6 day exploration

Discover Hadrians Wall on our popular 6 day 5 night trip on this East to West trail

a stone wall on a grassy hill with a river in the distance

This 6-day, 5-night East to West itinerary offers a captivating journey from west to east along Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the dramatic landscapes of northern England and delve into the fascinating Roman legacy that stretches across the land.

historic england unveiled

Voyage

  • Accommodation for 5 Nights
  • Daily Luggage Transfers (restrictions apply)
  • Digital Map
  • 24/7 Support
  • Daily Breakfast
  • Choice of West to East or East to West
  • Transfers outside of itinerary
  • Meals other than Breakfast
  • Airfares
  • Insurance

This can be enjoyed from 15th March to 27th October

Price

Based on 2 Share for 2024 and 2025

Double
Twin
Single

£466 per person

£466 per person

£837 per person

6 days and 5 nights

Hexham
Wallsend
Heddon on the Wall
Chollerford
Once Brewed
Gilsland
Carlisle
Bowness on Solway
Exit grid

Travel

This action-packed 6-day, self-guided itinerary is designed specifically for experienced walkers like you. Traverse the full 84 miles (135 kilometers) of the Wall from West to East and West to East experiencing the dramatic landscapes of northern England and immersing yourself in the captivating Roman legacy that permeates the region.

This challenging itinerary caters to walkers who are comfortable with longer daily distances and varied terrain. Expect sections with rolling hills, farmland, and impressive coastal vistas, all offering breathtaking backdrops for your epic journey. We’ve meticulously crafted the route to maximize your time exploring the Wall itself, ensuring you encounter its most significant and well-preserved sections. Be prepared to be awestruck by imposing Roman forts like Housesteads and Vindolanda, delve into fascinating museums brimming with archaeological treasures, and marvel at the sheer resilience of the Wall as it snakes across the land.

While this itinerary prioritizes covering the entire length of the Wall, it doesn’t compromise on comfort. We’ve pre-booked comfortable accommodation for each night in charming guesthouses, historic inns, or welcoming hotels, ensuring restful recuperation from each day’s adventures. To further streamline your experience, we’ll handle all your luggage transfers between locations, allowing you to walk with a light pack and focus on the exhilarating challenge of conquering Hadrian’s Wall.

Itinerary

Your self-guided adventure begins in Wallsend, the eastern terminus of Hadrian's Wall. Immerse yourself in Roman history at the Segedunum Roman Fort Museum, where interactive exhibits and archaeological finds bring the past to life. As you set off on the Wall Path, enjoy panoramic views across the River Tyne and witness the impressive engineering feat of the Wall itself.  The highlight of today's walk is undoubtedly the atmospheric village of Heddon-on-the-Wall, where the remains of the Wall are seamlessly integrated into the village streets. Settle in for a restful night's sleep at your pre-booked accommodation near Heddon on Wall. Our team will collect you and transport you to and from your accommodation for this evening.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

Today's walk offers a captivating journey through some of the best-preserved sections of Hadrian's Wall.  As you continue westward, the scenic beauty of the Northumberland National Park unfolds around you. Take in breathtaking views of rolling hills and admire the resilience of the Wall as it snakes across the landscape.

Your journey ends for the day in the charming village of Chollerford. Transport will be provided if staying nearby.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

Today's walk offers a delightful contrast between historical significance and natural beauty. Leaving Chollerford behind, you'll encounter the fascinating Chesters Roman Fort Museum. This well-preserved site houses a wealth of Roman artifacts, including altars, weapons, and everyday objects, providing a tangible connection to the past. As you continue westward, the landscape begins to change, with open farmland replacing the rolling hills of the National Park. Keep an eye out for the remains of milecastles and turrets along the Wall, which served as communication and observation posts for Roman soldiers.

The final leg of today's walk takes you to the quaint village of Once Brewed, nestled amidst picturesque countryside. This charming location boasts a rich history, evident in the traditional buildings and the nearby Vindolanda Roman Fort. Explore the excavated remains of the fort, where remarkable discoveries like writing tablets offer a unique window into the lives of Roman soldiers stationed here. After a day filled with historical exploration and scenic vistas, unwind at your local accommodation.

Transport provided if the accommodation is not near the Wall.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

Today's walk follows the scenic South Tyne Valley, offering a delightful combination of historical significance and natural beauty. As you leave Once Brewed behind, the landscape opens up, revealing rolling hills and picturesque farmland surrounding the Wall. Explore the fascinating remains of turrets and milecastles, remnants of the Roman frontier defense system. Keep an eye out for Peel Gap, a natural break in the Pennine Hills that was a strategic point for controlling movement across northern England.

After a day of historical exploration and scenic walks, relax and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay in a cozy hotel in the charming village of Gilsland.

We will provide transport if the accommodation location is away from the trail.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

A Landscape in Transition:

Today's walk offers a captivating journey from the rural charm of Gilsland to the vibrant city of Carlisle. As you leave Gilsland behind, the landscape begins to change, transitioning from rolling hills to a flatter terrain. Enjoy the expansive views of the surrounding countryside and keep an eye out for the fascinating remains of turrets and milecastles, silent sentinels of the Roman frontier.

