This is history at its best. Built by the Roman army after Emperor Hadrian’s visit in AD 122, Hadrian’s Wall is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument. Walking the path alongside this World Heritage-listed site is like walking through time itself, and the wall is just the beginning. Add in England’s quintessential green landscapes, charming villages, cosy pubs and fresh country air, and you’ve got yourself one of the most rewarding walks in the world.

Day 1 | Arrive in Wallsend

The aptly named Wallsend is the starting point for your adventure along Hadrian’s Wall. Located on the banks of the River Tyne, just east of Newcastle, Wallsend was once home to the Roman’s Segedunum Fort, which stood for some 300 years from the 2nd century, the ruins of which can be visited today. Much of Wallsend’s modern history has been driven by the shipbuilding and coal-mining industries, though its most famous export is undoubtedly the musician Sting.

Day 2 | Wallsend – Heddon-on-the-Wall | 23 km

The Hadrian’s Wall walk officially begins at the Segedunum Roman Fort, close to the River Tyne. Spend the day walking beside the Tyne, passing the Newcastle Quayside and Millennium Bridge, eventually exiting Newcastle and reaching the village of Heddon-on-the-Wall. Here you’ll catch your first glimpse of the remains of Hadrian’s Wall. This is the longest section of unbroken wall at its original width, known as Broad Wall.

Day 3 | Heddon-on-the-Wall – Chollderford | 25 km

Continue following Hadrian’s Wall west through the Northumberland countryside. Once you reach the community of Harlow Hill, you’ll no doubt begin to appreciate just how much green space there is outside of the city’s limits. Along the way you’ll notice the Vallum, or Roman ditch, that formed part of the wall’s defences, while sections of the wall itself appear on the approach to Chollerford. Tea rooms and pubs await with open arms to welcome you – we highly recommend the steak and Guinness pot pie as well as the five-star panacotta dessert.

Day 4 | Chollerford – Once Brewed | 20 km

After a hearty breakfast in Chollerford you’ll enter Northumberland National Park, which provides some phenomenal scenery that only improves as you climb higher. Much of the day is spent right beside the wall and you’ll enjoy views of Whin Sill, an eye-catching cliff and natural defence along which Hadrian’s Wall was built. The path will take you to Housesteads Roman Fort, where you can see well-preserved and excavated Roman remains along with lovely views of the open landscape. The village of Once Brewed has an inn, a youth hostel and a few theories on how the name came about – you’ll just have to discover them for yourself.

Day 5 | Once Brewed – Gilsland | 14 km

The trail continues for a superb day’s walking to Gilsland. Climb to the highest point of the trail, at 345 metres above sea level, as you tackle the undulating terrain across the Winshields Crags and take some time to enjoy the expansive views. The trail then passes the ruins of Thirlwall Castle and the remains of Great Chesters and Magnis forts before crossing the border into Cumbria and into the quant village of Gilsland.

Day 6 | Gilsland – Walton | 11 km

Breathe in the country air as you follow a memorable section of Hadrian’s Wall from Gilsland to Birdoswald Roman Fort. This is one of 16 forts that were built along the wall and is one of best-preserved today. From here, continue up above the Irthington Gorge for lovely views before descending into the village of Banks. The open moors gradually turn to farmland and parklands, signalling the approach to Walton, your destination for the evening, and the always-welcoming Centurion Inn.

Day 7 | Walton – Carlisle | 18 km

Enjoy some lovely rural walking through the Cumbrian countryside and as you pass Castlesteads House follow the banks of the River Eden into Carlisle, a charming, fascinating city right by the Scottish border. Its incredible history is complemented by the beautiful cathedral, imposing Carlisle Castle and the well-preserved walls of the old city. The cathedral, which was first built in the 12th century, has a particularly lovely ceiling and stain-glass East Window. Spend some time exploring the city and learning about the historical rivalry between the Scots and the British that has plagued the island for many, many centuries. There are plenty of food options here, from the local ploughman’s cheese and pickles to tasty European dishes, served with a local drop of the Carlisle craft.

