A Taste of Hadrian's Wall on Foot

Arrive in Hexham, a traditional English market town on the banks of the River Tyne. It was nominated in 2024 as one of the happiest places to live in Britain. Hexham is picturesque with the 12th century Abbey a majestic backdrop to the town centre marketplace. After the Romans, Hexham later became home to marauding Vikings. You will find plenty of history here amongst the medieval streets, such as England’s first purpose built gaol! The town is also home to a Michelin-starred restaurant, Hjem (pronounced “yem” which means home). Hexham is easily reached by train from Newcastle (30 mins), and by train or taxi from Newcastle Airport. Accommodation: 1 night in a comfortable hotel in Hexham.

Enjoy an English breakfast and then take a short transfer (15 mins, included) to join the Hadrian’s Wall Path at Carrawburgh, the site of Broccolitia Fort and the Temple of Mithras. The fort is one of 16 along the wall, and housed a garrison of 500 soldiers from France and Belgium. Mithras was worshipped as the God of Sun and Light, perhaps the soldiers missed sunnier European climes! The trail undulates through farmland and the wall here is extremely well preserved, notably between Steel Rigg and Housesteads Fort. The wall sits on Whin Sill Ridge, a geological escarpment of dolerite affording excellent views of the surrounding countryside. It was a superb vantage point for monitoring invading Picts from the north. Pass by Housesteads Fort which is well worth a visit, with an informative museum giving historical insight. Sycamore Gap remains beautiful, even without the “Robin Hood” tree that was mindlessly felled in an act of vandalism in 2023. Shortly after the Gap, you leave the trail for Once Brewed. Accommodation: 2 nights in a comfortable inn or guesthouse.

Today is the shortest hiking day and we recommend that you visit the Roman museum at Vindolanda and The Sill, Northumberland’s Landscape Discovery Centre. Your walking route for today includes both these sites. You have the option to return to Once Brewed the same way after a visit to Vindolanda, or to extend the walk for a longer exploration. Vindolanda was a key military post and is one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites. The remains of the stone fort dating from the 3rd century are visible and include barracks, granaries and an external settlement of houses, shops, a tavern and a bathhouse. Live excavations take place year-round with archaeologists visiting from all over the world to take part. Finds are showcased in the museum, including the famed Vindolanda Writing Tablets – ancient “postcards” that reveal insights to life in AD200. From Vindolanda, continue along a circular walk to revisit parts of the wall, or meander back to The Sill. The Sill is a visitor centre that features informative exhibitions about the area, a regional food café and a shop specialising in local crafts and produce. You can purchase a Hadrian’s Wall Path Passport here. Returning to your accommodation, be prepared for an evening extravaganza. A purpose-built planetarium with a 360 degree immersive dome and an experienced astronomer will bring the universe to life in an included Stargazing Experience. Head outdoors to gaze at the stars through telescopes and contemplate life beyond earth. *Stargazing runs Thursday to Sunday — if your tour starts on Sunday or Monday, this experience won't be possible and a reduction will apply.

After a hearty English breakfast, return to Hadrian’s Wall Path for your final day of hiking. Begin with a climb to Winshields Crags and take in the views from the escarpment and the best-preserved sections of the wall. Soon the route undulates passing ancient milecastles, turret remains and Aesica (Great Chesters) fort. The fort was excavated in 1897 when a number of interior buildings were uncovered including the Praetorium, house of the Commanding Officer. Reaching Walltown, you may want to visit the nearby Roman Army Museum at Carvoran, the garrison for Hadrian’s First Cohort of Hamian Archers from Syria. Your walk continues via the ruins of the 14th century Thirlwall Castle, built from purloined material from the adjacent wall. Descend to the pretty village of Greenhead where there is a tearoom and a pub for refreshments. From here it’s a short walk to your accommodation in an inn, adjacent to a ruined castle, with the ruins reputedly home to a ghost! Accommodation: 1 night in a country inn near Haltwistle.

Tour arrangements end after breakfast. You can spend further time exploring the area (ask our team about adding an extra night) or you can travel on to Carlisle by train to reach the West Coast Mainline for trains to Glasgow and London. You can also retrace your steps by train or bus to Newcastle for onward travel to Edinburgh and London via the East Coast Mainline, or departure from Newcastle International Airport.