Hadrian's Wall. Hadrian's Wall. To book visit or call Page

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1 Page 1 Hadrian s Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman empire for nearly 300 years. It was built by the Roman army on the orders of Emperor Hadrian following his visit to Britain in AD 122 in order to protect the northern extreme of the Roman Empire. Hadrian s Wall is a striking example of the organisation of a military zone and illustrates the defensive techniques and geopolitical strategies of ancient Rome. The route crosses from coast to coast from Wallsend on the River Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. At every mile along the Wall, there is a milecastle with two watchtowers in-between. Although parts of the wall have been plundered for local houses, the central section is very well preserved, as are the various forts and milecastles on the way. Hadrian s Wall was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in To book visit or call

2 Page 2 Why do this walk? Essential Info - Hadrian s Wall - which opened as a National Trail in is Europe s largest surviving Roman monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This route follows the course of the wall closely along it s entire length and is one of Britain s most popular long distance walks. - Enjoy the unique mix of stunning craggy landscapes, farreaching views across the Solway Firth, green fields and historic cities. Along the way - whilst you admire this incredible structure - you will be able to visit one of the many Roman Forts to imagine what life must have been like here as a Roman soldier. - Ascend Winshields Crag, one of the highest point on the route, to admire the views across the surrounding countryside, from there you will move on to the most iconic section of the wall Steel Rigg and Sycamore Gap. Famous as the site of numerous films including Robin Hood, the wall follows the escarpment before descending to Housesteads Roman Fort, where you can see the enormous scale of the military operations and civilian settlement which was here almost two thousand years ago. - Take time out of your itinerary to visit one of the museums such as Tullie House in Carlisle or Chesters Museum near Chollerford or simply sit on Steel Crag and admire the fantastic views and quiet solitude. - Hadrian s Wall is well signposted and in spite of the fact that it has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Northern England, it retains a real sense of quiet wilderness. Length: From 3 days / 4 nights Full Route Length: 91 miles / 6 Shortest Break Length: 26 miles / 42 Easy to Moderate Grade Of the National Trails we cover, this is the easiest. The route journeys over rolling countryside and moorlands, but not mountains. Many people with limited walking experience have completed this route. Terrain Varied. Urban footpaths for the first day, then generally fields and parkland until Housesteads. Moorland up to 350m for the central section, then more fields and parkland to Carlisle, followed by flat coastal plain to Bowness. What s it like underfoot? Pretty good. Well maintained paths throughout, although sections can get a bit muddy in wet weather. How much up and down? Not too much! Generally rolling countryside with some gentle ups and downs. In the central section there are numerous short steep climbs. Signposting Generally very good. Navigation Pretty straightforward. Well defined paths, and good signposting. To book visit or call

3 Page 3 Our holidays We have a range of walking holiday options following the Roman wall as it crosses the north of England from Wallsend, near Newcastle, to the Solway Firth beyond Carlisle. Enjoy a short break on the most dramatic, central section of between Humshaugh and Gilsland, or you can take more time to explore the entire length of this route which is brim full of world class archaeology, spectacular landscapes, and rare wildlife. Route The Whole Path We offer four holidays covering the whole route. The shortest holiday is a challenging walk in 6 days which is for those of a good level of fitness. The most popular options are 7 and 8 day walking holidays. Highlights - Corbridge to Bowness on Solway If you're looking for an alternative option to walking the whole official route, this a pleasant option if you re looking for a longer walk. It covers nearly the whole route, without spending time in the urban areas around Newcastle, where there is not much of the wall to be seen. Many people choose to miss out the early part of the walk, which is mainly around Newcastle, and start at Corbridge. Highlights - Corbridge to Carlisle This version of the Highlights is similar to the holiday above as it misses out the urban area around Newcastle. This walking holiday finishes at Carlisle as there is little left of the Wall beyond here - although the Solway estuary beyond does have a peaceful charm of its own. Best of - Corbridge to Gilsland The Best of holidays are popular for those with less time, or who want to concentrate on the most dramatic central section of the walk. Here the landscape is at its most impressive and large stretches of the wall still remain. Best of - Humshaugh to Gilsland This is our shortest route, solely focused on the section where the wall is intact and the landscapes are at their most spectacular. Days are short, leaving plenty of time to look around the numerous forts, milecastles, and other Roman remains. To book visit or call

