Overview

Walking Holidays
6 - 9 Nights
84 miles / 135 km
  • Prices from: £670 per person
  • Start: Wallsend, near Newcastle upon Tyne
  • Finish: Bowness-on-Solway, Cumbria
  • Availability: April to October
  • Grading: Easy to Moderate
  • Way-marked: Yes

Hadrian's Wall Path Highlights

Walk back in time
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Explore the largest ancient monument in Northern Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel back in time 2,000 years to walk in the footsteps of the Romans.

Coast to coast
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Experience the rugged moorland terrain sat close to lush green rolling fields as you walk from England’s east coast to its west coast.

Roman forts
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Explore the ancient Roman town of Vindolanda which predates the wall and was once an important trading post. This impressive site has an extensive museum with fascinating artefacts. Visit Chesters Roman Cavalry Fort and hear about John Clayton who protected the wall during the 19th century.

Spectacular scenery
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From the picturesque Solway River in Cumbria to the rolling hills of Northumberland, the Hadrian’s Wall Path ventures some of Europe’s most delightful scenery. The wonderful views stretch as far north as Scotland and as far south as the Pennine Hills.

Newcastle upon Tyne
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Spend some time exploring one of England’s most friendly cities. With a great location on the banks of the River Tyne, vibrant Newcastle is a hub of museums, galleries, and excellent places to eat and drink.

Sycamore Gap
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The iconic sycamore tree in Sycamore Gap is one of the most delightful spots in Northumberland National Park. The 1991 film ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’, starring Kevin Costner, was filmed here.

Walk in the Footsteps of the Roman Empire

Hadrian’s Wall is the largest ancient monument in northern Europe and the Hadrian’s Wall Path allows you to explore this ancient marvel. Stretching from coast to coast, you’ll walk 84 miles through rugged moorland and rolling fields. Follow in the footsteps of the legionaries and step back in time.

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Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of the UK’s most popular long-distance walks. It passes through some of the most beautiful areas of England—from rolling fields and rugged moorland to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle.

In AD 122, the Roman Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a frontier defence from coast to coast across Northern England to hold back the advancing Barbarians. Despite the passing of almost 2000 years, various sections of the wall have survived the ages remarkably well and whilst mere fragments remain today, the wall still remains the largest ancient monument in Northern Europe.

The best way to appreciate this dramatic historic monument and the ruggedly beautiful countryside around it is to walk its length, following in the footsteps of the Roman legionaries.

The Hadrian’s Wall Path runs as close as possible to the course of the wall and since the trail was officially opened in 2003, it has proved immensely popular, attracting walkers from all over the world.

Hadrian’s Wall Path begins close to the city of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne and takes you through the wonderful empty landscapes of Northumberland and Cumbria. The walk finishes at the mouth of the River Solway amidst the Solway Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Hadrian's Wall Path Route Map

Recommended Itinerary

Our most popular itinerary is HWP3 which covers the route in 7 days / 8 nights.

Travel to Newcastle upon Tyne for your first night’s accommodation
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Arrive in the vibrant city of Newcastle upon Tyne, 3 miles west Wallsend, and spend the evening at your first night’s accommodation.

Day 1: Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall (14 miles / 23 km)
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After a hearty breakfast, leave your bags at your accommodation in Newcastle city centre and make the short journey on the Metro to Wallsend (journey time 10 minutes).

Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum in Wallsend marks the official starting point of the trail. The first day is spent walking alongside the River Tyne, and you will pass right along the Newcastle Quayside, underneath numerous bridges including the “blinking eye” Millenium Bridge, and continue west out of the city and up to the hilltop village of Heddon-on-the Wall.

Day 2: Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford (16 miles / 26 km)
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Today you follow the course of Hadrian’s Wall passing through the rolling countryside of Northumberland. Beyond the hamlet of Harlow Hill a real sense of spaciousness begins. The Roman ditch, or Vallum as it is called, is more in evidence than the wall itself.

However, as you approach Chollerford sections of the wall start to appear. The Roman crossing of the River North Tyne was a short distance south-west of the current crossing, itself a handsome five-arched bridge built in 1775.

Day 3: Chollerford to Once Brewed (12.5 miles / 20 km)
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Today’s walk is memorable and exhilarating as you are right beside the Wall. After Chollerford you enter Northumberland National Park and the scenery gets grander as you gain height. Enjoy your first view of Whin Sill, the rocky ridge with a sharp North Face – Hadrian’s Wall was built along the top of the cliff taking full advantage of the natural defences.

The highlight of the day is Housesteads Roman Fort and the ensuing section of the wall as you cross the crags above Crag Lough. The Vindolanda Fort a couple of miles away is a large and interesting complex and is accessible by Hadrian’s Wall Bus.

Day 4: Once Brewed to Gilsland (9 miles / 14 km)
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Another superb day awaits you. The route continues with a climb over Winshields rugged crags and to the highest point of the trail at 345m – equally as impressive as the previous section as you are rewarded with wonderful views.

