Hadrians Wall Path
Melissa, Elizabeth, Peter & Katherine
Thursday 12th June – Thursday 19th June 2025
Overview
Built in AD 122, Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the best-preserved frontier of the Roman Empire. The wall, with its defensive ditches, turrets and milecastles, marches over 80 miles from coast to coast. Beginning in Wallsend in the east, the wall ends in Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Designated a national trail in 2003, hiking its length provides a unique and fascinating insight into the history of the Romans. This ancient route also traverses some of the most picturesque English countryside.
Accompanied by your expert guide, wind your way over the wild and beautiful escarpments of Highshield Crags to the rolling green pastures of Eden Valley to Carlisle Castle . A significant proportion of the wall remains standing. Explore splendid ruins, ancient fortifications and engaging museums along its historic length. Relax in handpicked accommodation as evening light casts a golden glow across the old stone. Enjoy delicious seasonal food and warm hospitality here as wildflowers dance beyond the window. With every aspect of your adventure taken care of, you can immerse yourself in the hike along this rewarding, long distance trail.
Day by Day
Day 1 - Thursday 12th June - Welcome
Meet your Wilderness guide at your hotel in Gateshead at noon today. We will settle down for a lunch and a trip brief about the adventure ahead. Afterwards, hop on the metro to the starting point of Hadrian’s Wall. Take the opportunity to visit Segedunum Roman Fort, which tells the story of the Roman, coal mining and shipbuilding history of the area. After exploring and getting your Hadrian’s Wall passport stamped, set out from Wallsend (which shares a history with the Vikings, as well as the Romans) to walk the first few miles of this fantastic long distance trail through the city. A short transfer back to your hotel this evening leaves time for a delicious dinner before a good night’s sleep.
Overnight: Gateshead | Hilton Gateshead
Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
Day 1 - Guide Details - Carol Renshaw Read More +
Name:
Carol Renshaw
Contact Number: +44 (0)7930145344
Meeting Place: Hilton Gateshead | Meeting Time: 12:00
Carol is looking forward to meeting you all in the reception area at the Hilton Gateshead today at 12noon.
Day 1 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Babucho Newcastle | Location: 26 Side, Lower Dean Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 3JA
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: + 44 (0)191 231 2840 | Website: https://babucho.co.uk/
Day 2 - Friday 13th June - Newcastle to Heddon-on-the-Wall
This morning, a short transfer will take you back to yesterday’s finish point, so you may continue winding your way through the heart of the city. With only a small amount of elevation on the cards, this is the perfect second day. Warm up and get into the rhythm of the walk as you meander along the banks of the River Tyne. Although a relatively urban section with little surviving wall, it’s satisfying knowing you’ll have walked its entirety by the end of your trip. After a good day of walking, arrive at Heddon-on-the-Wall. This small village is home to the longest section of unbroken wall at its original and planned width. Transfer back to your hotel in Gateshead this evening and enjoy a celebratory drink to mark the first full day of hiking.
Overnight: Gateshead | Hilton Gateshead
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 2 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Blackfriars Restaurants | Location: Blackfriars, Friars Street, Newcastle, NE1 4XN
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: 44 (0)191 261 5945 | Website: https://blackfriarsrestaurant.co.uk/
Day 3 - Saturday 14th June - Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford
After breakfast, a short drive will take you to Heddon-on-the-Wall to continue your walk west. In contrast to yesterday’s more urbanised route, the trail now reveals gently rolling farmland and picturesque open countryside. Wind your way through small woodlands and between hedgerows that rustle with songbirds. Look out for the wall and ruined fortifications that can pop up in the most unlikely places. Listen out for the electronic peewit of lapwings and the distinctive lollop of brown hares as they bound across the sunny fields. Upon reaching Planetrees, a solid (albeit short) chunk of the wall comes into view. From here, it’s only a short stroll to Chollerford where we take a short transfer to our welcoming hotel in nearby Hexham.
Overnight: Hexham | Slaley Hall Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Slaley Hall | Location: Slaley Hall Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: + 44 (0)1434 673350 | Website: https://www.slaleyhallhotel.com/
Day 4 - Sunday 15th June - Chollerford to Once Brewed
Feeling well-rested, enjoy a hearty breakfast before heading out for a fantastic and engaging day. After our short transfer we will visit Chesters Roman Fort, the best-preserved Roman Cavalry Fort in the UK. Your route then passes by wonderfully preserved sections of the wall, including turrets, milecastles and temples. Chat with your knowledgeable guide as you explore the fortifications. Learn about the rigorous and unyielding guard executed by the Romans against the Northerners. Later, reach the beautiful Sycamore Gap Memorial – the perfect place to stop and enjoy a drink and snack. Arrive at the Twice Brewed Inn later this afternoon and enjoy a pint of the locally brewed bitters before transferring back to the comfort of Slaley Hall.
