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United Kingdom : Northumberland

Walking the Best of Hadrian's Wall

Trip code: W05HW 4.8 (29 reviews)

Self-guided walking

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

10.0Kg CO2e

10% early booking discount on selected trips. Book by 22 Oct 2024.

SUMMARY

  • 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
  • Optional city break add-on in Newcastle available.

WHAT'S INCLUDED?

  • 5 nights accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Comprehensive route directions
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

TRIP DESCRIPTION

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.

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DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

 

Day 1: Arrive in Greenhead and overnight

Arrive in Greenhead and overnight.

You stay at Blenkinsopp Castle Inn.

hotel details

 equivalent

Blenkinsopp Castle Inn, Greenhead

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Dating back to the 13th century, this traditional former Coaching Stable is a treasure trove of architectural features. Connected to the grade 1 listed Blenkinsopp Castle, originally a medieval fortified manor house. Featuring 5 spacious rooms, all with external doors with access to an outside patio and sun terrace. Amenities include a bar and bistro serving evening meals.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom.

Day 2: Lanercost to Greenhead (14km/8.7mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Blenkinsopp Castle Inn.

hotel details

 equivalent

Blenkinsopp Castle Inn, Greenhead

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Dating back to the 13th century, this traditional former Coaching Stable is a treasure trove of architectural features. Connected to the grade 1 listed Blenkinsopp Castle, originally a medieval fortified manor house. Featuring 5 spacious rooms, all with external doors with access to an outside patio and sun terrace. Amenities include a bar and bistro serving evening meals.

All rooms feature free Wi-Fi, television, tea and coffee making facilities and private bathroom.

Day 3: Greenhead to Once Brewed (12km/7.5mi or 18km/11.2mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at Twice Brewed Inn.

hotel details



Twice Brewed Inn, Once Brewed

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


Set in the village of Once Brewed, The Twice Brewed Inn has a restaurant, bar, garden, and free WiFi throughout the property. Boasting family rooms, this property also provides guests with a terrace. There is an onsite Brew House (brewery) producing some excellent ales named after local landmarks and Roman connections (Ale Caesar!, Sycamore Gap and Northern Frontier). There is also an observatory and a group of guides who run regular star-gazing sessions. These can be booked online in advance at an extra charge.

All guest rooms in the inn are fitted with a kettle. At The Twice Brewed Inn all rooms include a desk, a flat-screen TV and a private bathroom. Guests at the accommodation can enjoy a Full English/Irish or a vegetarian breakfast.

You can also play darts at The Twice Brewed Inn and private parking can be arranged (at an extra charge).

Day 4: Once Brewed to Chollerford (20km/12.4mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at The George Hotel.

hotel details



The George Hotel, Chollerford

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR


Northumberland hotels are known for their historic beauty, and the George Hotel is no exception - the picturesque stone-build building dates all the way back to the 18th century.

Out of all of the hotels in Hexham and Chollerford, The George is in one of the most wonderful positions on the pretty North Tyne River, near to the walking route for Hadrian’s Wall and five minutes’ walk to Chester’s roman fort. Browse the shops, galleries, theatre and arts centre clustered round the medieval Abbey in nearby Hexham or explore Muckle Moss National Nature Reserve, the North Pennines, Kielder Water and the International Dark Skies Park.

In total The George Hotel sports 47 bedrooms, each room contains the familiar comforts including a tea and coffee making station, in-room safe, en-suite and TV.

Please note due to essential maintenance, the pool will not be available from the 8th to the 31st August 2023.

Day 5: Chollerford to Corbridge (15km/9.3mi)

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.

elevation

You stay at The Angel Inn.

hotel details



The Angel Inn, Corbridge

HOTEL WEBSITE      TRIP ADVISOR

Mastercard
Visa
Hairdryer
WiFi
TV
Tea/coffee


Dating back to 1569, The Angel of Corbridge is an historic coaching inn offering great British hearty pub grub, local real ales and roaring log fires. Set in affluent Corbridge, itself surrounded by beautiful Northumberland countryside, this inn is the perfect location for discovering Corbridge Roman garrison town with its main street, flanked by the remains of granaries, a fountain house, markets, workshops and temples.

