Designated a World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian's Wall is a great feat of Roman engineering stretching across the narrowest part of England from the banks of the Tyne in the east to the Solway Firth in the west.
It marked the edge of the Roman Empire in the north, and was the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain. Begun in 122AD on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian, there are substantial remains of the Wall itself, its turrets, mile castles, forts and civilian settlements.
This walk follows the line of the wall, across the Pennines, enjoying outstanding views of the hills of northern England along the way. For those who wish to take a break from walking there are plenty of places to visit every day.
Much has happened in the area since Emperor Hadrian ordered the wall built. You will walk in the same area and pass Thirlwall Castle where Edward I (Edward Longshanks of the movie "Braveheart") stayed in 1306 during his campaign against the Scots. You will walk near Sewingshields where King Arther is said to have hid Queen Guinevere.
But the wall and its history are not the only delight on this extraordinary adventure. This is one of the most beautiful areas in England. You will be walking through towns, villages, farms, forests and park lands. There will even be time to stop in the area's many bookshops and antique shops.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: 2:00pm. An afternoon introductory tour includes a visit to the Museum of Antiquities in Newcastle upon Tyne. This fascinating museum has regional antiquities dating from 6000BC to 17th century and is an ideal place to start a walking tour along Hadrian's Wall. This evening enjoy an introductory talk and welcome drinks - a chance to meet your fellow walkers.
Day 2: Begin at the Roman fort of Segedunum, a multi award winning site and to admire the first exposed stretches of the Wall. Today’s walk leads you through the vast and vibrant metropolis of Newcastle-upon-Tyne. There will be an option of city sightseeing given to those not dedicated to walking every inch of the national trail! End the day at Heddon-on-the-Wall where there is a good section of wall with stunning views of the Tyne Valley.
Day 3: A walk through farming country and beside the beautiful reservoirs of Whittle Dene as you walk among wild flowers leading towards Harlow Hill. Stop to visit Heavenfield where St. Oswald put up his cross before defeating Cadwallon's Celtic army in 635 AD in a bloody battle and you will learn how St. Oswald re-enforced the introduction Christianity to Northumbria. Corbridge is a perfect place to end the day - this delightful unspoilt village is steeped in history and merits time to wander. A guided walk through history from times Roman to present day with time to pop into the bookshop, antique shops or a tea room.
Day 4: Return to the Wall and explore the fascinating section at Chollerford including Brunton Turret, the Roman bridge abutment, Chesters fort with its impressive bathhouse and the herb garden. You now enter the stunning countryside of Northumberland National Park - long vistas of exciting moorland landscapes. This is an area abounding with stories of the fierce Border Rivers. You will also stop to view Roman Brocolita with its 3rd century Mithric Temple before ending the day with a walk around the historic border town of Hexham includes the Abbey with its Saxon crypt.
Day 5: A stunning walk today as the Wall joins the great Whin Sill, a dramatic geological outcrop, passing turrets and mile castles to Sewingshields Crag where King Arthur reputedly hid with Queen Guinevere and all their court in a cave. Next you come to the most impressive site on the Wall - Housesteads Fort - a five-acre site showing a central headquarters building, commanding officers house, barracks, hospital, latrines and granary. After touring the fort you continue along this spectacular section of wall to Cuddy's crags, a famous viewing point on the Wall. You end the day at Milking Gap and descend off the Wall to Twice Brewed hamlet.
Day 6: The day begins with a walk past Crag Lough, one of the most beautiful natural features along the wall, and continues with outstanding views and fascinating remnants of the Wall as it makes its way past Winshields Crags and Cawfields Crags to Carvaoran. Here the group stops for lunch and a visit to Carvoran Roman Army Museum to gain an insight into the lives of Roman soldiers. In the afternoon you leave the Whin Sill, passing Thirlwall Castle, a twelfth century border castle, where Edward 1 stayed in 1306 during his campaign against the Scots. You cross the great watershed of England at Irthing Gorge, leaving the valley of the Tyne to follow the river Irthing to the Eden Valley. At this point you leave Northumberand and enter Cumbria, passing through Gilsland, where Sir Walter Scott stayed on his honeymoon. The walk follows a magnificent stretch of wall culminating with a visit to Birdoswald Fort and a well earned cup of tea.
Day 7: This morning you leave the moorland country and the countryside changes to rolling hills and farmland. From Craggle Hill there are magnificent views in all directions. A highlight is a visit to Lanercost Priory, a twelfth century Augustinian Priory. The Nave of the Church is intact and boasts fine stained glass windows. The next section follows through quiet idyllic farmland with views towards Scotland, the Pennines and the Lake District.
Day 8: Today farmland gives way to parkland as you enter the county town of Carlisle - a town with Roman beginnings and an endless struggle as a border town between Scotland and England. You will take time to enjoy the City on a guided walk to include the old market, the cathedral, the castle and a visit to the award winning museum and art gallery. There will be time for shopping too!
Day 9: The final days walk follows the River Eden as it makes its way out to sea. This is a delightful stretch, which contrasts well with all that has gone before. Pastures and woodland with river views lead to the delightful farming community of Beaumont. Views north to Scotland and south to the Lakeland hills lead to the fort of Aballava and Burgh-by-Sands where Edward 1 died while waiting to cross the Solway to invade Scotland. The river Eden joins the River Esk here and there are beautiful estuary views and marshland birds can be seen as you arrive at your final destination of Bowness-on-Solway. Enjoy cocktails this evening with views across the Solway Firth to Scotland and celebrate the end of a spectacular walk across England!
Day 10: Depart after a leisurely breakfast.
2008 Dates: July 25-August 3, October 3-12.
Meeting Point: Hotel in Newcastle Upon Tyne. Transfers are not included.
Difficulty of Walk: Walking along footpaths, narrow earthen tracks which can sometimes be uneven and a little rocky in places. Occasionally there will be farm tracks and paved minor roads.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
$4,400 per person, shared.
$400 single supplement.
Price Includes:
- 9 nights B&B accommodation
- 8 guided days walking
- Breakfast each day
- 8 picnic or pub lunches
- 7 dinners
- Fruit and juice breaks
- All entrance fees in itinerary
- Blue Badge Tourist Guide
- Back-up transport during walk
- Luggage transfer
- Tax.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
England
Walking Tours
Archeology/History
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