Hadrian's Wall

Welcome to Carlisle, a very interesting and historic city with a castle founded by Henry I, an extensive wall and other Roman remains, and a cathedral area. The city has changed hands several times between Scotland and England, and this is reflected in parts of the city’s structure. Many of the buildings, such as the castle and the old town hall, are made of fine red sandstone. Be sure to visit the Tullie House Museum for a fine collection of Roman artefacts. Tomorrow the journey really begins!

As you have a second night in Carlisle, the first hike of the tour can be done in two directions.
The best option is to take a bus or taxi to Bowness-on-Solway and from there hike back to Carlisle. The hike starts near the former Roman fort of Maia, overlooking the Solway Firth. The route follows a minor road from Glasson along an old railway embankment for a couple of kilometres, through Burgh-by-Sands. You can take a short detour to the point on the marsh where Edward I died in 1307, waiting to invade Scotland once more! The hike continues through the villages of Beaumont and Grinsdale before following the River Eden, with stunning views of the Skiddaw and High Pike mountains to the south. From here, the route more or less parallels the wall until you reach Carlisle, passing through the old industrial estates and gardens.
Alternatively, hike from Carlisle to Bowness and return by bus or taxi.
24 km, + 115 m, – 138 m

Today you leave Carlisle and follow the River Eden, crossing it after Stanwix. When you get to Linstock, you’ll see the medieval Peel
Tower, whose bell rang in times of danger so that locals could gather within its fortifications.
Back on the riverbank, you’ll pass Crosby-on-Eden, perhaps in time for coffee, and follow the old Roman road out of the village. From here you hike on a sandy track up to the old wall line, alongside Wall and Blea Head farms. The route continues across fields and then joins a minor road near the village green in Newton, before crossing the attractive Cam Beck into the village of Walton. If we are unable to book you into Walton, you will stay in Brampton, about 5 km from the route.
18.5 km, + 135 m, – 88 m

Today you will hike out of Walton, over King Water and then uphill. The day starts with an easy hike along the edge of fields and beside some ancient deciduous trees. On reaching Garthside, you are greeted by the beautiful views of the Irthing Valley, where you can enjoy the first significant section of Hadrian’s Wall, maintained by English Heritage at Hare Hill. You will then continue to Banks overlooking the Irthing Valley and Lanercost priory below. Along the way you will pass a couple of interesting Roman defences, at Birdoswald, before crossing the Cumbria-Northumberland border along the River Irthing at Gilsand. After a further kilometre, you can visit the ruins of the medieval Thirlwall Castle. From here, continue past Greenhead, Magnis and Great Chesters (Roman forts). Next, hike up Cawfields Crags, with stunning views of the Pennines, before continuing down the steps through Thorny Doors and Bogle Hole. The wall climbs to its highest point above Windshields Crags, where you arrive at Steel Rigg and descend to your accommodation.
27 km, + 528 m, – 386 m

From Once Brewed the route goes up to Steel Rigg, back on the wall and past Peel and Highshield Crags above Crag Lough, a lake below the cliffs. From here is probably the most scenic hiking part of the journey, where the remains of the wall run on the natural Whin Sill basalt ridge. Here you also have excellent views across the Northward Tynescape to Bellingham and the Simonside Hills. You’ll then hike through hills and valleys to Housesteads, with its famous fort and National Trust Museum. The next attraction is Brocolita’s Roman fortress. Nearby is the 3rd-century Temple of Mithric, with replicas of the Persian god Mithras and his helpers. The hike continues to Chollerford on the River Tyne via a beautiful stone bridge dating from 1775.
20 km, + 424 m, – 265 m

We leave Chollerford and cross a bridge over the River Tyne. It may be worth taking the paths down to the river to examine the foundation stones and foundations of the original and well-preserved Roman bridge. The next attraction along the way is the village and church of Heavenfields, where Oswald, King of Northumberland, defeated the Welsh hordes in 633 AD, thus unifying Northumbria. If you wish, you can take a short detour to Halton, to examine a Pele Tower and a building dating from 1332, near Hadrian’s Wall. The hike then follows a minor road to East Wallhouses, where you will find the Robin Hoods Inn at East Wallhouses. From here the hike follows the National Trail, often along the vallum – a ditch created when the Roman wall was built. For those interested in birds, we recommend stopping off in Welton. In this area you will also find the remains of Vindobala Fort, which are nowadays just field mounds as most of the stones were removed in the 18th century. Finally you reach Heddon-on-the-Wall, where you can explore part of the wall and finish the day with a nice steep descent to Wylam.
30 km, + 389 m, – 421 m

Leaving Wylam, the hike continues into the countryside before reaching the old village of Newburn, along the River Tyne. There is plenty of evidence of current and past industrial activity. You’ll enter the riverside area of central Newcastle upon Tyne, with views of the elegant Tyne Bridges and the city skyline, including St Nicholas Cathedral. If you have time, we recommend climbing up to Newcastle Keep. From here, follow the old Tyne to Blyth railway line, passing through the suburbs of Byker and Walker before finally reaching Wallsend. Visit the multi-award-winning Roman fort of Segedunum, with reconstructions of a Roman bathhouse and an excellent interactive museum, marking the end of Hadrian’s Wall Trail. From here, take the Newcastle Metro to Whitley Bay (15 minutes) for a night in the famous seaside town! If you have time, take a walk to St Mary’s Island, Lighthouse and Visitor Centre, with spectacular views of the coast.
23 km, + 168 m, – 169 m

We at EverTrek hope you have had a great trip!
We hope to see you again.