4 Page 4 What's Included Every walking holiday includes: Accommodation We ll select your accommodation from a specially curated collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns along each of our routes. When selecting accommodation our focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a long day s walking and enjoy unique architectural features, quirks and interiors, whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service. Breakfast To make sure that you put your best foot forward after a good night s sleep you can get your day started with either a Full English breakfast or a Continental breakfast. Luggage transfer We ll also transfer your luggage between each overnight stop. All you need to do is leave your bag at your accommodation when you set off in the morning, and it will be moved to your next overnight stop for when you arrive later that day. All you ll need is a small day sack with any clothes and provisions that you ll need during your day s walk Personal itinerary An itinerary setting out the relevant information for each overnight stop, including large scale maps for each location and details of where we d recommend you head for your evening meal. Maps OS map/s (1:25,000) covering your whole route. Guidebook Detailed route information, including maps and photos. Services information An information sheet detailing cash points, banks, post offices, village shops, inns, cafes and taxis available along the route. Emergency support We are always on hand to help if you experience any difficulties during your holiday, including outside of normal office hours. 15% discount at Cotswold Outdoors As a little thank you from us you will get a 15% discount at all Cotswold Outdoor stores online and high street - for twelve months following confirmation of your booking. Options: Off road parking If you are travelling to your start location by car just let us know and we will see what we can do to organise parking for the duration of your trip. There may be a small charge for this. Return transport We can also arrange transfer back to your car - it s no problem, just ask - and we ll even advise you when public transport is a better option! What s not Included: Evening meal Your evening meal isn t included in your walking holiday package, however your itinerary will include details of the best local eateries along your route - it could be a pub, a restaurant or even the accommodation that you re staying in - so you ll be able to relax and refuel after a good day s walking. We always do our best to pick somewhere within walking distance of your accommodation, and you should allow approximately per night for your evening meal. Packed lunch We don t include a packed lunch as part of your walking holiday. Transport to and from your start and finish points Click on the Travel Info tab on your chosen walking holiday for our recommendations. Alternatively just get in touch with us directly and we ll help you sort it all out. Travel Insurance For your own peace of mind we d recommend you make sure that you ve got ample travel insurance before you set off on your holiday. To book visit or call

5 Page 5 Rest days Travel info Twice Brewed General travel information on the Hadrian s Wall area will be in your holiday pack including train and bus timetables where available. Detailed instructions on getting to your first night s accommodation by car, or on foot from the nearest train or bus station, will also be included in the holiday pack on individual accommodation maps. To view train times please visit qjump where you can also purchase tickets in advance. For information on bus timetables please visit traveline. If you require secure car parking whilst walking this route, please contact us for detailed information we can usually arrange car parking either at the start or end locations of the route. Getting There: By Air: Newcastle International Airport (NCL) has its own Metro station (you will need some change for the ticket machine). The journey time from the airport to Newcastle Central Station is around 20 minutes. By Public Transport: Newcastle Central Railway Station (NCL) is located on the East Coast Main Line with fast and frequent trains between Edinburgh and London Kings Cross. Trains also run along the Tyne Valley Line from Carlisle to Newcastle and there are connections to Liverpool via Leeds and Manchester, including some services to Manchester Airport. By Road: From the north or south follow the A1 and from the west the A69. Newcastle city centre is well signposted from all major routes. Returning from Bowness on Solway: Take the bus from Bowness on Solway to Carlisle (approx 45 min). There is a bus at 07:30 and :20 and there is a train station at Carlisle for onwards travel. Twice Brewed is an excellent place for a rest day in the middle of the most dramatic section of the wall, and close to the best preserved Roman forts. Vindolanda can take the best part of a day - there are extensive remains, a comprehensive museum, and often an archeological dig in progress. Housesteads and the Roman Army Museum are also close by. Carlisle Carlisle is an historic border city, complete with castle and cathedral. Tullie House Museum has a lot of Roman artefacts and is worth a visit. The cathedral was founded in 1122 and is open every day. The castle has dominated the city for 9 centuries, and also houses a military museum there are guided tours daily. There are plenty of shops and lots of places to eat or have coffee. To book visit or call

