Current as of: December 5, 2023 - 04:36
Walking The Best of Hadrian's Wall Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays, Short Breaks
- Destination: United Kingdom
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 6 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: W05HW
Trip Overview
Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Britain’s largest archaeological feature and was the northernmost limit of the Roman Empire.
An immense feat of labour, the building of the wall started in AD122 during the reign of emperor Hadrian and took 6 years to complete. Three Roman legions completed the task of building a 73 mile long wall with 80 milecastle fortlets with two observation turrets between each one and then larger garrison forts every five miles or so along the wall.
This 5-night self-guided walk along Hadrian’s Wall, from West to East, starts at Lanercost Priory and ends in Corbridge, taking in some of the best-preserved Roman sites in the UK. We’ve chosen this route direction so the prevailing winds (and any inclement weather!) are always at your back and the scenery in this direction is considerably better than the other way round. You’ll have the possibility of visiting some amazingly well-preserved sites including the following: the Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters and Lanercost Priory. The route also passes the world-famous Sycamore Gap as well as some fabulous rolling Northumberland countryside and craggy hillsides, such as those of Walltown, Winshield and Sewingshields Crags. You finish your route in the affluent and once-bustling Roman town of Corbridge.
You’ll stay in welcoming inns, guesthouses and B&B’s with hearty Northumberland breakfasts to set you up for a day of exploring.
Highlights
- Walk along Hadrian's Wall - the largest historical monument in Britain
- Visit the ancient Roman forts of Birdoswald, Vindolanda, Housesteads and Chesters
- Walk from West to East, keeping the prevailing winds behind you (and better views)
- Beautiful scenery with views across to the Lake District and the Northumberland Coast
- Discover other historical buildings including Lanercost Priory and St Oswald's Church
Adult min age: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Greenhead
- End City: Corbridge
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Greenhead and overnight
Arrive in Greenhead and overnight
Lanercost to Greenhead
Take a taxi to Lanercost Priory (payable locally) to discover the beauty and tranquillity of Cumbria’s best-preserved Augustinian monastery with its intact triple tier arches and cloisters. Walk back to the hotel in Greenhead along Hadrian’s Wall Path via Birdoswald fort and the longest remaining stretch of the wall. Overnight in Greenhead.
Greenhead to Once Brewed
Follow the Hadrian’s Wall Path (and parts of the Pennine Way) to Once Brewed, passing the Walltown Crags, Cawfields Milecastle and Winshield Crags. Extend your walk to the Roman Fort and Museum at Vindolanda, constructed before Hadrian’s Wall as a garrison on the Stanegate Road – the first Roman frontier in the north. Stay in Once Brewed overnight.
Once Brewed to Chollerford
Today’s walk takes you along Hadrian’s Wall Path past the famous Sycamore Gap to enjoy fabulous views of Crag Lough and the rolling Northumberland hills. Visit the Housesteads Roman Fort & Museum – one of the best-preserved Roman forts in the country and enjoy the interactive museum experience. Walk along the Sewingshields Crags and on to Chesters Fort before stopping overnight in Chollerford.
Chollerford to Corbridge
Follow the Hadrian’s Wall Path to visit St Oswald’s Church, then head south, away from the B-road section, towards Corbridge and Aydon Castle (closed on a Mon & Tues). This fortified 13th century English manor house is almost completely intact and has a walled orchard perfect for picnics. Continue on to affluent Corbridge to visit this once bustling Roman town and supply base. Stay in Corbridge overnight.
Depart after breakfast
Depart after breakfast
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels
You will stay in a range of hotels, including a 16th Century Coaching Inn in Corbridge, all offering a full breakfast.
Single supplement from £ 288
What To Take
Practical Information
Visa
United Kingdom
Travellers from the US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter the United Kingdom. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/united-kingdom
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/united-kingdom
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/UnitedKingdom.html
Vaccinations and Health
United Kingdom
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for polio, tetanus and rabies (bat lyssavirus). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
United Kingdom's time zone: Europe/London (UTC +00:00)
Electricity
United Kingdom's electricity: Plug type G (three rectangular pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
United Kingdom's currency: Pound sterling (GBP)
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.