Walking Hadrian's Wall Inn-to-Inn
Walking the length of England's most iconic landmark
Trip Details
| Location | Northern England |
|---|---|
| Length | 10 days |
| Grades | Moderate, Strenuous |
| Accommodations | B&B, Hotels, Small Inns |
| Group size | 5 - 12 |
| Dates |
Jun 20, 2024 - Jun 29, 2024
|
| Land Cost |
$4,275.00
|
| Single Supp Cost |
$750.00
|
Hiking Trip Summary
Built to mark the edge of the Roman Empire in CE122, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks of Britain and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We'll walk a route stretching from north Cumbria to the centre of Newcastle, through some of the wildest and most beautiful scenery in England. We'll visit Roman forts, towns, and museums along the way, which help bring to life the lot of the Roman soldier.
As we walk 90 miles, our journey follows the course of the Wall along most of its length, through fields and woodland to high craggy ridges, past lakes, and across rivers. We will visit Housesteads, Birdoswald, Chesters and Segedunum forts as well as taking in key Roman settlements at Vindolanda, Coria, and Arbeia.
Immerse yourself in history as we pass medieval monasteries and castles, Iron Age hillforts, and reminders of the Industrial Revolution. Revel in the unspoiled countryside of the North Pennines and learn to spot the signs of long-ago human activity in the landscape. Join us for this 10-day inn-to-inn trip Walking Hadrian's Wall.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Manchester Airport, England - Transfer to Brampton
Rendezvous at Manchester, England, airport. Group transport to our B&B in Brampton, a medieval market town built of the local red sandstone and surrounded by gently rolling countryside. Welcome dinner.
Days 2: Circular walk to Lanercost Priory
We start our walk heading west to a Roman camp that pre-dates the wall before crossing the River Irthing to meet Hadrian’s Wall at Newtown. We then follow the line of the wall to Hare Hill where we find a section of the wall still standing to almost its full height. From here we leave the wall and return to our B&B via Lanercost Priory. This Augustinian priory was founded in the 12th Century and was built with stones taken from Hadrian’s Wall.
Day 3: Brampton to Greenhead
We head back towards the wall, this time taking a ridge path with views north to yesterday’s route. The line of the wall takes us past the remains of turrets and milecastles to Birdoswald Fort, perched high above the River Irthing, which we will explore before following the longest surviving stretch of the wall to Willowford Roman Bridge, Poltross Burn Milecastle, and our accommodation at Greenhead.
Day 4: Greenhead to near Bardon Mill
Our way takes us to Carvoran Roman Army Museum, which gives a fascinating insight to the life of a Roman soldier on the Empire’s Frontier, before climbing onto the precipitous Whin Sill ridge for the most spectacular – and strenuous – sections of the wall. We pass Aesica Fort in the middle of a farmer’s field, with an original Roman altar in sight before a final climb to Whinshields Crag, the highest point along the wall. From here it is a short stroll to the welcoming inn for the night.
Day 5: Circular walk to Housestead and Vindolanda
With 2 outstanding sites to visit today, our walk is somewhat shorter. We start with a strenuous climb onto Peel Crags – home of the world-famous Sycamore Gap – and continue high above the Barbarian lands to the north to reach Housesteads Fort, built on a dramatic site on the top of the escarpment. From here we head south, away from the wall, passing an Iron Age hill fort, a Roman signal station, and a restored lime kiln. We follow the Stanegate to visit Vindolanda, a fort which pre-dates the wall and was still in use after the wall was abandoned. It is one of the most important Roman sites in Britain because of the level of preservation of organic materials in the silts. The Vindolanda writing tablets – postcards from the past – are considered to be Britain’s greatest treasure. Hopefully, we will meet archaeologists at work and learn about their latest discoveries first-hand. From Vindolanda it is just 1.5 miles back to our inn.
Day 6: Near Bardon Mills to Chesters Roman Fort
Today we start by rejoining the Wall at Housesteads to continue along the Whin Sill ridge, then along gentler terrain to the Temple of Mithras, a god beloved of the soldiers. A further 3 miles brings us to the cavalry fort at Chesters. The mansion at Chesters was the home of John Clayton, the savior of Hadrian's Wall. He discovered the fort in his front garden then bought up large sections of the Wall to protect it from further stone-robbing. There is a delightful museum on the site showcasing his finds. From here we take a short transfer to our inn for the night.
