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Hadrian's Wall
Hadrian’s Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years. It was built by the Roman army on the orders of Emperor Hadrian following his visit to Britain in AD 122 in order to protect the northern extreme of the Roman Empire. Hadrian’s Wall is a striking example of the organisation of a military zone and illustrates the defensive techniques and geopolitical strategies of ancient Rome.
The route crosses from coast to coast – from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. At every mile along the Wall, there is a milecastle with two watchtowers in-between. Although parts of the wall have been plundered for local houses, the central section is very well preserved, as are the various forts and milecastles on the way.
Hadrian’s Wall was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1987.
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Why do this walk? Essential Info
- Hadrian’s Wall - which opened as a National Trail in 2003 Length: From 3 days / 4 nights - is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument and a Full Route Length: 91 miles / 146 km UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route follows the Shortest Break Length: 26 miles / 42 km course of the wall closely along it’s entire length and is one of Britain’s most popular long distance walks. Easy to Moderate - Enjoy the unique mix of stunning craggy landscapes, far- reaching views across the Solway Firth, green fields and Grade Of the National Trails we cover, this is historic cities. Along the way - whilst you admire this incredible structure - you will be able to visit one of the the easiest. The route journeys over rolling many Roman Forts to imagine what life must have been countryside and moorlands, but not like here as a Roman soldier. mountains. Many people with limited walking - Ascend Winshields Crag, one of the highest point on the experience have completed this route. route, to admire the views across the surrounding Terrain Varied. Urban footpaths for the first countryside, from there you will move on to the most iconic day, then generally fields and parkland until section of the wall – Steel Rigg and Sycamore Gap. Housesteads. Moorland up to 350m for the Famous as the site of numerous films including Robin central section, then more fields and Hood, the wall follows the escarpment before descending parkland to Carlisle, followed by flat coastal to Housesteads Roman Fort, where you can see the enormous scale of the military operations and civilian plain to Bowness. settlement which was here almost two thousand years ago. What’s it like underfoot? Pretty good. Well - Take time out of your itinerary to visit one of the museums maintained paths throughout, although such as Tullie House in Carlisle or Chesters Museum near sections can get a bit muddy in wet weather. Chollerford or simply sit on Steel Crag and admire the How much up and down? Not too much! fantastic views and quiet solitude. Generally rolling countryside with some - Hadrian’s Wall is well signposted and in spite of the fact gentle ups and downs. In the central section that it has become one of the most popular tourist there are numerous short steep climbs. attractions in Northern England, it retains a real sense of Signposting Generally very good. quiet wilderness. Navigation Pretty straightforward. Well defined paths, and good signposting.
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Our holidays
We have a range of walking holiday options following the Roman wall as it crosses the north of England from Wallsend, near Newcastle, to the Solway Firth beyond Carlisle. Enjoy a short break on the most dramatic, central section of Hadrian's Wall between Humshaugh and Gilsland, or you can take more time to explore the entire length of this route which is brim full of world class archaeology, spectacular landscapes, and rare wildlife.
Route
The Whole Hadrian's Wall Path
We offer four holidays covering the whole route. The shortest holiday is a challenging walk in 6 days which is for those of a good level of fitness. The most popular options are 7 and 8 day walking holidays.
Hadrian's Wall Highlights - Corbridge to Bowness on Solway
If you're looking for an alternative option to walking the whole official route, this a pleasant option if you’re looking for a longer walk. It covers nearly the whole route, without spending time in the urban areas around Newcastle, where there is not much of the wall to be seen. Many people choose to miss out the early part of the walk, which is mainly around Newcastle, and start at Corbridge.
Hadrian's Wall Highlights - Corbridge to Carlisle
This version of the Hadrian's Wall Highlights is similar to the holiday above as it misses out the urban area around Newcastle. This walking holiday finishes at Carlisle as there is little left of the Wall beyond here - although the Solway estuary beyond does have a peaceful charm of its own.
Best of Hadrian's Wall - Corbridge to Gilsland
The Best of Hadrian's Wall holidays are popular for those with less time, or who want to concentrate on the most dramatic central section of the walk. Here the landscape is at its most impressive and large stretches of the wall still remain.