The Angel Inn has 11 quaint and quirky rooms with en-suite bathroom, tea & coffee making facilities, flat screen TV, free Wi-Fi and bottled water. The inn offers a wonderful menu of pub grub and there is even an in-house 'chippy' (fish & chip shop)! A hearty cooked Northumberland breakfast is offered the following morning.

Should this accommodation not be available, an alternative of the same standard will be used

Day 6: Departure

Depart after breakfast

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These tour only prices are based on two people sharing. Single supplement from £288.

TRAVEL DETAILS

This holiday does not include any flights or rail.

REVIEWS

Great service and well organised. Good range of trips to choose from.

Ms Turner, 28 Sep 2024

 

I thoroughly enjoyed my holiday. The support provided by Headwater - including walking directions and notes, choice of hotels and luggage transfer - was faultless.

Alan Shillabeer, 15 Jul 2024

 

I like Headwater a great deal. The staff are very friendly and helpful. I like going on solo self-guided walks and I feel I can do that with the support of Headwater staff. Things do sometimes go wrong, eg i get lost, or there's an issue with a hotel. In such cases I've found the staff genuinely want to help me, not just because it's their job, and they will make sure I'm ok and everything is sorted out.

Dorothy Crossan, 17 Sep 2023

 

Great walking on what is an amazing piece of history

Nigel Goodwin, 18 Jul 2023

 

I would thoroughly recommend the ‘Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall Walk’ as offered by Headwater to anyone looking for an interesting, moderate walk lasting less than a week including travel days. The landscape was more varied than I was expecting, with amazing views from the Sill, delightful pockets of woodland and lakes and rivers. We spent a bit of time exploring Vindolanda, Housesteads, the Roman Army Museum and the Sill Discovery Centre which added to the interest.

Mrs LEE-APPLEBY, 25 Apr 2023

 

Walking Hadrians Path was an excellent holiday but I think the 2 rating is too low. There were some parts that were difficult to walk and scrambling is not a 2 rating. I could not get a taxi to take me to Lanercost on Day 2 for the start of the walk. Other clients have said the same thing but nothing addressed. It was the goodwill of the Blenkinsopp hotel owner that saved the day. The Blenkinsopp staff are amazing as is the hotel and food esp. Carol's lamb roast. It is remarkable that guests are put in the George Inn esp. given previous feedback. The hotel is tired, my room was dirty and the staff are not welcoming. I realise location (Corbridge) might be the essential factor, but I wonder what is being done to incentivise the George to make much needed improvements. I received a Day 1 briefing but for the sake of 10mins, I am not sure what the point was. Going over the literature that I had already read didn't seem fruitful. Overall a positive experience and great walking holiday.

Miss Kumar, 15 Apr 2023

 

I would recommend this holiday on basis that the selected itinerary and choice of accommodation which was excellent

Mr Taylor, 9 Apr 2023

 

Excellent walking break though you do need a reasonable level of fitness as its long and tiring at times with lots of ascents. Hotel choices over all were well above expectations to the point that the worst accommodation was more within our expectations for a walking break. All instructions were very clear and easy to follow. You can book with Headwater with a level of confidence.

Mr Lewis, 7 Apr 2023

 

Fantastic walk along Hadrian’s wall. Beautiful scenery throughout . Very easy to follow the route via the route notes and waymarks . Accommodation was comfortable and friendly. The walking was just about right - challenging enough to be enjoyable but totally achievable . We used trains and taxis at the start and end and that was very easy. If you want to visit the museums it might be worth putting in an extra night as would be tricky to fit all that in with the walking; we were happy just to walk . Highly recommend and good price

Miss Adnitt, 4 Apr 2023

 

great experience

Mr Thorne, 26 Sep 2022

 

This was a lovely trip. The notes for the walk were excellent - very helpful. This a walk so worth doing even though it was quite taxing in parts.

