the Roman fort of Maia and journey’s end. Return by bus or taxi to Carlisle to celebrate completing the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Accommodation: As previous night

Meals:  B

Trip concludes after breakfast.

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

  • 10 breakfasts
  • 10 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
  • Information pack including route notes & maps per room booked
  • 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

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 27 Mar to 20 Oct (except 07 to 12 Sep)

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

$USD

Options & Supplements*
    *Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

This 10 day east to west version is the original Hadrian's Wall walk, but with two extra night (Eat Wall Houses area and Gilsland) to reduce a couple of the longer days

This was how the wall was built out from Wallsend it is believed, and the walking guide books, originally at least, were wrote this way

Yes you can but you need to book trips either: WRE or WHH

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

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

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

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 last section of the walk either direction from Carlisle


Trip reviews


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Making Europe Affordable

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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