It passes the remains of Great Chesters and Magnis Forts, the ruin of Thirlwall Castle and crosses the Cumbria / Northumberland border and on to the pretty village of Gilsland.

Day 5: Gilsland to Walton (7 miles / 11 km)
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Just after Gilsland, the route follows a fantastic section of the wall to the fort of Birdoswald. Continue high above the steep-sided Irthington Gorge, before beginning a gradual descent at the village of Banks. Rich agricultural landscape and parkland replace the moorland as the route drops steadily to the village of Walton.

Day 6: Walton to Carlisle (11 miles / 18 km)
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The route continues undulating across lovely rural countryside, passing Castlesteads House and along the banks of the beautiful River Eden into Carlisle. This is a very interesting city on the Scotland / England border and its history is very much evident with its cathedral, dramatic red-stoned castle and old city walls.

Day 7: Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway (14 miles / 23 km)
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The final leg of your walk is a complete contrast to all that has gone before – initially along the banks of the Eden and then across the pancake flat salt marshes of the Solway Firth. The mountains of the Lake District are visible to the south and Scotland is just across the water to the north. This expansive estuary is internationally renowned as an area of outstanding natural beauty for its thriving bird life and has a peaceful charm of its own.

This section is very occasionally affected by very high tides. The Tourist Information Centre in Carlisle will let you know times when this may be a problem.

Onward travel
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After breakfast, you will start your journey home after a wonderful walking holiday on Hadrian’s Wall Path.

What’s Included?

Your Hadrian’s Wall Path walking holiday includes:

  • Carefully selected accommodation along the route and trail transfers when applicable
  • En-suite or private bathroom facilities whenever possible
  • Daily door-to-door baggage transfers
  • Comprehensive information pack, kit list, guidebook and map (one set per room)
  • Personalised itinerary with details of your accommodation, route and recommendations for lunch and dinner
  • Traditional English breakfast
  • 24-hour emergency contact number
  • Full financial protection

Your walking holiday doesn't include:

  • Travel insurance
  • Transport to and from the start and end of the walk
  • Lunches and evening meals

Itineraries & Prices

We offer 4 suggested itineraries for walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path.

Our most popular itinerary is HWP3 which covers the route in 7 days.

Tour code
Itinerary
Average miles infoAverage miles per day
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty
Price per person
HWP1
5 Days / 6 Nights
16.5 miles per day
Moderate
From £670
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 16.5 miles per day
Tour code: HWP1
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Moderate

5 Days / 6 Nights (HWP1)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Newcastle upon Tyne for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall 14 miles / 23 km
2
Day 2 Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford 16 miles / 26 km
3
Day 3 Chollerford to Gilsland 21 miles / 34 km
4
Day 4 Gilsland to Carlisle 18 miles / 31 km
5
Day 5 Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway 14 miles / 23 km
Depart Onward travel from Bowness-on-Solway

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £670 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

HWP2
6 Days / 7 Nights
14 miles per day
Moderate
From £770
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 14 miles per day
Tour code: HWP2
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Moderate

6 Days / 7 Nights (HWP2)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Newcastle upon Tyne for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall 14 miles / 23 km
2
Day 2 Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford 16 miles / 26 km
3
Day 3 Chollerford to Once Brewed 12.5 miles / 20 km
4
Day 4 Once Brewed to Walton (overnight in Brampton) 17 miles / 27 km
5
Day 5 Walton to Carlisle 11 miles / 18 km
6
Day 6 Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway 14 miles / 23 km
Depart Onward travel from Bowness-on-Solway

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £770 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

HWP3
7 Days / 8 Nights
12 miles per day
Moderate
From £875
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 12 miles per day
Tour code: HWP3
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Moderate

7 Days / 8 Nights (HWP3)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Newcastle upon Tyne for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall 14 miles / 23 km
2
Day 2 Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford 16 miles / 26 km
3
Day 3 Chollerford to Once Brewed 12.5 miles / 20 km
4
Day 4 Once Brewed to Gilsland 9 miles / 14 km
5
Day 5 Gilsland to Walton (overnight in Brampton) 7 miles / 11 km
6
Day 6 Walton to Carlisle 11 miles / 18 km
7
Day 7 Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway 14 miles / 23 km
Depart Onward travel from Bowness-on-Solway

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £875 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

HWP4
8 Days / 9 Nights
10.5 miles per day
Easy
From £975
Average miles infoAverage miles per day 10.5 miles per day
Tour code: HWP4
Difficulty infoLevel of difficulty Easy

8 Days / 9 Nights (HWP4)

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this package. Transfers are included when you are staying away from the trail.

Additional nights can be added at any stage along the walk and we would be delighted to adjust it for you.

All of our prices are per person based on two people sharing a room. Our packages include all accommodation, baggage transfers and full information pack.

Single room supplements

Single rooms are available at a supplement which covers the additional costs of a single room or single occupancy of a twin or double room.