Day 8 | Carlisle – Bowness-on-Solway | 23 km

The final stretch of your walk along Hadrian’s Wall begins by following the banks of the River Eden before crossing the Solway Firth’s salt marshes. This is a truly beautiful area, particularly known for its bird life, though the views to the Lake District’s mountains in the south and Scotland to the north are breathtaking at times. Upon finishing the walk – and crossing the UK – there’s no better place to celebrate than The Kings Arms in Bowness, recognised as the ‘unofficial’ end of the Hadrian’s Wall walk.

Day 9 | Depart Bowness-on-Solway

Your adventure along Hadrian’s Wall and your walk across the UK comes to an end this morning after breakfast.

Visit www.wanderingtheworld.com.au for more information.

Inclusions

• 8 nights accommodation, all carefully selected to enhance your walking experience
• Private en-suite facilities
• Daily luggage transfers from hotel to hotel (1 x 20kg bag unless indicated otherwise)
• Daily full English breakfast
• List of suggested places to dine in the evening
• Information packs with route maps and instructions on how to locate hotels
• Luggage identification tags
• Emergency contact details and 24/7 local on-the-ground support
• Pre-departure and ongoing support from Australian office

Optional Inclusions

• Suggested rest days as outlined in itinerary or if required
• Upgraded accommodation choices such as premium/high-end style
• Private vehicle transfers to the trip’s starting point
• Single supplement for your own room
• Additional night’s accommodation before or after trip (please advise at time of booking)

Not Included

• Flights
• Travel to trip’s starting point
• Transfers not already outlined in detailed trip itinerary
• Dinners
• Lunches

Accommodation

We know from personal experience that a good night’s rest can make or break a trip, which is why we carefully hand-select all our accommodation. We ensure we pass on our knowledge and firsthand experience of the best places to stay to all our walkers.

Your accommodation along the trail is booked in advance and is chosen to make your walking experience as rewarding as possible. Our carefully selected guest houses, inns and hotels, often steeped in history, offer a charming, cosy feel, all with private en-suite facilities. Knowing you have delightful and characterful accommodation waiting for you makes all the difference.

All our places we stay in the UK and Ireland are chosen to keep you comfortable and content. From quaint B&Bs to refurbished highland manor houses complete with roaring fires and rare whiskies, the comfort of our accommodations is matched only by the views.

Single supplements are available so you can enjoy your own room with private en-suite, and a single supplement will apply if you are travelling alone, or if there is no gender share option.  However, you can request a shared room through Wandering the World at the time of booking, however this is not guaranteed.

In many places along the trails there are luxury, upgraded options available. Perfect for a special occasion, to celebrate a milestone or to enhance your entire journey should you choose. We can recommend some very special, unique places to indulge in the local hospitality in extraordinary style. Please ask us about these options.

Food & Dining

Walking and eating go hand in hand and your wander through this spectacular countryside gives you ample opportunity to experience each regions finest produce and cooking.

Breakfast at your place of accommodation, is always a highlight and you will start your day well fuelled. Enjoy a hearty, full cooked breakfast with all the trimmings, as well as fresh fruits, cereals, yoghurt, tea, coffee, and juices.

Lunch, at your own expense, will depend on where you are on your walk and what is available.  You may discover local cafes or a pub en route to order some local fare. Some days you will need to carry your own picnic lunch, which can be arranged the evening prior, through your accommodation. Keep on the lookout for a traditional scones and cream afternoon tea to reward yourself at the end of your walking day.

Having walked these routes many times, Wandering the World is in the know as to where our walkers can enjoy a great evening meal. Dinner is your own choice and expense and we provide many suggestions on where to dine.  Ambient and traditional places where you can delight in a traditional Irish stew, freshly caught Scottish Salmon, good old Bangers and Mash or other home cooked dishes these regions are well known for.

THE WALKING

This trip is a self-guided itinerary, ideal for groups and independent travellers who prefer to navigate their own way, in their own time.

You will be provided with an information pack with easy to read maps and instructions, complete with directions to guide you on the well-marked paths and tracks. Your information pack will be available at your joining hotel on the first day of your trip.

