Hadrian's Wall Walk From Bowness on Solway - 8 Days

Make your way to Bowness-on-Solway, a picturesque village set on the Solway Firt at the Western end of the Hadrian's Wall. Accommodation: Overnight stay at Shore Gate House B&B. This is a beautifully preserved 17th century former mill house with offering dramatic sea views.

The walk starts from very near the site of the former Roman fort of Maia, looking out over the Solway Firth. The trail follows a minor road and then from Glasson, joins an old railway embankment for a couple of miles. Walking through Burgh-by-Sands a short detour takes you to the point on the marsh where Edward I died in 1307, awaiting to invade Scotland yet again! There isn't much evidence of the wall on this section as it was largely a mud construction in this area, however walking through the villages of Beaumont and Grinsdale, you veer towards and follow the River Eden, and you may get some Lakeland views of the peaks of Skiddaw and High Pike to the south. The trail is more or less parallel with the line of the wall and vallum (defensive ditch). You follow the south side of the River Eden into Carlisle passing through old industrial areas and gardens to emerge in the town near the castle. Accommodation: We stay at Crown and Mitre - a historic, Grade 2 listed hotel

From Carlisle the route once again follows the River Eden where you cross the river after Stanwix and through Rickerby with its Victorian folly tower. Further on at Linstock there is a medieval ‘pele’, Peel Tower that rang a bell in times of danger so that the locals could congregate within its fortifications. Back on the riverside you pass Crosby-on-Eden, perhaps in time for coffee, and follow the old Roman road or 'Stanegate' out of the village. Then a sandy lane takes you up to the old wall line, along by Wall head and Blea head farms. The trail skips across fields then joins a minor road near the village green in Newton nearby, crossing the attractive Cam Beck before once again undulating across country to the village of Walton. If we cannot get you booked into Walton then you will be staying in Brampton which is approx 3 miles off the route Accommodation: B&B or Farm House

A short section of road takes the walk out of the village of Walton, crossing King Water and then ascending. The day starts with some easy walking along the edge of fields and beside some old established hardwood trees. Ascending to Garthside, there are interesting views over the Irthing Valley and you can enjoy the first significant portion of Hadrian's Wall maintained by English Heritage at Hare Hill. Trek to Banks overlooking the Irthing Valley and Lanercost priory below. There are then some interesting Roman defenses to visit at Birdoswald, before crossing the Cumbria / Northumberland border on the River Irthing at Gilsand. In another mile or so you can visit the ruin of medieval Thirlwall Castle. Then bypassing the village of Greenhead, the way passes by Magnis and Great Chesters (Roman forts). Next it is on up Cawfields Crags with excellent views onto the Pennines, then down steps through Thorny Doors and the delightfully named Bogle Hole. The wall climbs to its highest point over Windshields Crags, arrive at Steel Rigg and descend to your accommodation. Accommodation: Twice Brewed Inn is situated a stones throw from the Wall. *Take the option to visit their purpose-built planetarium with a 360 degree immersive dome and join an experienced astronomer who will bring the universe to life in their Stargazing Experience. Head outdoors to gaze at the stars through telescopes and contemplate life beyond earth. This experience is not included, prices vary. Please ask our team for details.

From Once Brewed the route ascends to Steel Rigg, back on the wall and undulates passing peel and Highshield Crags above Crag Lough, a lake below the cliffs. Now arguably the most scenic walking section of the holiday, where the remains of the wall sit on top of the natural Whin Sill basalt ridge. there are excellent views over the “Northward Tynescape” to the Bellingham and Simonside Hills. Next you roller-coaster to Housesteads, with its famed fort and National Trust Museum. A good couple of hours will do it justice. Another spell of walking gets you to where you leave the Whin Sill at Fozy Moss and follow beside the road, which in places is on the line of the wall. The next attraction is Brocolita Roman Fortress. Nearby there is a 3rd century mithric temple with replica deity figures of the Persian God Mithras and his associates. The Walk continues on to Chollerford on the River Tyne by a beautiful stone bridge from 1775. You may have time to visit the Chesters Roman Museum which has Wall artifacts, and great gardens with remains of the baths. Accommodation: Hadrian Hotel is a family-run establishment with a warm atmosphere.

As you commence walking today from Chollerford, you cross the bridge over the River Tyne and it might be worth taking footpaths down to the River to examine the foundation stones and footings of the original Roman bridge which are well preserved. The next attraction along the walk, is the hamlet and church at Heavenfields where Oswald King of Northumberland defeated the Welsh hordes in 633 AD, thus uniting Northumbria. Unfortunately the Northumbrians didn't do quite so well against the Vikings later on! Walking on, a slight deviation to Halton might be in order to examine a pele tower and grade I listed building situated close to Hadrian's Wall. The tower was first recorded in 1382. The walk then largely follows alongside the road into East Wallhouses. Reach a pub called the Robin Hoods Inn at East Wallhouses, and maybe after a pint, continue on the flattish National Trail now following beside the road, often along the vallum, the ditch created as a defensive feature when The Roman Wall was built. The reservoirs around Welton are good for bird life, and in another 3 miles or so there are the remains of Vindobala Fort which are really just field ridges as most the stone was removed in the 18th century. Arrive at Heddon-on the-Wall, where you can examine a good surviving section of the wall and finally end the day with a nice steep stroll down to Wylam (which is just off the route). Accommodation: Overnight in a nice Victorian country house which has been noted by English Heritage.

Leaving Wylam, you have some final country walking before reaching the old village of Newburn, where the suburbs of Newcastle reach out. Walk into the city alongside the River Tyne. There is plenty of evidence of present and former industrial activity. You come into the riverside area of downtown Newcastle upon Tyne with vistas of the elegant Tyne Bridges and the city skyline including St. Nicholas Cathedral. There should be time to climb up to Newcastle Keep. Following the line of the old Tyne to Blyth railway line, you pass through the suburbs of Byker and Walker, finally reaching Wallsend. If you have time take a close look at the remains of the Roman fort of Segedunum. This is a multi award winning site, with reconstructions of a Roman Bath House and an excellent interactive museum - it marks the end of Hadrian's Wall Trail. From Wallsend, take the Newcastle Metro to Whitley Bay (15 minutes) for a night at this seaside town. If you have time tonight or tomorrow, stretch your legs and take a walk to visit St Mary’s Island, Lighthouse and Visitor Centre to experience spectacular coastal views. Accommodation: The Metropolitan is a contemporary styled 4* B&B.