Overnight: Hexham | Slaley Hall Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Slaley Hall Hotel | Location: Slaley Hall Hotel
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: + 44 (0)1434 673350 | Website: https://www.slaleyhallhotel.com/
Day 5 - Monday 16th June - Once-Brewed to Gilsland
After breakfast, we transfer back to Once Brewed and head to the Roman Fort of Vindolanda, renowned for its well-preserved archaeological finds, including the famous Vindolanda Tablets, which offer insights into life on the Roman frontier. Back on the trail, the route winds its way through the far reaches of Northumberland National Park. This wild, windswept landscape stretches from Hadrian’s Wall to the Scottish borders. Observe the highest part of the wall (that hasn’t been rebuilt by well-meaning archaeologists in the 19th century), and keep an eye out for King Arthur’s Turret. This is a fantastic part of the trail, as the wall snakes and dives through the dramatic countryside. Visit the engaging Roman Army Museum and learn about what life was like for Roman soldiers living on the edge of an empire. Your transfer will take you back to your lovely accommodation where you can settle in for our first night and a delicious dinner.
Overnight: Irthington | The Fleece
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: The Fleece | Location: The Fleece
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1228 832 030 | Website: https://thefleeceruleholme.com/
Day 6 - Tuesday 17th June - Gilsland to Newtown
After breakfast this morning we will take a short transfer back to where you left off yesterday. Today is filled with Roman landmarks and lovely walking through the undulating countryside. Your route winds past the remains of Willowford Roman Bridge, which is now entirely on dry land. Instead, cross a modern footbridge over the River Irthing to Birdoswald Roman Fort. The fort, which sits on the longest continuous stretch of the wall still remaining today, was once garrisoned by an infantry cohort of over 800 men. Later this afternoon, we take a short transfer back to the Fleece for our second night.
Overnight: Irthington | The Fleece
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: The Fleece | Location: The Fleece
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1228 832 030 | Website: https://www.slaleyhallhotel.com/
Day 7 - Wednesday 18th June - Newtown to Carlisle
As the early morning mist withdraws across the fields, our transfer will collect us and we will head out with your guide for our final day of your long distance adventure. Gradually, in harmony with the flattening landscape, the wall here all but disappears into the earth. Despite this, the walking is still lovely as it meanders through meadows and wide-open farmland. As you draw closer to Carlisle, enjoy strolling along the river, looking out for waterfowl and songbirds. Reaching the city, visit the castle and cathedral, both of which have old Roman stones embedded in their medieval walls. Carlisle’s centre is rich with old-world charm. Enjoy the bustle of the town before transferring to your peaceful country house accommodation for the night.
Overnight: Warwick Hall
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7 - Dinner Details Read More +
Restaurant: Warwick Hall
Reservation Time: 19:00
Phone: +44 (0)1228 561 546 | Website: https://warwickhall.co.uk/
Day 8 - Thursday 19th June - Depart
A private transfer will collect you from your accommodation and take you to the Carlisle Train Station to make your onward connections. Waving farewell for now but taking with you special memories and wonderful stories of your explorations.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Trip Details
- Inclusions
- 7 nights accommodation in 3 star and 4 star hotels/inns on a B&B basis.
- All meals during the trip as stated in the itinerary.
- The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide throughout.
- Luggage transfer for One bag per person (strict weight limit of 25kg in a closed bag). for the duration of the trip, meaning you will only have to carry a day rucksack while walking.
- All transfers as needed during the trip starting in Newcastle and finishing in Carlisle.
- Important Contact Numbers
Wilderness England Office | 9:00am – 5:30pm
UK: +44 (0)1768 721 210
US: 888 351 5706
Out of Office Hours | 5:30pm – 9:00am
Emergency Services
- Terms & Conditions
-
Please see our booking terms here.
Accommodation
Hilton Gateshead
Bottle Bank |
Gateshead |
NE8 2AR |
England
Phone: +44 (0)191 490 9700
Web: hilton.com/en/hotels/nclhihi-hilton-newcastle-gateshead/n-newcastle-gateshead
Slaley Hall Hotel
Coal Road |
Hexham |
NE47 0BX |
England
Phone: +44 (0) 1434 673350
Web: slaleyhallhotel.com
The Fleece
Ruleholme |
Irthington |
Carlisle |
CA6 4NF |
England
Phone: 01228 832 030
Web: thefleeceruleholme.com
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Meet Your Guide
Carol Renshaw
Contact Number: +44 (0)7930145344
Adventure, travel and mountaineering have always been a fundamental aspect of my life from being a toddler, primarily inspired from my late grandfather’s love of mountaineering and his “snow-capped mountain slide show” as a kid sparked a light in my soul.
After a brief career in electronic engineering and banking, the passion of the outdoors was far too strong to ignore and a switch in career ensued, firstly to a conservation ranger in the Peak District and then guiding young people in the Himalaya, Africa and Europe.
Having now worked in the outdoors for over 30 years, it continues to be such a joy to share that passion and knowledge with others.
Hadrians Wall Path
Thursday 12th June – Thursday 19th June 2025