THE BEST OF HADRIAN'S WALL - GUIDED WALK

DAY 1: Join us by 2.00 pm when we will meet in hotel reception for a half day walk to shake off the journey and to get familiar with walking along the famous path.  We begin at Burnhead, from where we set off along this elevated section with expansive views across to the North from where the ancient tribes once advanced to compel Hadrian to begin his awe-inspiring project.

We pass Aesica Roman fort, turrets and milecastles as we walk on easy ground gently downhill into the village of Greenhead where our transport awaits to return us to the hotel.

(3 hours walking, approx. 6 km)

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DAY 2:  On this day we head west from Greenhead to follow the wall as it rises above the River Irthing which can be seen snaking around in the valley below, after which we arrive at Birdoswald Roman fort.  There is time to explore this remarkable site before we continue west, past turrets and milecastles, finally descending into the grounds of Lanercost Priory.  The priory is a dramatic place to end the day’s walk.  A superbly preserved building, it suffered frequent attacks during the long Anglo-Scottish wars, once by Robert Bruce in person. King Edward I rested here for five months in 1306-7, shortly before his death on his final campaign.

(6 hours walking, 14 km)

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DAY 3:  Time to head east!  Picking up our route once again at Burnhead we enjoy perhaps the most fascinating day of the wall’s length.  This central section is dramatic and elevated with great views north and south, and our route follows a challenging path that rises and falls as it passes numerous sites with well-preserved remains of Roman architecture.

As we continue, we climb Steel Rigg to be rewarded with views down to Crag Lough, then head down to perhaps the best-preserved site of all at Housteads Fort, where we take a break to soak up the atmosphere of a site that 1900 years ago was a hive of industry and a centre of Roman life.

Continuing, we reach the milecastle at Sewing Shields to pick up our transport back to Haltwhistle and a welcome rest! 

(6 hours walking, 12.5 km)

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DAY 4:  We continue from our previous day’s end-point to walk the path towards Chollerford.  Brocolitia Roman fort provides a fascinating place to explore before we approach the attractive town of Chollerford via Chester’s Roman fort.  This is the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain with unusually well-preserved baths, steam room, and officers' quarters.  Entering the town of Chollerford brings attractive views of the River Tyne and the historic Chollerford Bridge, as well as  welcome refreshments at the local hotel   (6 hours, 13 km).

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DAY 5:  A delightful section of the Tyne River Trail provides a low-level finish to our walking week.  We follow the trail from Bardon Mill back to Haltwhistle, along the banks of the meandering river and through picturesque valley woodland.  This easy trail provides a fitting conclusion to our week and a chance to enjoy some walking time before the journey home begins.  We aim to be back at our hotel by 1.30 pm. .  (3 hours, 7.5 km).

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Please note that the above itinerary is subject to weather conditions being favourable.  Our aim, above all, is to make the right choice each day so that we enjoy the most appropriate route for the conditions.

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