Overview
This...read more 5-night self-guided walk along Hadrian's Wall, from West to East, starts at Lanercost Priory and ends in Corbridge, taking in some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. We've chosen this route direction so the prevailing winds (and any inclement weather!) are always at your back and the scenery in this direction is considerably better than the other way round.
Follow Hadrian's Wall Path across the rolling countryside and rugged moorland of Northumberland. The route passes the world-famous Sycamore Gap and over craggy hillsides, such as those of Walltown, Winshield and Sewingshields Crags.
You'll have the possibility of visiting some amazingly well-preserved sites including the Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters. These sites offer a captivating journey into the history and significance of this iconic frontier and allow you to truly appreciate the engineering feat that marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire.
Wander through the ruins of a Roman fort, a turret, and a milecastle, each telling a unique story of life along the wall. Delve into the story of Hadrian's Wall through informative displays, artifacts, and interactive elements that bring the history of the Wall to life. Gain a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of this frontier and the lives of those who inhabited and defended it. You finish your route in the affluent and once-bustling Roman town of Corbridge.
Stay in welcoming inns, guesthouses and B&B's with hearty Northumberland breakfasts to set you up for a day of exploring.
Itinerary
Arrive in Greenhead and overnight (B).
Take a taxi to Lanercost Priory (payable locally) to discover the beauty and tranquillity of Cumbria's best-preserved Augustinian monastery with its intact triple tier arches and cloisters. It is an evocative place, constructed almost entirely from sandstone pilfered from Hadrian's Wall. Walk back to the hotel in Greenhead along Hadrian's Wall Path and the longest remaining stretch of the wall. Along the way, you will pass the remains of numerous Milecastles and Turrets and impressive sections of The Wall, enjoying wonderful views (notably from Banks East Turret). Look forward to the expansive Birdoswald Fort; Harrows Scar Wall and the impressive Willowford Wall. Overnight in Greenhead (B).
Follow the Hadrian's Wall Path (and parts of the Pennine Way) to Once Brewed. Walk along the top of the stunning Walltown and Cawfields Crags, both offering wonderful views of the wild and dramatic landscape. Reaching the summit of Winshield Crags, enjoy a superb 360 panorama from this, the highest point on the whole of the Hadrian's Wall Path. Extend your walk to visit the highly recommended Roman Fort and Museum at Vindolanda, constructed before Hadrian's Wall as a garrison on the Stanegate Road - the first Roman frontier in the north. The site provides a unique glimpse into the history of Roman occupation in the region and showcases the evolving nature of the fort over the years. Overnight in Once Brewed (B).
Today's walk takes you along Hadrian's Wall Path past the famous Sycamore Gap to enjoy fabulous views of Crag Lough and the rolling Northumberland hills. Visit the Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum - one of the best-preserved Roman forts in the country and its setting is without doubt the most impressive. The Museum adds another layer to the understanding of Roman history in the region, offering a unique and immersive experience by utilizing various multimedia elements to bring the story of the fort to life. Walk along the Sewingshields Crags with excellent views over Broomlee Lough and on to Chesters Fort. One of the notable features of Chesters Roman Fort is its unusually well-preserved baths and steam room. Overnight in Chollerford (B).
Follow the Hadrian's Wall Path to visit St Oswald's Church, then head south, passing the idyllic hamlet of Halton with its (private) castle before calling in at the magnificent Aydon Castle. Open to the public, Aydon Castle is a must-see (closed on a Mon & Tues). This fortified 13th century English manor house is almost completely intact and has a walled orchard perfect for picnics. The walk meanders across fields and grazing pastures, and through small woodlands, with expansive and far-reaching views over the rolling Northumberland countryside. Quiet country lanes and field paths then take you down into the delightful Roman Garrison town of Corbridge. Overnight in Corbridge (B).
Depart after breakfast (B).
Trip Inclusions
- Walk along Hadrian's Wall - the largest historical monument in Britain
- Visit the ancient Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters
- Walk from West to East, keeping the prevailing winds behind you (and better views)
- Beautiful scenery with views across to the Lake District and the Northumberland Coast
- Discover other historical buildings including Lanercost Priory and St Oswald's Church
- All breakfasts
- Route notes and maps
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Itinerary and inclusions are subject to change
- Price is for land, cruise and internal flights as specified. Flights not specified are not included
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Prices & Dates
There are currently no departures available on this trip. Either it's the end of the season and new departures will be released shortly, or this itinerary has been changed and will no longer continue. Feel free to contact us for information about when next seasons dates will be released or click here to view the general release dates for all destinations.
Tour & cruises prices are per person. Prices shown have savings applied, are subject to availability and may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Prices and trip information are correct at the time at this point in time, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking and are subject to change by Exodus. For cruise itineraries, cabin images are sourced from Exodus. These should be treated as indicative only. Cabin inclusions, upholsteries and room layout may differ to the image(s) shown depending on the ship selected and your sailing dates.
