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Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided

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Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided
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8 days from $1,025USD
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Small tarn called Crag Lough
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The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile (135 km) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast.

The National Trail follows the line of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of England – from rolling fields and rugged borderlands to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle – with dozens of fascinating museums along the way. Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path and the route is relatively easy. The 23 mile (37 km) section between Chollerford and Birdoswald is the most difficult, with lots of short climbs and descents.

The route is clearly marked and it’s worth considering whether you would rather walk the Path from east-to-west, in the direction the wall was originally built, or west-to-east, which is recommended for more favourable weather conditions. This tour is described from East to West but can equally be arranged from West to East.

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Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided

Explore the beautiful Northeast England as you walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path
4.70
(45 reviews)
8 days from $1,025USD
Easy quote
Duration
8 days
Season
Mar-Oct
Activity
Walking
Type
Self-guided, Private
Accommodation
Hotels
Difficulty
Moderate (3/5)
From $1,025USD (see prices for this tour)
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National Geographic
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Small tarn called Crag Lough
Personalized Service
Let our experienced travel advisors plan your perfect adventure

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile (135 km) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria on the west coast.

The National Trail follows the line of the Hadrian’s Wall UNESCO World Heritage Site, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of England – from rolling fields and rugged borderlands to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle – with dozens of fascinating museums along the way. Anyone who is reasonably fit can walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path and the route is relatively easy. The 23 mile (37 km) section between Chollerford and Birdoswald is the most difficult, with lots of short climbs and descents.

The route is clearly marked and it’s worth considering whether you would rather walk the Path from east-to-west, in the direction the wall was originally built, or west-to-east, which is recommended for more favourable weather conditions. This tour is described from East to West but can equally be arranged from West to East.

rating
Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.
Trip highlights

Experience the scenic variety of northern England from the modern, busy cityscapes of Newcastle Upon Tyne to the red sandstone hues of medieval Carlisle

Explore the barren blustery heights of Highshields Crags in the Northumberland National Park and the lime green pastoral scenes of the Eden valley