6 Page 6 Accommodation A good night s sleep is critical on your walking holiday. We want you to wake refreshed and recharged ready for a new day, and selecting the right accommodation for you is our priority.we have spent time and energy rigorously curating our collection of hotels, farmhouses, country houses, and coaching inns. When selecting accommodation our key focus is a helpful, friendly host with good quality accommodation and superb facilities. All of our accommodation has been carefully chosen so that you can unwind after a day s walking and enjoy their unique architectural features, quirks, and interiors whilst also experiencing a superb level of comfort and service.some examples of the collection of accommodation we have curated for this route include: Jesmond Dene House Just outside of Newcastle City Centre, Jesmond Dene House feels as if it is in the country. Overlooking the woodlands of Jesmond Dene, the hotel has the feel of a country house. The rooms are comfortable and uncluttered with rich colours, sleek furnishings and splashes of silk and velvet help make your stay relaxed. Hunter Crook Lodge Hunter Crook Lodge is a beautiful guesthouse and a perennial favourite with our walkers, situated in lovely open Northumberland countryside, with views across the Tyne Valley. Delicious breakfasts, comfortable rooms, and an evening meal prepared by a professional chef using the best local produce, all come together to guarantee a very pleasant stay after a day s hard walking along the wall. Farlam Hall Country House Hotel Enjoy the elegance of an English country house combined with the best of modern life. This family run hotel has spacious, comfortable accommodation with a professional, relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Situated just three miles from the Hadrian s Wall path this accommodation is surrounded by mile upon mile of quiet, beautiful countryside. To book visit or call

7 Langley Castle This superb th Century fortified castle offers modern comfort and indulgence, all in a medieval setting. The staff will go out of the way to ensure a relaxing and memorable stay. If you have the time after breakfast then there are daily tours of the castle where you will be rewarded with stunning views of Hadrian s Wall and the surrounding countryside from the rooftop battlements. Ashcroft Guest House Ashcroft Guest House is set within 2 acres of award winning gardens in a lovely town called Haltwhistle, which is known for being the centre of Britain. This elegant Victorian vicarage offers spacious rooms with simple, stylish décor. You can expect to receive a good hearty English breakfast here whilst enjoying the garden views. Keep your eyes out for the woodpecker feeding. Brookside Villa Situated in peaceful Gilsland, this lovely Victorian villa offers stylish accommodation and dining. Your friendly and helpful hosts are passionate about food and use locally sourced, free range and fairtrade ingredients where possible to deliver a high-quality, delicious and hearty meal. To book visit or call Page 7

8 Page 8 Our Itineraries Wallsend to Bowness (7 days walking): XHW8 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall Heddon on the Wall to Corbridge Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 21 Twice Brewed to Lanercost Day 7 Lanercost to Carlisle Day 8 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 26 Wallsend to Bowness (8 days walking): XHW9 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall Heddon on the Wall to Corbridge Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 21 Twice Brewed to Gilsland Day 7 Gilsland to Newtown Day 8 Newtown to Carlisle Day 9 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 26 Wallsend to Bowness ( days walking): XHW11 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall Heddon on the Wall to East Wallhouses 8 East Wallhouses to Humshaugh Humshaugh to Grindon 9 Grindon to Twice Brewed 7 11 Day 7 Twice Brewed to Gilsland To book visit or call

9 Page 9 Day 8 Gilsland to Newtown Day 9 Newtown to Carlisle Day Carlisle to Burgh By Sands 8 1 Burgh By Sands to Bowness on Solway 8 Corbridge to Bowness (6 days walking): XHWH7 Travel to Corbridge for your first nights accommodation Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 21 Twice Brewed to Gilsland Gilsland to Newtown Newtown to Carlisle Day 7 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 26 Wallsend to Bowness (6 days walking): XHW7 Travel to Newcastle for your first nights accommodation Transfer to Wallsend then walk to Heddon on the Wall Heddon on the Wall to Humshaugh 26 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 21 Twice Brewed to Lanercost Lanercost to Carlisle Day 7 Carlisle to Bowness on Solway 26 Corbridge to Carlisle (5 days walking): XHWC6 Travel to Corbridge for your first nights accommodation Corbridge to Humshaugh 6 9 Humshaugh to Twice Brewed 21 Twice Brewed to Gilsland Gilsland to Newtown Newtown to Carlisle To book visit or call

10 Page Booking Form Contact Details Address: Telephone: Mobile/Alternative Tel: Emergency Contact No: Your Holiday Hoilday Name: Holiday Code: Date of First Night: Date of Last Night: Party Members Title First Name Last Name Date of Birth Other Options Options Rooms Required: Off Street Parking: No. Double Rooms: Transfer Required: No. Twin Rooms: Rest Days No. Single Rooms: No. Triple Rooms: Comments (special diets, other requirements, etc): Payment Holiday cost per person: I enclose a cheque for the deposit value Rest Days: OR please debit my Visa/Visa Debit/Mastercard/Mastercard Debit/Solo. Card number: Valid from: Expires: Security number*: *The last digits on the back of the card Total cost per person: Number in group: Total group cost: Deposit (20% of Total Cost): I authorise A Walk in The Country to charge a 20% deposit to my card now and the remaining balance 6 weeks before commencement of my holiday, (for card payments only). I confirm that the above details are correct and that I have read and accept the terms and conditions available on the website. Signed: Date: Name: To book visit or call