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Hadrian’s Wall Path

Hadrian’s Wall Path Map

click on the map to enlarge

In AD 122 Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of a wall across northern England to hold back the advancing Barbarians. Despite the depredations of the centuries, Hadrian’s Wall remains the largest ancient monument in northern Europe and the best way to appreciate it, and the ruggedly beautiful countryside around it, is to walk it, following in the footsteps of the Legionnaires.

Hadrian’s Wall Path begins at Segedunum Fort, the most easterly outpost on Hadrian’s Wall, which stands on the banks of the River Tyne at Wallsend. The excavated buildings include the commanding officer's house and headquarters, a hospital and the legionnaire's barracks.   From Segedunum, Hadrian’s Wall Path runs along the banks of the Tyne to Heddon-on-the-Wall, where a fine section of Hadrian’s Wall remains. From here, the walk continues to Planetrees, where the point where the initial 10-foot thick Broad Wall changes to an 8-foot thick Narrow Wall may be seen.   Soon after, Hadrian’s Wall Path arrives at the impressive remains of Brunton Turret, which rise to a maximum of eleven courses high.   It then takes in the extensive remains of a series of Roman bridges over the River Tyne before arriving at Chesters Fort on the outskirts of Chollerford. Here outstanding remains include an ornate headquarters building, commanding officer's house, barracks and the military bathhouse nestling against the bank of the river.

After Chollerford, Hadrian’s Wall Path passes a wonderful section of Wall at Black Carts and then reaches Limestone Corner, an interesting spot littered with boulders displaying evidence of having been worked on by the legionnaires building the Wall.   Soon after passing Brocolita, with its temple dedicated to the sun God Mithras, Hadrian’s Wall Path arrives at the most dramatic stretch of the Wall where it snakes along an undulating ridge above sheer cliffs and lonely lakes.    As well as Hadrian’s Wall itself, the trail passes milecastles, turrets, Saxon burial cists, medieval shielings, a Roman bridge and the ruin of a medieval castle as well as the impressive forts of Housesteads, with its remarkable latrines and hospital; Vindolanda, with its superb bathhouse and large mamsio or inn for travellers; and Birdoswald, with its fine gateways and granaries.

Beyond Birdoswold Hadrian’s Wall Path continues past Pike Hill Signal Tower, with distant views of the mountains of the Lake District, to Haytongate, where a track leads down to the picturesque ruin of Lanercost Priory, which was built from stone plundered from Hadrian’s Wall. From here, Hadrian’s Wall Path meanders through quiet farmland to Carlisle, a city dominated by its magnificent Norman castle, before following the River Eden through sleepy hamlets to the village of Bowness-on-Solway on the shores of the Solway Firth.

Holiday Options
  • Hadrian’s Wall Path
    Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway
    84 miles (134 km)
    4 to 10 walking days
    from £315 per person
    View tour details
  • Best of Hadrian’s Wall
    Heddon-on-the-Wall to Carlisle
    55 miles (88 km)
    5 to 6 walking days
    from £365 per person
    View tour details
  • Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall
    Corbridge to Brampton
    40 miles (64 km)
    4 to 5 walking days
    from £315 per person
    View tour details
  • Hadrian’s Wall Short Break
    Chollerford to Lanercost
    26 miles (42 km)
    2 to 3 walking days
    from £199 per person
    View tour details
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Holiday Highlights

  • Segedunum, Chesters, Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald Roman Forts.
  • Following the Roman Wall from coast to coast across England.
  • Far-reaching views from the Wall.
  • St Oswald’s Church, Thirlwall Castle and Carlisle Castle.
  • Accommodation, breakfast, baggage transfers, guidebook, maps, tour pack, and lifts in event of illness/injury included in tour price.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

Total Distance 84 miles (134 km)
Start and Finish Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway
Availability All Year
click on a photo to enlarge
Hadrian's Wall at Cawfields © CWH
Hadrian's Wall and Crag Lough  © CWH
Sycamore Gap © CWH
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
HWP0 5 nights, 4 days walking £315 per person More Information Book Online
HWP1 6 nights, 5 days walking £365 per person More Information Book Online
HWP2 7 nights, 6 days walking £420 per person More Information Book Online
HWP3 8 nights, 7 days walking £465 per person More Information Book Online
HWP4 9 nights, 8 days walking £520 per person More Information Book Online
HWP5 10 nights, 9 days walking £575 per person More Information Book Online
HWP6 11 nights, 10 days walking £635 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.