TRIP GRADE

Moderate – This itinerary is carefully designed for easy to manage walking days. Averaging less than 20km on most days, approximately 4-6 walking hours. Surfaces are fairly even with moderate ascents and descents. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended.

Given you only need carry a lightweight day bag, this trip is very manageable for those new to walking holidays. Preparation and training make all our walks more enjoyable.

LUGGAGE TRANSFERS

For your comfort and enjoyment Wandering the World arrange a daily luggage transfer. All you need to carry is a day pack and be free to enjoy your walking. Luggage allowance is one bag per person of no more than 20kg. Luggage must be left in the reception of your hotel before breakfast (8am) each day, before you move on.

It is essential to attach the bag tag provided to ensure your luggage is delivered to your next accommodation.

*Please note only one bag will be moved each day, additional charges will apply if your bag is heavier than 20kg. Should you require special arrangements for additional luggage transfers, this can be booked ahead of time and must be paid as a part of your final payment to Wandering the World.

GROUP SIZE

Wandering the World guided groups have a maximum group size of 12 participants. This small group size has many advantages including flexibility to stay in a wide range of accommodation options, dining together of an evening, the opportunity to get to know your travelling companions, and the freedom to walk alone or together.

TRANSFERS/TAXIS

There may be options to amend your itinerary or shorten your walking day that include a transfer. Adding in extra days is also an option. Please talk to us about this when planning your trip.

On some itineraries, there are times when Wandering the World may arrange a transfer for you or can do so at your request. For example, this might be where small villages do not have accommodation with private facilities, or we want to take you to a special out of the way hotel we know you are going to love. In this case Wandering the World will either arrange a transfer for you or suggest in your trip notes that you will need a taxi at your own expense.

WEATHER

The weather and climate in the United Kingdom varies from region to region, and of course from day to day. Each season has its benefits, with lovely long warm and sunny days in Spring and early Summer, to cooler walking temperatures early Spring and late Autumn. Some walks may be too hot or wet at times. Talk to Wandering the World when making your plans and to discuss your preferences. Our expertise can guide you.

Once on your walk, the weather can play an important part on the enjoyment of the journey.  Checking the forecast can assist with your plans.  If you strike warm weather, which you think may be uncomfortable, leaving early to avoid the hottest part of the day can make a difference.

24/7 SUPPORT & CARE

Your information pack will include details of local emergency contacts and international contacts.

We have local on the ground support to give you any assistance you may need.

We also check in with each hotel at the end of each day to ensure your arrival.

GETTING THERE / GETTING HOME

This itinerary begins in Wallsend and ends in Bowness-on-Solway.

The closest airports to the start of the walk are  Manchester and Newcastle.

There are bus, train & flight options for arriving and departing your walking commencement destination.

Remember all train bookings are recommended, and you can only book two months in advance of the date of travel.

By Rail:

Nearest Railway Station: Newcastle
There are train services from London Kings Cross to Newcastle (journey time 3 hours).

Getting to Wallsend
From Newcastle train station, take the Metro to Wallsend.

Returning from Bowness-on-Solway
By Rail:

There are a few bus services from Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle railway station although no services on a Sunday (journey time 1 hour). Alternatively, it is easier to take a taxi to Carlisle.

Regular train services then operate to London Kings Cross (journey time 5 hours 30 minutes) and north to Scotland on the West Coast line. If you need to return to the start then you can catch a train from Carlisle to Newcastle on the Tyne Valley line.

By Bus:

National Express coach services serve Carlisle.

Hadrian’s Wall Bus:
A special bus service – the Hadrian’s Wall Bus – operates daily along about half the length of the Wall throughout the summer months.

INSURANCE

Insurance is compulsory for everyone who travels with Wandering the World. The insurance policy must include cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability. Wandering the World recommends insurance coverage for cancellation to be taken at the same time payment is made, as no exception to the cancellation provisions can be made.

BOOKING AND TRAVEL TERMS AND CONDITIONS 

Wandering the World’s full booking terms and conditions are available upon request and will also accompany your initial invoice for deposit.