Day 7: Chesters to Corbridge
Crossing the River North Tyne on an elegant Georgian bridge, we can visit the Roman bridge abutment left high and dry by a change in the river’s course. We then head uphill, passing sections of wall, and take a small diversion to the church of St Oswald at Heavenfield. This is believed to be the site where King (later Saint) Oswald of Northumberland raised a Christian cross before defeating the pagan King Cadwallon of Wales in 633CE. Continuing on our way through fields and woodland, we reach the site of the Port Gate, where the Roman Road from York to Edinburgh, known as Dere Street, passed through the wall. It continued to be a very important trading route even after the wall was built. Our route then leaves the wall to head to Corbridge. On route, we visit Aydon Castle, a 13th century fortified manor house which has appeared in historic films including Ivanhoe and further on we find two bottle kilns which date back to the time of the Industrial Revolution. Our hotel is nearby in the center of Corbridge.
Day 8: Corbridge to Newcastle
Our day starts with a visit to the Roman town of Coria, which stood at the crossroads of Dere Street and Stanegate, the Roman road between Newcastle and Carlisle. Originally a military fort, it developed into a civilian town and became a major supply base for the forts on the wall. A transfer will take us to the village of Heddon on the Wall – which has a substantial section of intact wall – but soon the suburban spread of Newcastle covers all traces of Roman occupation, and we leave the line of the wall to head towards the River Tyne, which we follow to the village of Wylam. On the way we pass the birthplace of George Stephenson, the “father of railways”. We continue our day with a train ride to the center of Newcastle - Pons Aelius to the Romans – to our hotel. Later we can enjoy a stroll through the historic center of the city with its castle, cathedral and medieval walls as well as elegant Georgian streets. Our hotel is by the historic quayside, which was the beating heart of the industrial revolution with staiths on both banks of the river for loading coal, lead and other ores onto waiting boats. Huge shipbuilding yards are now covered in smart apartment blocks and the Quayside has been transformed into a vibrant arts hub for the city.
Day 9: Circular journey to Segedunum and Arbeia
Taking the city metro to Segedunum Fort, we can celebrate our achievement of “Walking the Wall” before continuing to the coast at Tynemouth to visit the Norman Priory and medieval castle. We then walk along the Tyne to the Shields Ferry which will take us across the river. Although Segedunum is officially the end of Hadrian’s Wall, we now visit Arbeia, which the Romans built to guard the entrance to the Tyne. Here we can visit the full-scale reconstructed gatehouse, barrack block and governor’s house to better understand how soldiers lived on the frontier 1900 years ago. There may be time left to further explore the city before heading back to our hotel - a visit to the Great North Museum, with its collection of original Roman artefacts, or maybe you prefer to wander the elegant Georgian streets that lead to the Earl Grey monument (of tea fame). We will end our trip with a celebratory dinner.
Day 10: Depart Newcastle
The trip will end with our last full English breakfast at the hotel. Independent return to Manchester Airport or other onward destinations will be independent. There are hourly direct train departures from Newcastle to Manchester Airport. Travel time is about 2 hrs. 45 min.
- This itinerary is subject to change prior to the trip start or while en route.
Additional Information
SINGLE TRAVELERS
- Singles: If you wish to have your own room, there is a single supplement charge of $750. Please let us know at the time of registration if you would like a single room. Single rooms are limited.
- Solo Travelers: If you are traveling alone and would like to share a room, we will match you with a roommate. If there is no one with whom you can share, there is a charge of $375 for this “forced” single.
INCLUDED
- Group transfer on Day 1 from the Manchester Airport
- All accommodations, with private baths when available
- All breakfast
- All dinners
- Daily luggage transfer
- All group transfers on buses and vans as described in the itinerary
- Entrance to sites listed in the itinerary
- Guide/s
- Rewarding hiking
- Great memories!
NOT INCLUDED
Airfare, lunches, optional/individual transfers between inns or individual excursions, onward travel from Newcastle at end of trip, items not on set dinner menus, beverages, insurance, tips to guides, items of a personal nature.