Hadrian’s Wall Path (Reverse)

Total Distance 84 miles (134 km)
Start and Finish Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend
Availability All Year

If you would prefer to walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path from Bowness-on-Solway on the West coast to Wallsend on the East coast then please choose from one of the tours listed below

Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
HWP0(R) 5 nights, 4 days walking £315 per person More Information Book Online
HWP1(R) 6 nights, 5 days walking £365 per person More Information Book Online
HWP2(R) 7 nights, 6 days walking £420 per person More Information Book Online
HWP3(R) 8 nights, 7 days walking £465 per person More Information Book Online
HWP4(R) 9 nights, 8 days walking £520 per person More Information Book Online
HWP5(R) 10 nights, 9 days walking £575 per person More Information Book Online
HWP6(R) 11 nights, 10 days walking £635 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.


We also offer three shorter alternatives to Hadrian’s Wall Path:
  • The Best of Hadrian’s Wall walking tour (55 miles/88 km) omits the less rewarding stages through Newcastle to Heddon-on-the-Wall at the start of the trail and beyond Carlisle at the end of the trail.

  • The Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall walking tour (40 miles/64 km) concentrates on the finest stretch of Hadrian’s Wall between Corbridge and Brampton and takes in all of the best-preserved forts, milecastles and turrets along Hadrian’s Wall.

  • Hadrian’s Wall Short Break (26 miles/42km) takes in the most dramatic section of the Wall between Chesters fort at Chollerford and the hamlet of Lanercost past Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald forts.

Best of Hadrian’s Wall

Total Distance 55 miles (88 km)
Start and Finish Heddon-on-the-Wall to Carlisle
Availability All Year
Best of Hadrian’s Wall Map

click on the map to enlarge

Starting at Heddon-on-the-Wall and ending in Carlisle, the 55-mile (88 km) Best of Hadrian’s Wall Path walking tour takes in all of best-preserved forts, milecastles and turrets along Hadrian’s Wall; the most complete sections of Hadrian’s Wall; and the finest scenery along Hadrian’s Wall.

The tour also takes in many other sites of historic interest including St Oswald’s Church, built to commemorate the victory in the 7th century of Oswald, the Christian King of Northumbria over Cadwallon, the heathen leader of the British tribes; Thirlwall Castle, built during the 14th century with stones plundered from Hadrian’s Wall; the romantic ruin of Lanercost Priory, also built of plundered Wall-stone; and Carlisle Castle, with its chilling dungeons where the followers of Bonnie Prince Charlie were imprisoned before being hanged.

Highlights of the tour include the fascinating forts of Chesters, Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald; the superbly preserved Brunton Turret, where the Wall rises to 11 courses; Milecastle 37, with its marvellous arched gateway; the call of skylark, curlew and lapwing; and the inspiring views from Hadrian ’s Wall as it swoops up and down the undulating hills between Sewingshields Crags and Walltown Crags; the carvings and inscriptions in the Wall just before Birdoswald Fort; and Hare Hill, the highest remaining piece of Wall  along the entire frontier.

Holiday Highlights

  • Chesters, Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald Roman Forts.
  • St Oswald's Church, Thirlwall Castle, Lanercost Priory and Carlisle Castle.
  • Far-reaching views from the Wall.
  • Accommodation, breakfast, baggage transfers, guidebook, maps, tour pack, and lifts in event of illness/injury included in tour price.
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
BHWP1 6 nights, 5 days walking £365 per person More Information Book Online
BHWP2 7 nights, 6 days walking £420 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.

Best of Hadrian’s Wall (Reverse)

Total Distance 55 miles (88 km)
Start and Finish Carlisle to Heddon-on-the-Wall
Availability All Year

If you would prefer to walk the Best of Hadrian’s Wall from Carlisle to Heddon-on-the-Wall then please choose from one of the tours listed below

Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
BHWP1(R) 6 nights, 5 days walking £365 per person More Information Book Online
BHWP2(R) 7 nights, 6 days walking £420 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.


Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall

Total Distance 40 miles (64 km)
Start and Finish Corbridge to Brampton
Availability All Year
Hadrian’s Wall Highlights Map

click on the map to enlarge

The Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall tour explores the finest section of the Roman frontier between the delightful village of Corbridge and the old market town of Brampton. This fascinating 40-mile (64 km) walk takes in the extensive remains of Corbridge Roman Town; all of best-preserved forts, milecastles and turrets along Hadrian’s Wall; and the most dramatic section of Hadrian’s Wall.

Along the way it also visits many other sites of historic interest including St Andrew’s in Corbridge, the finest Anglo-Saxon church in the county; Aydon Castle, the finest and most unaltered example of a 13th century fortified manor house in Britain; St Oswald’s Church, built to commemorate the victory of Christianity over Paganism in the 7th century; the brooding ruin of Thirlwall Castle, built during the 14th century with stones plundered from Hadrian’s Wall; and Lanercost Priory, which contains several wonderful examples of medieval carving, as well as some interesting Roman altars looted from Hadrian’s Wall.

