Highlights of the Hadrian's Wall Path

Judith Fiander & Co.

2026

Number of Travellers:  4
Duration: 6 Days / 5 Nights

Overview

Step into the footsteps of Roman soldiers as you follow Hadrian’s Wall Path, one of Britain’s most iconic national trails and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Winding through the dramatic landscapes of Northern England, this route reveals sweeping views, charming villages, and remarkably well-preserved Roman sites that shaped the history of Britain.

This immersive walking holiday explores the central and western sections of the wall — widely considered the most scenic — and brings you face-to-face with the frontier of the Roman Empire. Along the way, delve into ancient forts, hike along rugged escarpments, and trace the wall to its western end at the peaceful Solway Firth. With expert guiding, comfortable accommodation, and rich storytelling, this is a journey through time you won’t forget.

Highlights

  • Walk the most picturesque and historic stretches of Hadrian’s Wall Path
  • Visit world-renowned Roman sites including Vindolanda, Housesteads, and Chesters Fort
  • Reach the trail’s end at Bowness-on-Solway, with views to Scotland

Day by Day

Day 1 - Portgate to Chollerford

Meet your friendly Wilderness England guide in the market town of Corbridge, well connected by rail and full of Roman heritage. After a short transfer to Portgate, begin walking westward along the Hadrian’s Wall Path. This gentle section offers rolling countryside and a peaceful introduction to the trail. In the afternoon, visit the beautifully preserved Chesters Roman Fort, once home to Roman cavalry. Enjoy your first night in Chollerford, a quiet village nestled on the banks of the River North Tyne.

Meals Included: Lunch
Walk Details: 10 km / 6 miles

Day 2 - Brocolitia to Once Brewed

Start the day with a short transfer to Brocolitia Roman Fort, a remote and atmospheric site featuring the remains of a Roman outpost and a mysterious Temple to Mithras. From here, walk into some of Hadrian’s Wall’s most spectacular terrain — a landscape of open moorland, rocky ridges, and the dramatic Whin Sill escarpment. Continue to Housesteads Roman Fort, perched high on the ridge with commanding views. Pause at the site of the Sycamore Gap, once home to the iconic lone tree immortalised in film and beloved by walkers. Though the tree was tragically felled, a touching memorial now marks the spot, and new green shoots emerging from the stump offer a symbol of resilience and renewal. Arrive in Once Brewed for a restful evening at the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 15 km / 9 miles

Day 3 - Visit Vindolanda and Walk to Gilsland

Begin the day by jumping on the Hadrian’s Wall bus and enjoy a visit to Vindolanda, a Roman fort and settlement with extraordinary finds, including handwritten tablets and leather shoes. Rejoin the path at Once Brewed and head west through spectacular countryside, dotted with Roman milecastles and walls snaking across the hills. Stop in Greenhead, where Thirlwall Castle offers a glimpse into medieval history layered onto Roman roots. End the day in Gilsland, a village straddling the counties of Cumbria and Northumberland. Overnight here with time to reflect on the rich past underfoot.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles

Day 4 - Gilsland to Walton via Birdoswald

Depart Gilsland and walk through a quieter but equally beautiful stretch of the wall. A highlight today is Birdoswald Roman Fort, dramatically located above the River Irthing, where the longest continuous stretch of Hadrian’s Wall can still be seen. The trail winds through woodlands and peaceful farmland as you make your way to Walton, a sleepy village with strong Roman connections. Spend the evening enjoying the tranquility of the Cumbrian countryside.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles

Day 5 - Burgh-by-Sands to Bowness-on-Solway

Transfer in the morning from Walton to Burgh-by-Sands, where the final stretch of the wall begins. The path crosses the flat, open Solway Plain, where wide skies and distant views offer a striking contrast to the uplands of earlier days. Reach the peaceful village of Bowness-on-Solway, where a plaque marks the end of the trail and views extend across the Solway Firth to Scotland. Celebrate your achievement at the Kings Arms, a cosy pub beloved by walkers. Transfer to Carlisle by taxi for your final overnight stay.

Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Walk Details: 13 km / 8 miles

Day 6 - Departure from Carlisle

After breakfast, take a short transfer to Carlisle train station for onward travel. Depart with memories of dramatic landscapes, Roman ruins, and a walk that spans centuries.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Trip Details

Inclusions Read More
  • 5 nights accommodation, as stated in the itinerary above
  • Most meals, as stated in the itinerary above
  • The services of a qualified and experienced guide from Day 1 to Day 6 inclusive
  • All guided hikes mentioned in the itinerary
  • Taxi transfers where required
  • Luggage transfer for one bag per person (maximum of 20kg) for the duration of the trip, meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack while you hike.
  • Entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary, specifically:
    • Chesters Roman Fort
    • Vindolanda
    • Birdsowald
  • Personalised trip design and delivery
  • 24/7 In-Country Support from the Wilderness Team
Exclusions Read More
  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Meals not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Activities and entrance fees not mentioned in the inclusions
  • Gratuities
Notes Read More
  • All suggested accommodations and services are subject to availability at the time of booking.
  • A 25% deposit is required before any accommodation and services will be confirmed.
  • This quote is valid for 14 days from the date quoted, after this time pricing may be subject to revision.
  • Activities are only private if so specified.
Pricing Read More

The price of this trip is £2,695 per person and is based on availability at the time of booking.

Terms & Conditions Read More

Please see our booking terms here.