Mr Rugg, 11 Sep 2022

 

The holiday and value for money was let down by the George Hotel experience

Mr Powell, 9 Sep 2022

 

Excellent walking and grand countryside. Luggage transfer worked perfectly. Walking notes were spot-on. The choice of itinerary, start and end points were excellent for public transport. I took the advice of some of your reviewers and stayed an extra night at Twice Brewed to visit the museums (Vindolanda, Chesters, Housesteads) on a non-walking day (AD 122 bus) and was glad that I did. Vindolanda alone took over 2 hours and I could have stayed longer. I allowed time at the end to visit the Roman Town and museum at Corbridge - an excellent finale to the week. Some of the walking was challenging but the lengths of the stages were well managed and this 76-year-old enjoyed herself very much. Hotels were well chosen (the food at Greenhead and at Corbridge was excellent) but although The George at Chollerford is stunningly situated and I had a lovely modern room, management was woefully absent and food was awful. The weather was perfect. I had a great holiday. Thankyou Headwater!

Dr Calman, 21 Aug 2022

 

The hadrians wall holiday is well thought out with extremely detailed route notes and with accommodation in all the right places . The scenery is stunning , and the food in all but one of the pubs was good . We stayed two nights at twice brewed in order to be able to take part in an excellent star gazing event and also to visit vindolanda. The baggage transfers worked really smoothly . The AD 122 bus ( every two hours along the route ) was really helpful for getting around . The only thing I can say is that the taxi to

The start of the first days walking was expensive … but there is no other way of getting there ! Also , the stay at the George hotel was decidedly substandard : grubby rooms, weedy garden, food not great , broken shower . I would want to stay somewhere else really .

Thanks headwater for a great holiday .

Mrs Adams, 6 Aug 2022

 

Everything went well, service, help from Headwater, notes etc. The only thing as a group was why we were put in the Hadrian Hotel, rather than the George Hotel. Whilst the Hadrian hotel is good, its no longer geared to walkers, with their expensive evening taster menu and slightly further off the walk. We found it odd walking the extra 1.5 miles to this hotel, as we passed the George Hotel. The breakfast at the Hadrian's was excellent. We did talk to the staff who explained some of the history with Headwater, but going forward I would have thought we should have stayed at the George, particularly as we booked over a year ago.

Mr Holroyde, 16 May 2022

 

Hadrian’s Wall is England’s greatest ancient monument, a unique defensive structure that defies belief, and to walk so closely alongside it for four days is an absolute privilege. It is in many places a challenging walk because the Romans did not try to build round the major crags and contours through which it winds. The atmosphere the Wall generates, of looking north and imagining the possibility of imminent attack, is present throughout and further enhances the whole experience. This is greatly increased by visiting the museums along the route, especially Vindolanda and Housteads, though we would strongly recommend going to these a day before setting out on the journey rather than at the end of a strenuous day’s walking. This holiday was splendidly organised for us by Headwater, the walking notes were excellent, the arrangements for leaving and picking up our car worked well and despite some variation in the quality of the hotels, we thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience.

Mrs Barber, 19 Apr 2022

 

Headwater's choice of start and end points for the Hadrian's Wall walk were absolutely spot on. This, combined with the West-to-East direction of travel definitely gave this an advantage over others. The hotels were very welcoming and of a high standard. We couldn't fault any of the arrangements. The guide notes and maps were easy to follow and very comprehensive - especially when pointing out Roman remains that might otherwise have been missed. Our friends had to postpone this trip and we are extremely happy to be re-booked to do it all again with them. We are also looking to see which other walking trips we can book with Headwater as we have been so impressed with everything.

Dr WILSON, 7 Sep 2021

 

We found getting taxis problematic. We struggled but did suceed to get a taxi from Twice brewed to Greenhead but with 24 hours notice, the greenhead hotel was unable to get ys a taxi to Lanercost for the 1st days walk, for which we had prebooked tickets at the priory. Luckily your helpful agenr was able to find us a taxi but it was £30. I think this taxi in particular should be part of the included arrangements.

We took tge bus back to the car rather than another difficult and expensive taxi ride.

I would recommend 2 nights ar twice brewed as we did not have time to see Housesteads at all and rushed Vindolanda.

I found day 3 walking exhausting and the times optimistic for an over 60s moderately fit woman. We used the bus for the last part of the walk.

Day 1 was the highlight

The Angel Inn is quite noisey and id recommend investigating other eating options in Corbridge.

