Tour Overview
Embark on a captivating journey through history with the "Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights" tour in the United Kingdom. This guided walking adventure offers a unique glimpse into the past as you traverse the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hadrian's Wall. Explore significant sites like the Vindolanda Roman Fort and the Fort at Chester, and enjoy optional visits to Birdoswald Roman Fort. The itinerary is thoughtfully designed to balance exploration with leisure, allowing you to soak in the serene beauty of the English countryside. From the historic city of Carlisle to the charming village of Corbridge, each step reveals lush landscapes and ancient tales. With comfortable accommodations and luggage transport provided, this tour ensures a seamless and enriching experience as you uncover the stories of Roman Britain. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Walk Carlisle to Irthington
Location: Carlisle, Crosby-on-Eden, Irthington, Haltwhistle
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation Name: Bed & Breakfast
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:
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Day 2: Walk Lanercost Priory to Gilsland
Location: Lanercost Priory, Birdoswald Roman Fort, Gilsland, Haltwhistle
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation Name: Bed & Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 3: Walk Carvoran to Twice Brewed
Location: Roman Army Museum, Whin Sill, Twice Brewed Inn, Haltwhistle
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
Accommodation Name: Bed & Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Day 4: Walk Steel Rigg to Sewing Shields
Location: Vindolanda, Steel Rigg, Housesteads Roman Fort, Sewing Shields, Hexham
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 5: Walk Chollerford to Port Gate
Location: Chollerford, Chester's Roman Fort and Museum, Heavenfield Battle Site, St Oswald’s Church, Port Gate, Hexham
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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 like, you can 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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 6: Walk Corbridge to Hexham
Location: Corbridge, Corbridge Roman Town and Museum, Hexham
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
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:
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Optional Activities:
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Day 7: Hexham
Location: Hexham, Newcastle upon Tyne
Meals Included: Breakfast
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.
What's Included
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Carlisle to Irthington guided walk
Enjoy a guided walk from Carlisle to Irthington, following the scenic route along Hadrian's Wall.
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Lanercost Priory to Gilsland guided walk
Participate in a guided walk from Lanercost Priory to Gilsland, exploring historical sites along the way.
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Lanercost Priory Church visit
Visit the historic Lanercost Priory Church as part of the tour.
What's Not Included
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Optional activities
Optional visits such as Birdoswald Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort, and Corbridge Roman Town and Museum are not included.
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Transportation to and from the tour
Transportation to the starting point in Carlisle and from the end point in Hexham is not included.
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Personal expenses
Any personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
Transport
- Walking , public bus , train , taxi
Accommodation
- OCCASIONAL ALTERNATIVE ACCOMMODATION
- The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
- TWIN SHARE BASIS
- Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. We pair up solo travellers with another traveller of the same gender as per the gender marker on each of their passports. Please note there may be times where facilities will be shared rather than ensuite and rare occasions when you share a room with passengers travelling on different Intrepid trips than your own.
- CHECK-IN TIME
- Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
- PRE/POST TRIP ACCOMMODATION
- If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
- FACILITIES
- Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
Important Information
- 1. This trip starts in Carlisle on Day 1 at 10 am (please meet your leader at the front entrance of the train station at Collier Lane, next to WH Smith store). This allows time after the welcome meeting to purchase essential provisions as you begin your walk out of Carlisle. This trip finishes after breakfast in Hexham on Day 7.
- 2. If you plan to arrive by car, please search for relevant car park options in Carlisle. Private and public transport from the end of the trip back to Carlisle are available.
- 3. Arriving by train is most environmentally friendly. Carlisle is well connected with Newcastle, Glasgow, Leeds, and Edinburgh as well as London and Manchester. Consider this mode of transport to start your trip.
- 4. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
- 5. We will transport your luggage between hotels, but you are only allowed one bag/suitcase of maximum weight 20kg. No items should be strapped to your luggage, such shoes, walking poles, etc.
Mode of Transport
Transportation includes walking, public bus, train, and taxi, providing a mix of local experiences and convenience for exploring the highlights of Hadrian's Wall.Accommodation
Accommodation on this tour is on a twin/multishare basis, with occasional alternative arrangements due to availability. Facilities may be shared, and rooms may not always have private en suite facilities. Pre/post-trip accommodation may require room changes.Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour involves walking, and also uses public buses, trains, and taxis for transportation.
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What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
Accommodation is on a twin/multishare basis, and you may share a room with another traveller of the same gender. Facilities may be shared rather than ensuite, and European hotels generally do not provide kettles or fridges.
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Will my luggage be transported during the tour?
Yes, your luggage will be transported between hotels, but you are allowed only one bag or suitcase with a maximum weight of 20kg.
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Are there any optional activities available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional visits to Birdoswald Roman Fort, Lanercost Priory, Housesteads Roman Fort, Chesters Roman Fort and Museum, and Corbridge Roman Town and Museum.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Carlisle, and you will meet your leader and fellow travellers at the front entrance of Carlisle train station at 10 am on Day 1.
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What is the ending point of the tour?
The tour ends in Hexham after breakfast on Day 7.
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Is there a single supplement available for this tour?
Yes, a single supplement is available if you prefer not to share a room, subject to availability.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Intrepid Travel has been taking travellers around the world for over 30 years
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Since 2002, The Intrepid Foundation has supported over 130 organisations across the world. We’re creating positive impact through the joy of travel, community and connection.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 50% of traveller travel solo with Intrepid. You can choose to share a room with another solo travelle of the same sex for no additional charge, or choose to pay a single supplement if you’d like your own room. Please request this when booking, and we will secure you a single supplement wherever possible. Please note, if you are booking a last-minute trip, it may be harder for us to secure a single room
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Free Date Changes
Intrepid Travel allows you to make 10 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 56 days before the start of the tour.
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Intrepid Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform intrepid travel, 56 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Intrepid Travel requires a minimum deposit of 400 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 56 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of intrepid travel charges.
Up to 56 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 55 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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Terms and Conditions
Walk Hadrian's Wall Highlights
7 Days Starting in Carlisle, United Kingdom and ending in Hexham, United Kingdom
Visiting: Carlisle, Crosby-on-Eden, Irthington, Haltwhistle, Lanercost Priory, Birdoswald Roman Fort, Gilsland, Roman Army Museum, Whin Sill, Twice Brewed Inn, Vindolanda, Steel Rigg, Housesteads Roman Fort, Sewing Shields, Hexham, Chollerford, Chester's Roman Fort and Museum, Heavenfield Battle Site, St Oswald’s Church, Port Gate, Corbridge, Corbridge Roman Town and Museum, Newcastle upon Tyne ...more ...less
Tour operator:
Tour code:
BMXH
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 12
Age range:
15-99
