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Embark on a historic walk through the heart of the English countryside
Spanning coast to coast across the north of England, Hadrian’s Wall is a spectacle of emperor Hadrian’s reign in the once-Roman province of Britannia. These days, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Wall and nearby ruins provide the trail for a seven-day exploration of pre-British history on two feet. Walking from the western outpost of Carlisle to the eastern reaches of Port Gate near Newcastle upon Tyne, you’ll spend a week following one of the richest examples of Roman history in the United Kingdom. Stop in traditional English villages, discover the well-preserved sections of the Wall and explore the surrounding countryside on a walking trip full of history and rolling landscapes.
Is this trip right for you?
This walking trip is a point-to-point walking itinerary. So, while this trip doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities. Please ensure you bring sturdy walking shoes (waterproof, ankle-height) and comfortable clothes.
Your luggage will be transported, but you must bring a daypack to carry your essentials.
Some days of walking include steep ascents and descents and some uneven, often slippery terrain, so consider bringing walking poles as an aid at these times if you wish.
The diversity of the seasons in England makes for incredible scenery, but the weather in this region can be cold. It’s best to wear layers at all times of the year in case conditions change during the day. Please be equally prepared to walk in sunshine and rain.
Multiple departures in October 2025, April - October 2026 & 2027. Enquire within your nearest Phil Hoffmann Travel store!
*Advertised price based on per solo traveller on 10 & 24 May 2026 departures, correct as of 19 August 2025.
Highlights & Inclusions
Highlights
Gain an insight into a piece of the past often overlooked by English travellers as you walk along UNESCO World Heritage-listed Hadrian’s Wall with a local guide.
Take your time to discover important sites like the Vindolanda Roman Fort and the Fort at Chester, where you can learn the tales of the Wall.
Discover Birdoswald Roman Fort on an optional visit and learn the history of Hadrian's Wall's longest and best-preserved stretch while you look out over the River Irthing Gorge.
Walk with ease on a well-designed itinerary that prioritises your free time, especially in the cute village of Corbridge – walking every day doesn’t mean you have to be ruined like the remains!
Soak up the serenity of the English countryside – while the focus is on Hadrian’s Wall on this trip, your eyes and camera will be occupied every step of the way by the lush landscapes of northern England.
Inclusions
Meals - 6 breakfasts
Transport - Walking, public bus, train, taxi
Accommodation - Bed & Breakfast (3 nights), Hotel (3 Nights)
Included activities
Carlise to Irthington guided walk
Lanercost Priory to Gilsland guided walk
Lanercost Priory Church visit
Carvoran to Twice Brewed guided walk
The Roman Army Museum visit
Steel Rigg to Sewing Shields guided walk
Chollerford - Heavenfield Battle Site and St. Oswald’s in Lee Church visit
Chollerford to Port Gate guided walk
Corbridge to Hexham guided walk
Optional activities
Carlisle - Birdoswald Roman Fort
Lanercost Priory
Bardon Mill - Housesteads Roman Fort
Chesters Roman Fort and Museum
Corbridge - Roman Town and Museum
*Optional activities incur an extra charge and vary depending on activity.
Itinerary
Day 1 | Walk Carlisle to Irthington
Welcome to the English countryside! Today, you’ll meet your leader and fellow travellers in front of the entrance to Carlisle train station at 10 am. Carlisle is a historic city dating back over 2000 years. With its renowned castle and the Tullie Museum, you might like to spend a night or two here before your trip to get a real feel for the place. After a quick welcome meeting, begin your walk out of town, following the River Eden on your way to the charming village of Crosby-on-Eden. Following the course of Hadrian’s Wall through sweeping fields and old bridleways, you'll soon arrive in Irthington. From here, take a short transfer to Haltwhistle – your base for the next three nights.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Meals: There are no meals included on this day.
Day 2 | Walk Lanercost Priory to Gilsland
After a short transfer back to the trail this morning, you’ll begin your walk at Lanercost Priory – once England’s capital. Continue to Birdoswald Roman Fort, where there will be time for an optional visit to the historic structure that was inhabited for over 2000 years. This spot showcases many of the Wall’s defining features. Overlooking the River Irthing Gorge, this section of Hadrian’s Wall is the longest-spanning stretch and one of the most well-preserved. After spending some time with your group, walk to Gilsland, where you'll then return to your overnight accommodation in Haltwhistle.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3 | Walk Carvoran to Twice Brewed
After a short transfer this morning, you’ll start the day with a visit to the splendid Roman Army Museum – with imaginative displays and 3D films, this museum provides a wealth of insight into Roman military life. Walk along one of the most spectacular stretches of the wall as it follows the craggy Whin Sill ridge. This route will involve some steep ascents and descents to reach the highest point on the wall. Head downhill for a welcome refreshment at the historic Twice Brewed Inn, where you can sample beers from their on-site brewery. After, hop on the AD122 bus for the short ride back to Haltwhistle.
Accommodation: Bed & Breakfast (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 | Walk Steel Rigg to Sewing Shields
Start the day with a short ride to Vindolana. Formerly a key military post on the northern frontier of Britain, this is the home of Britain's 'Top Treasure' – the Vindolanda Writing Tablets. This fort is also one of Europe's most important Roman archaeological sites and live excavations take place every year. Spend a few hours exploring the well-preserved fort and visit the onsite Museum – a treasure trove of antique items, including Roman shoes, boxing gloves and letters. You’ll then rejoin Hadrian’s Wall at Steel Rigg to start today’s hike. Begin with a steep climb on one of Northumberland’s most spectacular crags. Rest briefly from the challenging, hilly terrain at the well-preserved Housestead’s Roman Fort. This afternoon, you’ll finish your walk at Sewing Shields, where you’ll learn about the Arthurian legend. Tonight, take a short transfer to your accommodation in Hexham.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5 | Walk Chollerford to Port Gate
After breakfast today, take a short ride to the outskirts of Chollerford. While you’re here, you can visit Chester’s Roman Fort and Museum to discover the history of the archaeologists responsible for the preservation of Hadrian’s Wall. If you like, you can explore the remarkably intact bathhouse that sits beside the sparkling South Tyne River. Learn the history of the nearby Heavenfield Battle Site, where the church of St Oswald’s commemorates the famous victory of Oswald (the High King of Northumbria) in AD 634. Your walk today will take you through the countryside to Port Gate. When you arrive, enjoy some refreshments from the Errington Coffee House before transferring to nearby Hexham.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 6 | Walk Corbridge to Hexham
Take a short transfer to the picturesque village of Corbridge, where you can explore the many ancient sites at your own pace. In your free time, you might like to wander around the shops or take an optional trip to Corbridge Roman Town and Museum – once the nerve centre of Roman operations in northern England and the Empire’s most northerly town. Walk back to Hexham through the lush Tynedale countryside this afternoon and maybe celebrate the last night of the trip with a final group dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel (1 night)
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7 | Hexham
With no activities planned today, your trip comes to an end and you’re free to leave at any time. The town of Hexham is only a short distance by rail or bus from Newcastle upon Tyne, where rail and air connections are available to take you throughout the United Kingdom and beyond. If you need help organising extra accommodation, get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time.
Meals: Breakfast
Booking terms and conditions apply.
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Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