Mrs MUNRO, 30 Aug 2021

 

This holiday exceeded our expectations

Mrs HOSKINS, 16 Aug 2021

 

A great week. We have to mention the Star Gazing at Twice Brewed which was great. Walk notes were very accurate and easy to follow. A well needed holiday enjoyed by everyone.

Mrs DUFFIELD, 16 Aug 2021

 

A walking holiday packed with historical sites. Advisable to pre-book taxis and evening meals.

Ms SHARMAN, 10 Aug 2021

 

Extremely enjoyable walking, with lovely pubs to stay in at the end of each day. Food in the hotels at the end of each day was good, with the Hadrian Hotel in particular standing out as excellent.

Mr GOLDINGAY, 24 Jul 2021

 

An excellent walking holiday with a lot of variation each day in landscape and history.We spent an extra day(and night) at Twice Brewed to enable us to visit Housesteads and Hexham at leisure using the AD122 bus and fitted in Corbridge Roman Town and Aydon Castle by arriving early on Day 1. It was not as easy obtaining a taxi for 9-9.30 am from Greenhead to Lanercost Priory on day 2 as explained in the Information Notes. We managed to get one but the cost was £18. Having to leave our car at Twice Brewed rather than at Corbridge was a great advantage. However, we managed to avoid the suggested use of a taxi at the end to get us from Corbridge back to Twice Brewed at the price of £40 by using a No.10 bus to Hexham and then an AD122 bus to Twice Brewed as advised by a local taxi firm! As we have bus passes, this was a free option!Because of the number of places of interest to visit and the length of the walks,the preliminary research done proved very beneficial.Baggage transfers excellent

Mr JENKINS, 21 Jul 2021

 

An amazing privilege to travel this ancient route and see the remains and ruins of the Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters forts, as well as the impressive roman town at Corbridge. (It's worth joining English Heritage, as this repays itself by the time you have also visited these sites as well as the medieval Lanercost Priory and Aydon Castle.)

Ms GRAVELL, 19 Jul 2021

 

A wonderful walk that takes in the best of Hadrians Wall with plenty of time to see various sites along the route. The walking is very varied each day so no chance of getting bored of the scenery. The Hotel(s) service and food was a genuine pleasure to experience at the end of the day. A most enjoyable holiday.

Mrs SMITH, 27 Jun 2021

 

The Hadrian's Wall walk was excellent - beautiful scenery, lots of history and good weather. The routs was easy to follow and the walking well within our capabilities. Two Brewed is on the Pennine Way and the Hadrian's Wall Way and was quite crowded. The Angel in Corbridge felt under staffed at times and was also busy. This would be less of a concern when COVID was not around.

Price wise, which acknowledging hotels are keen to recoup losses from the last 16 months, we felt there were some issues in respect of charges and the quality offered. This was particulalry so in respect of The Angel.



Mr INGHAM, 26 Jun 2021

 

Lovely holiday walking Hadrian’s Wall organised by pleasant and efficient office staff. We even had some sunshine as an added bonus! Hotels all good but bag transfers arriving late was very annoying after long days walking. Value for money questionable overall. Had to get own taxi to start our 5 days (£45 Corbridge to Greenhead). Then charged £30 for taxi from Greenhead to Lanercost. Suggest others shop around taxi firms and book in advance. Admission to Roman sites also additional cost. We ate in the hotels in which we stayed. All very good apart from the Angel Inn which was just ok. Suggest book a different restaurant in Corbridge. We booked with Headwater as it gave us a sense of security in these uncertain COVID days. Some room for improvement though!

Mrs WILSON, 21 Jun 2021

 

Though pretty gruelling (for two old men at any rate), it was a wonderful experience. The Headwater organisation from start to finish was superb and all the arrangements with hotels etc went very smoothly.

Mr BALDWIN, 31 May 2021

 

We had very enjoyable holiday despite the restrictions

Mrs Bartlett, 20 Sep 2020

 


Self-guided walking

5 nights,
hotel-to-hotel

Level: 2
Moderate

10.0Kg CO2e

5 nights from £589

CHOOSE A DEPARTURE

Call: 01606 720199

 

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