Walk Hadrian’s Wall Highlights

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 around 10 am – check the ‘Joining Point Instructions’ of your Essential Trip Information for more details. Carlisle is a wonderful historic city dating back over 2000 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 Brampton. From here, take a short train ride to Haltwhistle for an overnight stay.

After a short train ride back to Brampton, begin your walk at Lanercost Priory – once England’s capital, but only for a matter of months. Continue to Birdoswald Roman Fort for an included visit to this historic structure which was inhabited for over 2000 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. What’s more, alongside the site’s Roman fort, turret and milecastle, there is an informative visitor centre that details stories of Roman frontiers in engaging exhibitions and displays. Well worth a visit. After spending some time here with your group, you'll travel back to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle. (B)

This morning, start the day with a short bus ride to the start of the trail then continue your exploration of the best sections of Hadrian’s Wall. The first section will take you past Thirlwall Castle – 12th-century ruins that sit on the banks of the Tipalt River. Afterwards, climb down the track and head to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle. As tonight is your last night in this pretty town, you may like to head out with your fellow trekkers and enjoy a well deserved dinner (at your own expense) before moving on to the second part of your adventure tomorrow. (B)

After a short transport to Once Brewed, a quaint town with an unusual - and often disputed - name, start your hike with a gentle 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, the most complete example of a Roman fort in Britain. This afternoon, you will finish your walk at Cholleford and take a quick ride to your overnight accommodation in East Wallhouses. (B)

After a short ride to Cholleford, you may like to take some time to explore the town before commencing today’s relaxed walk. This town is well known for its Roman bridge and Roman forth and has a charming small-town English feel. 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 the town of Port Gate where you can take the time to relax before the trip back to East Wallhouses for an overnight stay. (B)

Fairly even terrain and a mostly downhill trail greets you today as you make your way from Port Gate to East Wallhouses. 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 on your way. After a number of days walking along the trail, celebrate the penultimate night of the trip with your group during a well-deserved included group dinner. (B/D)

With no activities or walking included in today’s itinerary, you are free to leave at any time. The village of East Wallhouses is only a short distance to the large city of Newcastle upon Tyne where rail and air connections are available to take you throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. (B)