Arrive Travel to Newcastle upon Tyne for your first night's accommodation
1
Day 1 Wallsend to Newburn 11 miles / 18 km
2
Day 2 Newburn to East Wallhouses 10 miles / 16 km
3
Day 3 Eastwall Houses to Chollerford 9 miles / 14 km
4
Day 4 Chollerford to Once Brewed 12.5 miles / 20 km
5
Day 5 Once Brewed to Gilsland 9 miles / 14 km
6
Day 6 Gilsland to Walton (overnight in Brampton) 7 miles / 11 km
7
Day 7 Walton to Carlisle 11 miles / 18 km
8
Day 8 Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway 14 miles / 23 km
Depart Onward travel from Bowness-on-Solway

Prices

Standard
Good quality B&Bs, Guest Houses & Hotels
From £975 per person

Good quality and comfortable B&Bs, guest houses and some hotels located as close to the trail as possible. We will prioritise en-suite facilities or a private bathroom, although in remote areas with limited accommodation this may not always be possible.

Hadrian's Wall Path Accommodation

All of the accommodation that we reserve for you has been personally selected by our expert team to ensure it meets our exacting standards. We regularly review our extensive database.

We will always prioritise accommodation as close to the walking trail as possible. Occasionally, your accommodation may be located a short distance from the trail, or you may need to spend more than one night in the same place, in which case we will provide return transfers.

Travel Information

As an environmentally conscious tour operator, we actively encourage the use of public transport by providing clients with a detailed breakdown of travel options in their information packs. The following information may help with your pre-trip planning.

Getting to Newcastle upon Tyne
By Air

Nearest International Airports: Newcastle Airport and Manchester International Airport.

The metro rail service operates from Newcastle Airport to Newcastle city centre (journey time 30 min). There is a regular rail service between Manchester airport and Newcastle (journey time 3 hours).

By Sea

Nearest Ferry Terminal: North Shields

Regular services from Holland dock in North Shields. Newcastle Central Station is about 20 minutes by bus from the port. A special DFDS Seaways bus will transfer you to the city centre and then take the Metro rail service to Newcastle.

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Newcastle

There are train services from London Kings Cross to Newcastle (journey time 3 hours). If travelling from Scotland there are direct services from Edinburgh (journey time 1 hour 20 min).

Newcastle is also accessible by National Express coaches.

By Car

If you plan to travel by car, it may be possible to leave it at the start of your walk, for the duration of your holiday. We can check this for you when your booking is confirmed. 

Departing from Bowness-on-Solway
By Air

Nearest International Airports: Glasgow International Airport and Newcastle Airport.

There are regular train services from Carlisle to Glasgow (journey time 1 hours 15 min) and to Newcastle (1 hour 20 min). 

Airport shuttle services operate between Glasgow city centre and Glasgow International Airport (journey time 25 min) and a metro rail service operates from Newcastle city centre to Newcastle airport (journey time 30 min).

By Public Transport

Nearest Railway Station: Carlisle

From Bowness-on-Solway we’d suggest taking a taxi to Carlisle (journey time 40 min) for onward travel connections.

Alternatively, there is a bus service to Carlisle (journey time 1 hour).

There are regular train services from Carlisle to London Kings Cross (journey time 3 hours 30 min) and north to Scotland on the West Coast line. Alternatively, you can return to Newcastle (1 hour 20 min).

By Car

Long term car parking provision at Bowness-on-Solway is limited, so we recommend that you travel by public transport.

If you do plan to travel by car, we can advise you about parking options when you make your enquiry.

Additional Days

We would be delighted to arrange additional accommodation for you along the Hadrian’s Wall Path.

You may wish to plan a rest day or have an additional night at any of the locations along the route which offer activities or sightseeing opportunities – we’ve made some suggestions below. Please request this when you make an enquiry.

Newcastle upon Tyne
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  • Spend some time exploring one of England’s most vibrant cities
  • Visit Newcastle Castle – the Medieval structure built by the son of William the Conqueror which gives Newcastle its name
  • Discover excellent pubs and restaurants at the Quayside, a modernised hub of arts, music and culture in the city
Chollerford
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  • Explore Chesters Fort which has some outstanding remains – the ornate headquarters building, commanding officers residence, barrack buildings and military bath-house
  • Take a journey to the town of Hexham, one of Northumberland’s most beautiful and historic market towns
Once Brewed
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  • Explore the Vindolanda and Housesteads Roman Forts
  • Visit The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre to learn about the unique landscape of Northumberland
Carlisle
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  • Visit the award winning Tullie House Museum and 12th century Carlisle Cathedral
  • Visit the medieval Castle, with its ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons that contain the ‘licking stones’. Here, parched Jacobite prisoners found enough moisture to stay alive, only to be brutally executed on Gallows Hill
  • Visit the half-timbered Guildhall that houses a local history museum

Make an enquiry

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Need something more tailored?
Contact us via email:
enquiries@absoluteescapes.com

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