Trace the history of the north as you walk alongside iconic monuments of England

Enjoy the hospitality of country B&Bs brimming with personality and local charm

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Day by day itinerary
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Day 1
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Arrive in Whitley Bay or Tynemouth
Travel to Newcastle and then onto Whitley Bay (or Tynemouth of you prefer/ subject to availability). Stretch your legs and take the time to visit St Mary’s Island, Lighthouse and Visitor Centre where you will experience spectaluar coastal views.
Distance None
Overnight Location Hotel/BB in Whitley Bay or Tynemouth
Included Meals None
Day 2
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Local train/taxi to Wallsend. Walk to Heddon/Wylam
A short train ride to Wallsend and the start of the walk. If you have time before setting off take a close look at the remains of the Roman fort of Segedunum which marks the beginning of the route today. This is a multi awardwinning site, with reconstructions of a Roman Bath House and an excellent interactive museum. From the Tourist Information in Wallsend, by the Swan Hunter Ship Yard, the trail heads out following the walls of the ancient Roman fort of Segedunum. Take the old Tyne to Blyth railway line, now a footpath through to Walker where you join the River Tyne at the Riverside Park and pass Byker. You come into the riverside area of downtown Newcastle upon Tyne with vistas of the elegant Tyne Bridges and of the Newcastle skyline including St. Nicholas Cathedral. There should be time to climb up to Newcastle Keep. Walk out of the city alongside the river. There is plenty of evidence of present and former industrial activity. As you get to the old village of Newburn, the countryside really begins to open up. You are now in the county of Northumberland. Just before you would cross the River Tyne for Heddon on the Wall, on the trail, we turn off for Wylam and our overnight stop at the end of this flattish day.
Distance 17km
Overnight Location Hotel/BB in Heddon/Wylam
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 3
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Walk to Wall / Chollerford
After crossing over the River Tyne, you have your first steep ascent up to Heddon on the Wall, where there are some wall remains. To beyond Chollerford now, the National Trail follows beside the roads that have been built over part of the wall. The wall itself became a source of material for the foundations of General Wade’s military road, the trail often follows along the Vallum, the ancient ditch line created as a defensive feature when the wall was built. Look out for remains of Vindobala fort and the reservoirs around Welton. There is a pub at East Wallhouses after about 6 miles. A slight deviation to Halton after 9 miles might be in order to admire the old keep.
Distance 17.5km
Overnight Location Hotel/BB in Wall / Chollerford
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 4
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Walk to Housesteads (Once Brewed)
The route follows beside the road as far as Fozy Moss, where the road veers off the wall as it reaches the crags of the Whin Sill Escarpment. This stage roller coasters to Housesteads, with its famed fort and National Trust Museum. There are excellent views over the “Northward Tynescape” to the Bellingham and Simonside Hills. You now follow arguably the most scenic section of the trip; over Highshield Crags and then down via Peel Crags to Steel Rigg. From here you can walk out to Once Brewed and adjacent Twice Brewed.
Distance 20km
Overnight Location Hotel/BB in Housesteads (Once Brewed)
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 5
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Walk to Lancercost or Walton
The wall climbs to its highest point over Windshields Crags, before descending to the delightfully named Bogle Hole. Then down steps through Thorny Doors and up Cawfields Crags with excellent views onto the Pennines. The way passes by Great Chesters and Magnis (Roman forts), passing Greenhead, the ruin of medieval Thirlwall castle and in another mile or so crosses the Cumbria / Northumberland border on the River Irthing at Gilsand. There are interesting Roman defences to visit at Birdoswald and eventually, after a trek to Banks, you will hopefully find a shop/post office open for refreshment. Banks overlooks the Irthing Valley and Lanercost priory below. From here there are few signs of Hadrian’s Wall remaining so enjoy the last significant portion maintained by English Heritage at Hare Hill. The path starts to slowly descend to Garthside. There are interesting views over the Irthing Valley as the walk heads into Walton. This is easy walking along the edge of fields and beside some old established hardwood trees. On approaching Walton the way drops into the valley below crossing King Water. A short section of road takes the walk into the village of Walton, a small village with an interesting church in the centre beside the village green.
Distance 13km
Overnight Location Hotel/BB in Walton
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 6
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Walk to Carlisle
The route continues undulating across country. After crossing the very attractive Cam beck, you briefly join the road at Newtown Village near the green before skipping across the fields. Here you are following the wall line via Old Wall, Blea Head and Wallhead farms, before detouring on a little “sandy lane” that takes you down to The Stanegate, the old Roman road that leads into Crosby on Eden and the River Eden. Now you will be riverside walking for about a mile. At Linstock there is a medieval ‘pele’, Peel Tower that rang in times of danger so that the locals could congregate within its fortifications. Next you come to Rickerby which has, in contrast, a Victorian folly tower. Finally cross the River Eden, meander towards Stanwix, then up into Carlisle - a very interesting historical city, with a castle started by Henry I, extensive wall and other Roman remains, and the cathedral. The town has changed hands several times between Scotland and England and this is reflected in parts of the town’s structure. Carlisle is quite a bit smaller than Newcastle. A lot of the buildings such as the castle and the Old Town Hall are made of fine red sandstone. Beer fans will not want to miss out a couple of ales, as this is the centre for the Theakstone’s Brewery. Visit the Tullie House Museum for a fine collection of Roman remains. The inner city has been pedestrianised making exploration enjoyable around the market square.
Distance 22km
Overnight Location Hotel/BB in Carlisle
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 7
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Walk to Bowness
From Carlisle following the southern side of the River Eden. The trail follows more or less parallel with the line of the Wall and Vallum, through Grinsdale and Beaumont where you at last veer away from the Eden. You get good views from just north of the village to the peaks of Skiddaw and High Pike to the south and across the Solway Firth to the West. Through Burgh by Sands, a short detour takes you to the point on the marsh where Edward I died in 1307. In the vicinity of Dykesfield House, the trail joins an old railway embankment for a couple of miles before rejoining the line of “The Wall” near<br />Glasson. From here the route follows the minor road to Bowness on Solway, the site of the Roman fort of Maia and journey’s end.
Distance 21-30km
Overnight Location Hotel/BB in Bowness
Included Meals Breakfast
Day 8
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Depart
Arrangements end after breakfast.
Distance None
Overnight Location None
Included Meals Breakfast