LUGGAGE
This hike has daily luggage transfer. You will only need to carry a small day pack with the clothing and accessories you will need for the day. As well as a day pack, we ask our trip members to bring only one medium-sized bag you can manage easily by yourself, keeping in mind that our hotels may have narrow hallways and no elevators. See our sample packing list. A more detailed packing list, along with other pertinent information, will be provided upon registration.
While this trip includes luggage transfer, it is not vehicle supported. Participants should be in a physical condition appropriate to the strenuousness of this hike. It is, however, possible to skip a day of hiking and take public transport or taxi to the next hotel. This extra cost is not included in the price of the trip.
ACCOMMODATIONS AND FACILITIES
Hotels: Most evenings will be spent in small villages or hamlets. For the most part, these are not typical tourist destinations and therefore have limited choices of accommodations. Our accommodations will run the gamut between small, simple bed and breakfasts to very comfortable country inns. All rooms will be double occupancy with private bathrooms when possible.
Meals: All our accommodations offer a “Full English Breakfast," typically consisting of cereal, eggs, toast, bacon, sausage, tomatoes, mushrooms, coffee and tea, or choice thereof. A vegetarian option is always available.
Lunches will either be picnic style or at local tea rooms, cafes or pubs. Most days, either morning or afternoon, there will be an opportunity to shop for food and other supplies. Village markets provide a wide selection of local fare for picnic lunches. Typically, hotels will also provide packed picnic lunches on request.
Dinners typically consist of a choice of starters, main courses, and desserts, including vegetarian options.
TRAVEL
It is easiest to fly to Manchester, England. However, there are frequent trains from London; just be sure to allow for extra travel time.
MEETING POINT
Manchester Airport at 11:00 am on Day 1 for a group transfer to our accommodation in Brampton.
ENDING POINT
The trip will end with our last full English breakfast at the hotel in Newcastle. Independent return to Manchester Airport or other onward destinations will be independent. There are hourly direct train departures from Newcastle to Manchester Airport.
WHO WOULD LIKE THIS TRIP?
Unlike our trips in the Alps, this trip involves more distance than it does elevation gain and loss, yet each day provides good solid hiking and ends at comfortable accommodations. Each day this route travels through different landscapes, from gentle rolling hills to rugged grit escarpments and post-industrial regeneration, heightening the sense of traveling by foot. The evidence of Roman history we encounter en route makes us stop and think about who walked here before us. If you’ve ever felt the urge to experience the rugged Scottish landscape and culture, feel the Roman history around you, and enjoy a pint at the pub at the end of a long day’s walk, you really should join us.
WHAT MAKES THIS TRIP DIFFERENT?
This is not just a hiking trip. While there are plenty of miles to be walked each day, we also make time to discover the history of the area, primarily the Roman legacy, but also the local cultures' both pre- and post-Roman influence.
We deviate somewhat from the typical full route, omitting two sections: to the west of Brampton, built of turf and timber and with no visible historical remains; and the approach to Newcastle, where the urbanization has obliterated all signs of the Roman presence. We do, however, add interesting side trips from the wall – to Vindolanda, the “Barbarian view”, Coria, and Arbeia, which help complete the story of the Roman frontier.
MORE INFORMATION
If you would like to register or would like to receive more information (including a detailed itinerary with elevation gains, loss, and distance) please contact us. We're happy to provide a list of past participants who'll share insights into this guided Walking Hadrian's Wall experience.
Reserving This Trip
A deposit of $500 along with your completed registration forms will reserve a space on your requested trip. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express card as well as personal checks. To make a deposit, you may either follow one of the “Reserve a Trip” links below, give us a call at 1-888-845-5781, or include your payment information in the area provided when completing your registration forms.
The balance is due 90 days prior to departure for most of our trips. When applying less than 75 days prior to departure, full payment is due. For final payments, we accept MasterCard, Visa, and American Express, as well as personal checks.
As confirmation of receipt of your deposit, we will send you a comprehensive packet of information pertaining to your trip, an invoice for final payment and additional information including release agreement form, medical information form, travel information, and packing list. Upon receipt of final payment and no later than 30 days prior to your trip start, you will receive trip rendezvous information and a list of accommodations. Returning trip participants will receive a 5% discount on most trips.
Receipt of all forms will finalize your registration.
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