Best of Hadrian's Wall - Humshaugh to Gilsland
This is our shortest route, solely focused on the section where the wall is intact and the landscapes are at their most spectacular. Days are short, leaving plenty of time to look around the numerous forts, milecastles, and other Roman remains.
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What's Included
Every walking holiday includes: Accommodation We’ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day’s walking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service. Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night’s sleep you can get your day started with either a Full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast. Luggage transfer We’ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you’ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you’ll need during your day’s walk Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for each location and details of where we’d recommend you head for your evening meal. Maps OS map/s (1:25,000) covering your whole route. Guidebook Detailed route information, including maps and photos. Services information An information sheet detailing cash points, banks, post offices, village shops, inns, cafes and taxis available along the route. Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal office hours. 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores - online and high street - for twelve months following confirmation of your booking. Options: Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organise parking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this. Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car - it’s no problem, just ask - and we’ll even advise you when public transport is a better option! What’s not Included: Evening meal Your evening meal isn’t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of the best local eateries along your route - it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you’re staying in - so you’ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day’s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, and you should allow approximately £20.00 per night for your evening meal. Packed lunch We don’t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday. Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the “Travel Info” tab on your chosen walking holiday for our recommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we’ll help you sort it all out. Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we’d recommend you make sure that you’ve got ample travel insurance before you set off on your holiday.
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Rest days Travel info
Twice Brewed General travel information on the Hadrian’s Wall area will be in your holiday pack including train and Twice Brewed is an excellent place for a rest day - bus timetables where available. in the middle of the most dramatic section of the Detailed instructions on getting to your first night’s wall, and close to the best preserved Roman forts. accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest Vindolanda can take the best part of a day - there train or bus station, will also be included in the are extensive remains, a comprehensive museum, holiday pack on individual accommodation maps. and often an archeological dig in progress. To view train times please visit qjump where you Housesteads and the Roman Army Museum are can also purchase tickets in advance. For also close by. information on bus timetables please visit traveline. If you require secure car parking whilst walking this Carlisle route, please contact us for detailed information – we can usually arrange car parking either at the start Carlisle is an historic border city, complete with or end locations of the route. castle and cathedral. Tullie House Museum has a lot Getting There: of Roman artefacts and is worth a visit. The By Air: Newcastle International Airport (NCL) has its cathedral was founded in 1122 and is open every own Metro station (you will need some change for day. The castle has dominated the city for 9 the ticket machine). The journey time from the centuries, and also houses a military museum – airport to Newcastle Central Station is around 20 there are guided tours daily. There are plenty of minutes. shops and lots of places to eat or have coffee. By Public Transport: Newcastle Central Railway Station (NCL) is located on the East Coast Main Line with fast and frequent trains between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross. Trains also run along the Tyne Valley Line from Carlisle to Newcastle and there are connections to Liverpool via Leeds and Manchester, including some services to Manchester Airport. By Road: From the north or south follow the A1 and from the west the A69. Newcastle city centre is well signposted from all major routes. Returning from Bowness on Solway: Take the bus from Bowness on Solway to Carlisle (approx 45 min). There is a bus at 07:30 and 10:20 and there is a train station at Carlisle for onwards travel.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Accommodation
A good night’s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for a new day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.We have spent time and energy rigorously curating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodation our key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day’s walking and enjoy their unique architectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.Some examples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include:
Jesmond Dene House Just outside of Newcastle City Centre, Jesmond Dene House feels as if it is in the country. Overlooking the woodlands of Jesmond Dene, the hotel has the feel of a country house. The rooms are comfortable and uncluttered with rich colours, sleek furnishings and splashes of silk and velvet help make your stay relaxed.
Hunter Crook Lodge Hunter Crook Lodge is a beautiful guesthouse and a perennial favourite with our walkers, situated in lovely open Northumberland countryside, with views across the Tyne Valley. Delicious breakfasts, comfortable rooms, and an evening meal prepared by a professional chef using the best local produce, all come together to guarantee a very pleasant stay after a day’s hard walking along the wall.
Farlam Hall Country House Hotel Enjoy the elegance of an English country house combined with the best of modern life. This family run hotel has spacious, comfortable accommodation with a professional, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Situated just three miles from the Hadrian’s Wall path this accommodation is surrounded by mile upon mile of quiet, beautiful countryside.
