Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights
Experience Overview
Spanning coast to coast across the north of England, Hadrian’s Wall is a spectacle of emperor Hadrian’s reign in the once-Roman province of Britannia. These days, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wall and nearby ruins provide the trail for a seven-day exploration of pre-British history on two feet. Walking from the western outpost of Carlisle to the eastern reaches of Port Gate near Newcastle upon Tyne, you’ll spend a week following one of the richest examples of Roman history in the United Kingdom. Stop in traditional English villages, discover the well-preserved sections of the Wall and explore the surrounding countryside on a walking trip full of history and rolling landscapes.
Highlights
- Gain an insight into a piece of the past often overlooked by English travellers as you walk along UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hadrian’s Wall with a local guide.
- Take your time to discover important sites like the Vindolanda Roman Fort and the Fort at Chester, where you can learn the tales of the Wall.
- Discover Birdoswald Roman Fort on an optional visit and learn the history of Hadrian's Wall's longest and best-preserved stretch while you look out over the River Irthing Gorge.
- Walk with ease on a well-designed itinerary that prioritises your free time, especially in the cute village of Corbridge – walking every day doesn’t mean you have to be ruined like the remains!
- Soak up the serenity of the English countryside – while the focus is on Hadrian’s Wall on this trip, your eyes and camera will be occupied every step of the way by the lush landscapes of northern England.
Trip Details
Product Code: 1658
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Walking,public bus,train,taxi
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: BMXH
Starts: Walk Carlisle to Irthington, United Kingdom
Finishes: Hexham, United Kingdom
Duration: 7 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6),Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast (6 nights)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,255 ($322 /day)
Itinerary
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 over 2000 years. With its renowned castle and the Tullie Museum, you might like to spend a night or two here before your trip to get a real feel for the place. After a quick 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.
Included Activities:
- Carlise to Irthington guided walk
Accommodation:
- Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
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, where there will be time for an optional visit to the historic structure that was inhabited for over 2000 years. This spot showcases many of the Wall’s defining features. 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 with your group, walk to Gilsland, where you'll then return to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle.
Included Activities:
- Lanercost Priory to Gilsland guided walk
- Lanercost Priory Church visit
Optional Activities:
- Carlisle - Birdoswald Roman Fort (12 GBP)
- Lanercost Priory (8 GBP)
Accommodation:
- Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
After a short transfer this morning, you’ll start the day with a visit to the splendid Roman Army Museum – with imaginative displays and 3D films, this museum provides a wealth of insight into Roman military life. Walk 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 their on-site brewery. After, hop on the AD122 bus for the short ride back to Haltwhistle.
Included Activities:
- Carvoran to Twice Brewed guided walk
- The Roman Army Museum visit
Accommodation:
- Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day with a short ride to Vindolana. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, this is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' – the Vindolanda Writing Tablets. This fort is also one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites and live excavations take place every year. Spend a few hours exploring the well-preserved fort and visit the onsite Museum – a treasure trove of antique items, including 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. Rest briefly from the challenging, hilly terrain at the well-preserved Housestead’s Roman Fort. This afternoon, you’ll finish your walk at Sewing Shields, where you’ll learn about the Arthurian legend. Tonight, take a short transfer to your accommodation in Hexham.
Included Activities:
- Steel Rigg to Sewing Shields guided walk
Optional Activities:
- Bardon Mill - Housesteads Roman Fort (12 GBP)
Accommodation:
- Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast today, take a short ride to the outskirts of Chollerford. While you’re here, you can visit Chester’s Roman Fort and Museum to discover the history of the archaeologists responsible for the preservation of Hadrian’s Wall. If you opt for the visit, explore the remarkably intact bathhouse that sits beside the sparkling South Tyne River. Learn the history of the nearby Heavenfield Battle Site, where the church of St Oswald’s commemorates the famous victory of Oswald (the High King of Northumbria) in AD 634. Your walk today will take you through the countryside to Port Gate. When you arrive, enjoy some refreshments from the Errington Coffee House before transferring to nearby Hexham.
Included Activities:
- Chollerford - Heavenfield Battle Site and St. Oswald’s in Lee Church visit
- Chollerford to Port Gate guided walk
Optional Activities:
- Chesters Roman Fort and Museum (12 GBP)
Accommodation:
- Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
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 nerve 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 and maybe celebrate the last night of the trip with a final group dinner.
