Walk Hadrian’s Wall Highlights

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enquire now 7 Days From NZD $2,133 pp twinshare
 Small group
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A historic walk through the heart of the English countryside

Spanning coast to coast across the north of England, Hadrian’s Wall is a historic spectacle of emperor Hadrian’s reign in the once Roman province of Britannia. These days the wall, along with a number of ruins dotted along the way, provides the trail for a seven-day exploration of pre-British history on two feet. Trekking from the western outpost of Carlisle to the eastern reaches at East Wallhouses near Newcastle upon Tyne, spend a week following one of the richest examples of Roman history in the United Kingdom. Walking at a reasonable but not strenuous pace, stopping by quaint English villages and staying in comfortable twin-share accommodation, this guided Hadrian’s Wall walking adventure is the ideal way to discover well-preserved sections of the wall and the surrounding countryside.

Why you’ll love this trip

  • Hadrian’s Wall walking trails are well developed and full of Roman history. With a local guide leading the way, you’ll gain a true insight into this piece of history which is often overlooked by travellers in England.
  • Admire the stark beauty at Sycamore Gap as you enjoy a photo stop at the famous Robin Hood tree.
  • Take your time to discover important spots along the way, with an included visit to Birdoswald Roman Fort and a stop Fort at Housesteads, learning the tales of the Wall.
  • Walking every day doesn’t mean you’re going to be ruined like the remains along the trail. With a well-designed itinerary, the prevailing winds behind you plus some time at leisure in Cholleford, you’ll be trekking with ease.
  • The English countryside has never looked so good. While the focus is Hadrian’s Wall on this itinerary, your eyes – and camera – will be occupied every step of the way by the lush landscapes of northern England.

Itinerary

Map of Walk Hadrian’s Wall Highlights including United Kingdom

Day 1: Carlise – Brampton

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.

Day 2: Brampton – Birdoswald

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.

Day 3: Birdoswald – Haltwhistle

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.

Day 4: Once Brewed – Chollerford

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.

Day 5: Chollerford – Port Gate

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.

Day 6: Port Gate – East Wallhouses

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 last night of the trip with your group during a well-deserved included group dinner.

Day 7: East Wallhouses

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.

Inclusions 

Meals

6 breakfasts, 1 dinner

Transport

walking, Public bus, Train, Taxi

Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast (6 nights)

Included activities

  • Carlise to Brampton guided walk
  • Carlisle – Birdoswald Roman Fort
  • Brampton to Birdoswald guided walk
  • Birdoswald to Haltwhistle guided walk
  • Once Brewed to Chollerford guided walk
  • Cholleford – Leader-led town walk
  • Chollerford – St. Oswald’s in Lee Church photo stop
  • Chollerford – Heavenfield Battle Site
  • Chollerford to Port Gate guided walk
  • Chollerford – Rudchester Roman Fort
  • Port Gate to East Wallhouses guided walk

 

Images courtesy of Intrepid Group 

INT – BMXH

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