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Langley Castle This superb 14th Century fortified castle offers modern comfort and indulgence, all in a medieval setting. The staff will go out of the way to ensure a relaxing and memorable stay. If you have the time after breakfast then there are daily tours of the castle where you will be rewarded with stunning views of Hadrian’s Wall and the surrounding countryside from the rooftop battlements.
Ashcroft Guest House Ashcroft Guest House is set within 2 acres of award winning gardens in a lovely town called Haltwhistle, which is known for being the ‘centre of Britain’. This elegant Victorian vicarage offers spacious rooms with simple, stylish décor. You can expect to receive a good hearty English breakfast here whilst enjoying the garden views. Keep your eyes out for the woodpecker feeding.
Brookside Villa Situated in peaceful Gilsland, this lovely Victorian villa offers stylish accommodation and dining. Your friendly and helpful hosts are passionate about food and use locally sourced, free range and fair- trade ingredients where possible to deliver a high-quality, delicious and hearty meal.
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Our Itineraries
Wallsend to Bowness (7 days walking): XHW8
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall 14 23
Day 3 Heddon on the Wall to Corbridge 11 18
Day 4 Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9
Day 5 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 13 21
Day 6 Twice Brewed to Lanercost 14 23
Day 7 Lanercost to Carlisle 17 27
Day 8 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 16 26
Wallsend to Bowness (8 days walking): XHW9
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall 14 23
Day 3 Heddon on the Wall to Corbridge 11 18
Day 4 Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9
Day 5 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 13 21
Day 6 Twice Brewed to Gilsland 10 16
Day 7 Gilsland to Newtown 10 16
Day 8 Newtown to Carlisle 10 16
Day 9 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 16 26
Wallsend to Bowness (10 days walking): XHW11
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall 14 23
Day 3 Heddon on the Wall to East Wallhouses 8 13
Day 4 East Wallhouses to Humshaugh 12 19
Day 5 Humshaugh to Grindon 9 14
Day 6 Grindon to Twice Brewed 7 11
Day 7 Twice Brewed to Gilsland 10 16
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Day 8 Gilsland to Newtown 10 16
Day 9 Newtown to Carlisle 10 16
Day 10 Carlisle to Burgh By Sands 8 13
Day 11 Burgh By Sands to Bowness on Solway 8 13
Corbridge to Bowness (6 days walking): XHWH7
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Corbridge for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9
Day 3 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 13 21
Day 4 Twice Brewed to Gilsland 10 16
Day 5 Gilsland to Newtown 10 16
Day 6 Newtown to Carlisle 10 16
Day 7 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 16 26
Wallsend to Bowness (6 days walking): XHW7
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall 14 23
Day 3 Heddon on the Wall to Humshaugh 16 26
Day 4 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 13 21
Day 5 Twice Brewed to Lanercost 14 23
Day 6 Lanercost to Carlisle 17 27
Day 7 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 16 26
Corbridge to Carlisle (5 days walking): XHWC6
Miles km
Day 1 Travel to Corbridge for your first nights accommodation
Day 2 Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9
Day 3 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 13 21
Day 4 Twice Brewed to Gilsland 10 16
Day 5 Gilsland to Newtown 10 16
Day 6 Newtown to Carlisle 10 16
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com
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Booking Form
Contact Details
Address: Telephone: Mobile/Alternative Tel: Email: Emergency Contact No:
Your Holiday
Hoilday Name: Holiday Code: Date of First Night: Date of Last Night:
Party Members
Title First Name Last Name Date of Birth
Other Options
Options Rooms Required: Rest Days Off Street Parking: No. Double Rooms: Transfer Required: No. Twin Rooms: No. Single Rooms: No. Triple Rooms:
Comments (special diets, other requirements, etc):
Payment
Holiday cost per person: I enclose a cheque for the deposit value
Rest Days: OR please debit my Visa/Visa Debit/Mastercard/Mastercard Debit/Solo. Card number: Total cost per person: Valid from: Expires: Security number*: Number in group: *The last digits on the back of the card I authorise A Walk in The Country to charge a 20% deposit to my card now and Total group cost: the remaining balance 6 weeks before commencement of my holiday, (for card payments only). I confirm that the above details are correct and that I have read and accept the terms and conditions available on the website.
Signed: Date: Deposit (20% of Total Cost): Name:
To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656