Included Activities:
- Corbridge to Hexham guided walk
Optional Activities:
- Corbridge - Roman Town and Museum (11 GBP)
Accommodation:
- Bed & Breakfast (Number of Nights: 1)
With no activities planned today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time. 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.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Richard - Traveled, October 2023
If you love walking through beautiful and spectacular landscapes and you’re also into discovering history first-hand, this is the trip for you. The daily walking is very well planned, the visits to historical sites are fascinating, and the accommodation is great. We were lucky to have a fabulous leader and some very benign weather. Loved it.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/23/2023
Bryce - Traveled, September 2023
A great trip, with the perfect mix of walking and learning. Glad to have been on this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/08/2023
Kim - Traveled, September 2023
If you like your exercise with a healthy dose of history, this trip is for you. Walking 5-10 miles every day at an easy pace, we got to see what remains of Hadrian’s Wall, other sights, and open stretches of the English countryside. Visits to Roman ruins and museums provided context, and our amazing group leader Kerry was knowledgeable about everything from local history to the geography and plants. Accommodations exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend this trip as well as some training hikes, which will not be wasted once you hit the hills.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/19/2023
Rani - Traveled, August 2023
Great trip. Challenging at times depending on your fitness level - but not too challenging for our group with a range of ages and fitness levels. The trip was changed a bit from the website but the changes are for the better- more site visits and less boring roadside walking. Accommodations and breakfasts were fabulous. Leader Kerry was great - she looked after us all while giving us all kinds of local and historical information. Plus the scenery! Incredible trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/19/2023
Sonia - Traveled, August 2023
Highly recommend this excellent trip. Do some stairs or hills in preparation . Great scenery combined with opportunities to learn about Roman life Chris our guide was amazing
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/13/2023
Lorianne - Traveled, August 2023
A unique experience that effectively integrates the physical challenge within the context of the land's history. Intrepid offers you a chance to learn about the Roman Empire and its military through some incredible historical sites, and then to embody that knowledge as you hike some sublime landscapes. The guide and the group gelled wonderfully. A magical experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/17/2023
Indiana - Traveled, August 2023
The Hadrian’s Wall trip is an incredible experience and not to be missed by travellers. It provides a comprehensive overview of the history and landscapes contained within the site.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/11/2023
Georgia - Traveled, July 2023
Had a wonderful time despite the weather. It was amazing to walk along a 2000 yo piece of history.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 08/06/2023
Joanne - Traveled, June 2023
Not the usual Intrepid standard. Did not learn as much history as expected as there was no specialist guide. The walks were too leisurely. Some walks need to be rethought (e.g. final day walk next to a busy road). Unimpressed at Haltwhistle accommodation when group split in two.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/26/2023
Bindu - Traveled, April 2023
The trip was well balanced with the complex situations offered by the terrain. Since the wall is visible only in sections, I really appreciated having only 2 places where we had accommodations - HaltWhistle and Hexham. I would strongly recommend this hike for an amazing lesson in history as well as the sheer joys offered by hiking in the spectacular geography offered by the Cumberland region. Well done Interpid!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/06/2023
Zebedee - Traveled, July 2023
Brilliant trip. Booked it as something active to do, but ended up loving the history components too. Definitely reccomend doing the optional Chester's and Roman Army Museums!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/17/2023
Paul - Traveled, July 2023
Had a fantastic trip, everything was so well organised and considered. Our guide was knowledgeable and very approachable.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Summer - Traveled, June 2023
A wonderful itinerary that allows you to truly soak in the gorgeous northern English countryside, get your hiking fix, and learn about Roman and British history. Our tour leader, Kerry, was excellent!! Kerry is a true local who knew great pubs and extra surprises all along the way to add to our trip. Walking is well paced and doable for a big range of ages (as long as you have reasonable mobility). Waterproofs and backpack covers were essential on our particularly drizzly week of late June, but the weather is unpredictable!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/01/2023
Antonino - Traveled, June 2023
Excellent trip , fantastic guide & group of participants. Great accommodation.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2023
Pamela - Traveled, June 2024
The Hadrian's Wall tour was everything I hoped for. Plus Intrepid's responsible, competent and outstanding guide made it all come together. Hiking the wall was breathtaking. I cannot imagine ever tiring of that view. The sun, the mist, the rain, the sheep, the local hospitality - I am sad to depart. Only knowing I will be back again makes packing up my boots in my suitcase a little easier.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/06/2024
Peter - Traveled, June 2024
Travelling with Intrepid is enjoyable and educational. I have done Intrepid trips to Morocco, Italy and now the UK. What I like most is the comradery that emerges as the trips progress. It becomes a shared experience. My guides have all been enthusiastic, energetic, helpful and knowledgeable. I enjoy the outdoors aspect of Intrepid trips too. I will definitely be back for more!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/20/2024
James - Traveled, June 2024
This trip is perfect is you don’t want the hassle of camping or arranging all your own transport or accommodation. The distances covered per day is about right for most fitnesses and ages. Intrepid find all the most interesting places and provide a knowledgeable guide.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/12/2024
Dave - Traveled, May 2024
We had a great time on this trip. Went with my daughter and even when the rain conspired against us our guide Kerry kept things together and positive. It exceeded our expectations. The modified itinerary with slightly less walking along the road sections and more time at Vindolanda and the Roman town outside Corbridge or the choice to stay and explore Hexham instead of Corbridge were spot on. Gave some flexibility to everyone and a good mix of activities. One for the books!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2024
Christopher - Traveled, May 2024
Couldn't have asked for a better guide than Kerry for this tour. Really helped that the wall and the surrounding towns were essentially her "backyard" so she was able to add in local colo(u)r both in relation to the Roman history as well as English, Scottish, and specific town backgrounds spanning about 2000 years.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/05/2024
Alison - Traveled, April 2024
Can’t recommend this trip enough - it was amazing and beyond my expectations. The history, the hiking and the landscape were all 10 out of 10. If you’re dithering - do it!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/27/2024
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