Hadrian’s Wall in England - 7 day Walking Tour

Arrival to Wallsend/Whitley Bay (Newcastle upon Tyne)

Wallsend/Whitley Bay to Ryton 21.3km, 174m Up

This first stage begins by the only remaining piece of the Wall that originally run down from the fort to the Tyne, and which now stands just over the railings outside the fort grounds. A riverside route along the Tyne gives way to predominantly arable farmland above Tynedale. For much of the way the route follows a disused railway across Newcastle and its outskirts mainly through an urban landscape, although at the end of the day you will enjoy glorious countryside and wonderful green fields covered in colourful wild flowers beside the River Tyne.

Ryton to Chollerford 33km 429m up

Today’s route will take us through open countryside, never far from the side of the road, but mainly on farmland next to the roadside hedge or wall. For most of this stage you will be trekking in fields alive with livestock and other wilder creatures of the British countryside such as hares, rabbits and a superb variety of bird-life including crows, lapwings, finches, swallows and, on the waters of Whittledene Reservoir, the great crested grebe, tufted duck and dunlin. We will start to see more and more archeological findings and evidence of Roman occupation as the day progresses.

Chollerford to Twice Brewed 21.6 km 436m Up

Perhaps the most thrilling day of the entire walk, this stage is to be savoured. Encompassing the best preserved fort on the Wall, the finest views, the most complete sections of the Wall, the northern most point of the trail and some great walking.

Twice Brewed to Gilsland 15.2km 232m Up

While this stage is not as spectacular as the previous one, it is perhaps the most interesting. Today we will climb to the highest point of the entire trail, we will cross from Northumberland into Cumbria and it will take place in a change of scenery, from the windswept moors and crags to the more gentle, rolling, cultivated landscape of England’s far north-west. Not to be missed are the remains of a roman bridge. There are also numerous remains of turrets, forts and mile-castles along the trail to be seen. Quite a stage indeed!

Gilsland to Carlisle 29.9km 232m Up

Pleasant walking through colourful fields in which to enjoy marvellous scenery. Just after Gilsland the fort of Birdoswald is reached, the route then continues high above the steep sided Irthington Gorge, before beginning a gradual descent at the village of Banks. Agricultural landscape replaces the moorland as the route drops steadily through the villages of Walton and Irthington before reaching lovely River Eden and into the historic city of Carlisle. If you feel 18 miles is too long you can exit the trail just before Walton and take the Hadrian’s Wall bus to Carlisle. This could allow you more time to enjoy looking around the town.

Departure from Carlisle.