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Combine the freedom of travelling on your own with the confidence that all of your logistics are taken care of.

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Dates and prices
👇 Prices below are per person

Single Room

Double Room

DatesSingle RoomDouble Room
Apr 1, 2025 to Apr 30, 2025$1,575USD$1,150USD
May 1, 2025 to Jun 30, 2025$1,625USD$1,175USD
Jul 1, 2025 to Aug 30, 2025$1,625USD$1,175USD
Sep 1, 2025 to Sep 30, 2025$1,625USD$1,175USD
Oct 1, 2025 to Oct 31, 2025$1,575USD$1,150USD
*Please note that the prices depend on the size of your group
What’s included

Meals

7 breakfasts are included. Packed lunches can be booked and paid for on arrival at your accommodation.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 7 nights are included.

Transportation during the Tour

This tour includes luggage transfers for your luggage; however, you are in charge of any personal transfers needed.

Also Included

  • Detailed documents, guides, route maps, and GPX tracks
  • Emergency telephone support hotline for the duration of the tour
  • Pre-planned route

Not included

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas if required
  • Guide services
  • Meals, drinks, or snacks not previously mentioned
  • Tourist hotel tax, payable each night at hotel
  • Airport transfers
  • Parking in Kirkby Stephen (if needed) and transfer to Trailhead

Optional Extras

  • Single occupancy upgrades

Accommodation for Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided

There is a variety of accommodation along the route ranging from bed and breakfasts, lodges, pubs and small hotels. They are run by cycling-friendly hosts offering en-suite or private facility rooms with a tasty breakfast to get you ready for the day ahead. Further facilities such as washing and drying facilities, packed lunches and packed lunches are available in some accommodations, you will be advised on your listing of what is available.

In some cases, the accommodation listed below may need to be substituted for other comparable accommodations.

Single Rooms and Solo Travellers
Rooms are double occupancy. You can pay a supplement to have a private room in a hotel where possible. Solo travellers may be required to pay a supplement.

Frequently asked questions

How hard is the Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided Tour?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. The walks are mostly unsurfaced tracks; footpaths, mountain trails and some tarmac roads.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided travelling is not difficult! For many, it is a preferred type of travel since you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided with all the information you’ll need to follow the route each day and often have access to phone support or other kinds of assistance. However, self-guided travelling requires good navigation skills and those who don’t feel confident in unknown places should consider booking guided tours.

Do I need a visa to travel to England?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website, though you should verify with your government.

Are meals included on the Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided Tour?

15 breakfasts are included. Packed lunches can be booked and paid for on arrival at your accommodation.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have health and medical insurance to join this trip, and your insurance should cover cycling. Get your travel insurance.

How do I get to Whitley Bay or Tynemouth to start this tour?

You can get to Tynemouth / Whitley Bay by train (from Newcastle Station), bus or car. You can use the main line from any of the airports. Most customers travel to Newcastle airport then take the transit into the city centre before local train to Tynemouth. At the end Carlisle has a mainline railway station from where you can easily reach Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester Airports or all the way direct to Birmingham and London.

Where does the Hadrian’s Wall Self-Guided Tour end?

This tour ends in Carlisle

Do I need special vaccines to travel to England?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for England?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

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Why travellers choose this tour
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