Roman Legacy at Birdoswald:

A highlight of today's walk is the impressive Birdoswald Roman Fort. This extensively excavated site offers a glimpse into the lives of Roman soldiers stationed here almost 2,000 years ago. Explore the well-preserved remains of barracks, a bathhouse, and granaries, all reminders of the Roman Empire's reach and influence. The on-site museum houses a wealth of artifacts unearthed at the fort, providing further insight into daily life on the Roman frontier.

Reaching Carlisle: A City Steeped in History:

The final leg of today's walk takes you towards the historic city of Carlisle, a bustling hub with a rich Roman legacy. As you approach the city, you'll spot the impressive Carlisle Cathedral, a magnificent structure towering over the landscape. Upon reaching Carlisle, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment! You've conquered a significant portion of Hadrian's Wall and are now standing on the grounds of a vibrant city that has seen centuries of history unfold.

Exploring Carlisle's Treasures:

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring Carlisle's captivating offerings. Immerse yourself in Roman history at the Tullie House Museum, housing a collection of Roman artifacts found throughout the region. Stroll along the historic city walls, remnants of Carlisle's medieval fortifications.

We will provide transport if the accommodation location is away from the trail.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

Farewell to Hadrian's Wall:

Your final day on Hadrian's Wall takes you westward to Bowness-on-Solway, marking the conclusion of your self-guided adventure. Leaving Carlisle behind, the landscape gradually transitions from bustling cityscapes to a serene coastal plain. Savor the unique experience of walking along the frontier, with the vastness of the Solway Firth stretching before you. Keep an eye out for the final remnants of the Wall, milecastles and turrets standing guard even today.

Reaching the Western Frontier:

As you arrive in Bowness-on-Solway, take a moment to celebrate your remarkable achievement! You've traversed the entirety of Hadrian's Wall, a testament to Roman engineering and a journey through time. Soak in the unique atmosphere of this historic village, nestled on the Solway Coast and imbued with a rich past. Explore the charming harbor and enjoy a delicious meal at a traditional pub, reminiscing about your adventures along the Wall.

Continuing Your Journey:

Depending on your travel arrangements, your Hadrian's Wall self-guided adventure concludes here. You may choose to explore the vibrant city of Carlisle further, delve deeper into the region's rich history, or head onward to your next destination.

Your adventure begins in the charming village of Bowness-on-Solway, nestled on the Solway Coast. Immerse yourself in the unique atmosphere of this historic location before setting off eastward along the Hadrian's Wall Path. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Solway Firth as you encounter the final remnants of the Wall, standing as silent sentinels to the Roman frontier. Keep an eye out for intriguing milecastles and turrets, remnants of the Roman communication and observation network.

As you approach the vibrant city of Carlisle, anticipation builds. Upon reaching Carlisle, take a moment to celebrate your accomplishment! You've conquered a significant portion of the Wall and are now standing on the grounds of a bustling hub with a rich Roman legacy. Explore the impressive Carlisle Cathedral, a magnificent structure towering over the landscape. Spend the rest of the afternoon delving deeper into Carlisle's captivating offerings. Immerse yourself in Roman history at the Tullie House Museum, housing a collection of Roman artifacts found throughout the region. Stroll along the historic city walls, remnants of Carlisle's medieval fortifications. Enjoy a relaxing evening meal at a cozy pub and unwind in a comfortable hotel, savoring the unique atmosphere of this historic city.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

Today's walk offers a contrasting landscape as you leave the bustling city of Carlisle behind. The terrain gradually transitions from urban outskirts to rolling hills, providing a picturesque backdrop for your journey eastward. Keep an eye out for the captivating remains of Roman frontier defenses, milecastles and turrets whispering tales of the past. As you reach the charming market town of Brampton, you might be tempted to linger and explore its rich history. However, your journey continues eastward towards your final destination for the day, Gilsland. Settle in for a restful night in your pre-booked accommodation.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

Leaving Gilsland behind, today's walk offers a delightful contrast between historical significance and natural beauty. As you continue eastward, the landscape transitions from rolling hills to open farmland. Keep an eye out for the remains of milecastles and turrets along the Wall, remnants of the Roman frontier defense system.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

Today's walk features some of the best-preserved sections of the Wall, including Housesteads Roman Fort, offering stunning panoramic views. Explore the well-preserved barracks, granaries, and bathhouse, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of Roman soldiers stationed here almost 2,000 years ago.

Bed & Breakfast Accommodation Included

 

Continuing eastward, today's walk offers a journey through a captivating landscape. Immerse yourself in the grandeur of the Roman Empire at Housesteads Fort, the most completely excavated fort along the Wall (explored on Day 4). As you set off on the Wall Path, enjoy panoramic views across the River Tyne and witness the impressive engineering feat of the Wall itself. The highlight of today's walk is undoubtedly the atmospheric village of Heddon-on-the-Wall, where the remains of the Wall are seamlessly integrated into the village streets. 

This stop can have very limited accommodation so we provide transport to your location for the evening. Bed and Breakfast included.

Your final day on Hadrian's Wall culminates in the historic town of Wallsend, marking the eastern terminus of the Wall. Enjoy the scenic beauty of the River Tyne and witness the impressive engineering feat of the Wall itself as you approach Wallsend. Immerse yourself in Roman history at the Segedunum Roman Fort Museum, where interactive exhibits and archaeological finds bring the past to life. Celebrate your remarkable achievement of conquering the entirety of Hadrian's Wall!

Bags are taken to any Newcastle City Centre hotel.

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