Walking The Best of Hadrian's Wall
Experience Overview
Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Britain's largest archaeological feature and was the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire. An immense feat of labour, the building of the wall started in AD122 during the reign of emperor Hadrian and took 6 years to complete. Three Roman legions completed the task of building a 73 mile long wall with 80 milecastle fortlets with two observation turrets between each one and then larger garrison forts every five miles or so along the wall. This 5-night self-guided walk along Hadrian's Wall, from West to East, starts at Lanercost Priory and ends in Corbridge, taking in some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. We've chosen this route direction so the prevailing winds (and any inclement weather!) are always at your back and the scenery in this direction is considerably better than the other way round. Follow Hadrian's Wall Path across the rolling countryside and rugged moorland of Northumberland. The route passes the world-famous Sycamore Gap and over craggy hillsides, such as those of Walltown, Winshield and Sewingshields Crags. You'll have the possibility of visiting some amazingly well-preserved sites including the Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters. These sites offer a captivating journey into the history and significance of this iconic frontier and allow you to truly appreciate the engineering feat that marked the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire. Wander through the ruins of a Roman fort, a turret, and a milecastle, each telling a unique story of life along the wall. Delve into the story of Hadrian's Wall through informative displays, artifacts, and interactive elements that bring the history of the Wall to life. Gain a deeper understanding of the strategic importance of this frontier and the lives of those who inhabited and defended it. You finish your route in the affluent and once-bustling Roman town of Corbridge. Stay in welcoming inns, guesthouses and B&B's with hearty Northumberland breakfasts to set you up for a day of exploring.
Highlights
— Walk along Hadrian's Wall - the largest historical monument in Britain — Visit the ancient Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters — Walk from West to East, keeping the prevailing winds behind you (and better views) — Beautiful scenery with views across to the Lake District and the Northumberland Coast — Discover other historical buildings including Lanercost Priory and St Oswald's Church
Trip Details
Product Code: 22813
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport:
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Exodus Travel
Supplier Code: W05HW
Starts: Greenhead, England
Finishes: Greenhead, England
Duration: 6 days
Departures: Not Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Average
Includes
— All breakfasts — Route notes and maps — Luggage transfers between hotelsAccommodation
HotelsYou will stay in a range of hotels, including a 16th Century Coaching Inn in Corbridge, all offering a full breakfast.
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,435 ($239 /day)
Itinerary
Arrive in Greenhead and overnight.
Take a taxi to Lanercost Priory (payable locally) to discover the beauty and tranquillity of Cumbria's best-preserved Augustinian monastery with its intact triple tier arches and cloisters. It is an evocative place, constructed almost entirely from sandstone pilfered from Hadrian's Wall. Walk back to the hotel in Greenhead along Hadrian's Wall Path and the longest remaining stretch of the wall. Along the way, you will pass the remains of numerous Milecastles and Turrets and impressive sections of The Wall, enjoying wonderful views (notably from Banks East Turret). Look forward to the expansive Birdoswald Fort; Harrows Scar Wall and the impressive Willowford Wall. Overnight in Greenhead.
Follow the Hadrian's Wall Path (and parts of the Pennine Way) to Once Brewed. Walk along the top of the stunning Walltown and Cawfields Crags, both offering wonderful views of the wild and dramatic landscape. Reaching the summit of Winshield Crags, enjoy a superb 360 panorama from this, the highest point on the whole of the Hadrian's Wall Path. Extend your walk to visit the highly recommended Roman Fort and Museum at Vindolanda, constructed before Hadrian's Wall as a garrison on the Stanegate Road - the first Roman frontier in the north. The site provides a unique glimpse into the history of Roman occupation in the region and showcases the evolving nature of the fort over the years. Overnight in Once Brewed.
Today's walk takes you along Hadrian's Wall Path past the famous Sycamore Gap to enjoy fabulous views of Crag Lough and the rolling Northumberland hills. Visit the Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum - one of the best-preserved Roman forts in the country and its setting is without doubt the most impressive. The Museum adds another layer to the understanding of Roman history in the region, offering a unique and immersive experience by utilizing various multimedia elements to bring the story of the fort to life. Walk along the Sewingshields Crags with excellent views over Broomlee Lough and on to Chesters Fort. One of the notable features of Chesters Roman Fort is its unusually well-preserved baths and steam room. Overnight in Chollerford.
Follow the Hadrian's Wall Path to visit St Oswald's Church, then head south, passing the idyllic hamlet of Halton with its (private) castle before calling in at the magnificent Aydon Castle. Open to the public, Aydon Castle is a must-see (closed on a Mon & Tues). This fortified 13th century English manor house is almost completely intact and has a walled orchard perfect for picnics. The walk meanders across fields and grazing pastures, and through small woodlands, with expansive and far-reaching views over the rolling Northumberland countryside. Quiet country lanes and field paths then take you down into the delightful Roman Garrison town of Corbridge. Overnight in Corbridge.
Depart after breakfast
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Tour Operator
Exodus Travel
It’s all about adventure That is what Exodus was founded upon 50 years ago, and what the company is still all about. Discovering countries, cultures, environments, cities, mountain ranges, deserts, coasts and jungles; exploring this amazing planet we all live on. At Exodus, we know what makes you tick when it comes to holidays. It’s a desire shared by so many others. A yearning to visit new places and come home with a real sense of what they’re all about. This means delving into local traditions, cultures, cuisine, lifestyles – anything that contributes to its unique identity. At the same time, we always remember that we are only guests. So we travel courteously and respectfully, in smaller groups to minimise our impact, to ensure that every Exodus holiday is a beneficial experience for everyone involved. This is a philosophy we take with us around the world, helping you reach some incredible destinations on 500 itineraries across over 90 separate countries. We also strive to provide as much flexibility and choice as we possibly can, making it simple for you to experience a very different holiday. Exodus started life on 4 February 1974 when two friends got together to provide an overland truck to travel to the Minaret of Jam, deep in the heart of the Hindu Kush, the most inaccessible of the world’s great monuments. See our history page for more details about how we began and how we have grown over the past 50 years. Never travelled with Exodus before? Visit our New to Exodus page for some useful, first-timer information.
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