017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Hadrian's Wall Page 1 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. To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Hadrian's Wall Page 2 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. To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Hadrian's Wall Page 3 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. To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Hadrian's Wall Page 4 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. To book visit www.awalkinthecountry.com or call 017687 71656 017687 71656 www.awalkinthecountry.com Hadrian's Wall Page 5 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.