Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights

Welcome to the English countryside! Today, you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers in front of the entrance to Carlisle train station at 10 am. Carlisle is a historic city dating back more than 2000 years. With its renowned castle and the Tullie Museum to explore, you might like to spend a night or two here before your trip to get a real feel for the place. After your welcome meeting, begin your walk out of town, following the River Eden on your way to the charming village of Crosby-on-Eden. Following the course of Hadrian’s Wall through sweeping fields and old bridleways, you'll soon arrive in Irthington. From here, take a short transfer to Haltwhistle – your base for the next three nights.

After a short transfer back to the trail this morning, you’ll begin your walk at Lanercost Priory – once England’s capital. Continue to Birdoswald Roman Fort. This spot showcases many of the Wall’s defining features including fort gates, watch towers and Roman arches. Overlooking the River Irthing Gorge, this section of Hadrian’s Wall is the longest-spanning stretch and one of the most well-preserved. After spending some time here with your group, walk to Gilsland, where you'll then return to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle. For those wishing to extend their day, your leader can offer an optional walk up Haltwhistle Burn. Once home to woollen mills and lime kilns, this historic valley is now a tranquil and scenic walking route.

After a short transfer this morning, you’ll start the day with a visit to the Roman Army Museum – with imaginative displays and 3D films, this museum provides a wealth of insight into Roman military life. Then, hike along one of the most spectacular stretches of the wall as it follows the craggy Whin Sill ridge. This route will involve some steep ascents and descents to reach the highest point on the wall. Head downhill for a welcome refreshment at the historic Twice Brewed Inn, where you can sample beers from the onsite brewery. After, hop on the AD122 bus for the short ride back to Haltwhistle.

Start the day with a short ride to Vindolanda. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, this is the home of Britain's treasured Vindolanda Writing Tablets. This fort is also one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites – excavations take place here every year. Spend a few hours exploring the well-preserved fort and visit the onsite museum where you can see antique items such as Roman shoes, boxing gloves and letters. You’ll then rejoin Hadrian’s Wall at Steel Rigg to start today’s hike. Begin with a steep climb on one of Northumberland’s most spectacular crags. You’ll have a brief rest from the challenging, hilly terrain at the well-preserved Housesteads Roman Fort. This afternoon, you’ll finish your hike at Sewingshields, where you’ll learn about the Arthurian legend. Tonight, take a short transfer to your accommodation in Hexham.

After breakfast today, take a short ride to the outskirts of Chollerford. While you’re here, you can visit Chester Roman Fort and Museum to discover the history of the archaeologists responsible for the preservation of Hadrian’s Wall. If you like, you can explore the remarkably intact bathhouse that sits beside the sparkling North Tyne River. Learn the history of the nearby Heavenfield Battle Site, where the church of St Oswald commemorates the famous victory of Oswald (the High King of Northumbria) in AD 634. Afterwards we detour from the course of the wall and head south over the hills down towards Hexham.

Take a short transfer to the picturesque village of Corbridge, where you can explore the many ancient sites at your own pace. In your free time, you might like to wander around the shops or take an optional trip to Corbridge Roman Town and Museum – once the centre of Roman operations in northern England and the Empire’s most northerly town. Walk back to Hexham through the lush Tynedale countryside. This afternoon there is some free time to explore Hexham, perhaps visit the Abbey or Gaol this afternoon and maybe celebrate the last night of the trip with a final group dinner.

With no activities planned today, your trip comes to an end. The town of Hexham is only a short distance by rail or bus from Newcastle upon Tyne, where rail and air connections are available to take you throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. If you need help organising extra accommodation, get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.