Highlights of the walk include Planetrees Wall, a superb stretch of later narrow Wall built on earlier broad foundations, reflecting a change of mind during construction; Brunton Turret, which stands over 8 ft high; the remains of the bath house at Chesters fort, one of the best-preserved Roman buildings in Britain; Limestone Corner, littered with abandoned Roman masonry blocks; the remarkable ruins of the Temple of Mithras; the multi-seat flushing latrines at Housesteads fort; Milecastle 37, with its puzzling north gateway; the amazing artefacts on display at Vindolanda fort; the views during the walk along Hadrian’s Wall from Cawfields Crags to Walltown Crags; Poltross Burn Milecastle, one of the best-preserved along Hadrian’s Wall, with an oven, a stair to the rampart walk and the remains of its north gateway; the Roman bridge remains beside the River Irthing; the granaries, workshops and unique drill hall at Birdoswald fort; the views of the mountains of the Lake District from Pike Hill Signal Tower; and Corbridge Roman Town on the outskirts of the present village. The extensive remains include a fountain house with an aqueduct, granaries and a walled compound for the military containing barracks, temples, houses and a headquarters building.

Holiday Highlights

  • Chesters, Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald Roman Forts.
  • Corbridge Roman Town.
  • Aydon Castle, Thirlwall Castle and Lanercost Priory.
  • Breathtaking views from the Wall.
  • Accommodation, breakfast, baggage transfers, guidebook, maps, tour pack, and lifts in event of illness/injury included in tour price.
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
HHWP1 5 nights, 4 days walking £315 per person More Information Book Online
HHWP2 6 nights, 5 days walking £365 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.

Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall (Reverse)

Total Distance 40 miles (64 km)
Start and Finish Brampton to Corbridge
Availability All Year

If you would prefer to walk the Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall from Brampton to Corbridge then please choose from one of the tours listed below

Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
HHWP1(R) 5 nights, 4 days walking £315 per person More Information Book Online
HHWP2(R) 6 nights, 5 days walking £365 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.


Hadrian’s Wall Short Break

Total Distance 26 miles (42 km)
Start and Finish Chollerford to Lanercost
Availability All Year
Hadrian’s Wall Short Break Map

click on the map to enlarge

Starting at Chesters fort in the village of Chollerford and ending at the village of Lanercost with its picturesque ruined priory, the 26-mile (42 km) Hadrian’s Wall Short Break is ideally suited for anyone wishing to walk Hadrian’s Wall who has only two or three days available.  As well as following the most dramatic section of Hadrian’s Wall, it also visits Chesters, Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald Forts; takes in the best-preserved milecastles and turrets along Hadrian’s Wall; and passes many other sites of historic interest including the Temple of Mithras, Saxon burial cists, medieval shielings, Willowford Roman Bridge and Pike Hill Signal Tower.

Holiday Highlights

  • Chesters, Housesteads, Vindolanda and Birdoswald Roman Forts.
  • Sycamore Gap.
  • Aydon Castle, Thirlwall Castle and Lanercost Priory.
  • Breathtaking views from the Wall.
  • Accommodation, breakfast, baggage transfers, guidebook, maps, tour pack, and lifts in event of illness/injury included in tour price.
Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
HWPSB1 3 nights, 2 days walking £199 per person More Information Book Online
HWPSB2 4 nights, 3 days walking £265 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.

Hadrian’s Wall Short Break (Reverse)

Total Distance 26 miles (42 km)
Start and Finish Lanercost to Chollerford
Availability All Year

If you would prefer to walk the Hadrian’s Wall Short Break from Lanercost to Chollerford then please choose from one of the tours listed below

Tour Code Itinerary Tour Price    
HWPSB1(R) 3 nights, 2 days walking £199 per person More Information Book Online
HWPSB2(R) 4 nights, 3 days walking £265 per person More Information Book Online

Our prices are based upon two people sharing a room. If you are walking on your own there is a single supplement of £19 per night. You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops. For each extra night add £45 per person. All of our prices are in British pounds (£). Use our currency converter to convert British pounds (£) to your country’s currency.

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Ms Podracky. USA.

I was very pleased with the accommodations Contours selected for me, as well as the excellence of the luggage transfer. Without exception, the B&B proprietors were helpful and pleasant. The walk itself was very enjoyable. I had many interesting conversations with people I met on the path. Seeing so much history along the Wall was a dream come true for me. This was the best vacation I have ever had.

Mrs Shotton. UK.

A great week, lovely weather. Contours organised all the transfers to accommodations really well and your directions were clear and helpful as well as all the additional information provided.

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