A Journey Across England’s Longest Historic Site with MTS Favorite David Lunn!

Hadrian’s Wall, the once formidable, fortified Roman barrier built by Romanized Britain to keep out the barbaric Scots, is also the site of the most recent of Britain's National trails. Opened in 2003, Hadrian’s Wall Path faithfully follows the course of the 73-mile-long wall. Europe's largest surviving Roman monument, the wall is part of the “Frontiers of the Roman Empire” World Heritage Site.

The wall was built circa 122 A.D. on the orders of the Emperor Hadrian to secure his northern border, stretching across the country for 73 miles, linking the North Sea to the Irish Sea. Apart from invoking legends and stories of an incredible empire covering 3,000 miles across Europe, Hadrian’s Wall Path, 84 miles long from end to end, passes through a great contrast of stunning scenery—from the wind blasted moors of Northumbria to the tranquil, gently rolling pastoral hills of Cumbria. And who better to lead you on this newly completed walk than expert guide David Lunn, whose knowledge of and passion for history and walking will make this trip truly come alive for you.

Activities

7 days moderate hiking on varied terrain

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• A goal-oriented hiker's less strenuous alternative to the England Coast to Coast—84 miles in 7 days along Northern England's historic Roman Wall
• Hike from milecastle to milecastle through checkerboard farms, rolling hills, and mythical landscapes, including the rich pastures of Cumbria and the salt marsh of the Solway Estuary!
• Hear fascinating stories of England's longest and most impressive historical monument from expert guide, David Lunn—a member of the Royal Geographical Society

2010 Prices
$2,895 (5-15 members)
$400 single supplement

Duration: 8 days Start Location: Newcastle End Location: Carlisle Best time to go: June - August

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Wallsend (Newcastle) to Heddon

  Meet in Newcastle and transfer to the trailhead in Wallsend. The Roman fort at Segedunum (meaning Strong Fort) marks the beginning of our walk. The first section of the walk, although long, is easy at it follows the River Tyne through the large industrial town of Newcastle.

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  Day 2 : Heddon to St. Oswald’s

  Leave the river and commercial areas behind in exchange for countryside full of rolling hills and farms. Nearby runs an 18th century military road, built as a more modern way to cut off incursions by the Scots and, in particular, the Highland army of Bonnie Prince Charlie.

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  Day 3 : St. Oswald’s to Once Brewed

  These next two days will be true highlights of our walks. Our scenery this day is of Northumberland National Park-a rollercoaster of windswept crags, laced with forts including Chester's Fort famous for its Roman baths, and the magnificent Housesteads Fort at the end of today's walk famous for its well preserved latrines!

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  Day 4 : Once Brewed to Gilsland

  Today boasts the highest point of the walk, just over 1,120 feet, as well as a well-appointed Roman Army museum.

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  Day 5 : Gilsland to Walton

  Enter the more gentle cultivated landscape of Cumbria. It was in this region that the stone wall started from the east, and met the original earth wall which started from the west.

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  Day 6 : Walton to Carlisle

  Pass through picturesque farms, fields and hamlets as it follows the course of the wall. Drop down to follow the River Eden towards Carlisle, a pleasant and compact town, which 2,000 years ago was the headquarters for the whole wall and home of two large forts.

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  Day 7 : Carlisle to Bowness

  A pleasant and easy walk-perhaps the perfect way to finish and reflect on the previous days. The trail, still faithfully following the course of the wall, constantly changes direction as it follows the meandering course of the River Eden. You can look across the river to Scotland, where the barbarian Pictish and Celtic tribes they sought to keep out lived-the reason why they built this remarkable wall!

• Day 8 : Fly Home

  Depart England

  Note- Extend your adventure! You can do this trip back to back with Hiking the Scottish Highlands or England Coast to Coast.

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  Ryton Park Country House Hotel

  Ryton

  A neighborly welcome awaits you at this lovely, quiet cottage inn set among the 18th century homes of Ryton Village.  Serene, refurbished rooms are furnished with elegant style and comfort in mind.

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  Langley Castle

  Northumberland

  Enter the fairytale world of a bygone age, but with the best of modern comforts, in this magnificently preserved 14th century castle (one of the few medieval fortified castle hotels in England). Built in the reign of Edward III, the castle occupies its own ten acre wooded estate, and its luxurious suites provide a time-honored respite, as cozy as it is regal.

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  Twice Brewed Inn

  Northumberland

  This cozy country inn, set in some of the most breathtaking of England's countryside, boasts in-room views of the fells and the dramatic Steel Rigg. Travelers will appreciate the bar's excellent real ale selection, and the inn's unbeatable proximity to the trail.

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  Willowford Farm

  Gilsland

  Just outside the village of Gilsland and directly on Hadrian's Wall, this fully functioning farm has plenty to recommend it. Old farm buildings have been impeccably converted to modern accommodations, while maintaining a rustic elegance. The farm's commitment to sustainability translates into elegant woodwork, consistently warm rooms (sheep's wool insulated!) and local, organic food.

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  Centurion Inn

  Brampton

  This centuries-old inn, a mainstay of village life, offers simple, modernized accommodations on the south-western corner of Walton. The hotel and the adjacent pub, with its lovely beer garden, offer unbroken views across the wild Cumbrian countryside and Irthing Valley to Cold Fell, the highest of the northern Pennines.

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  Crown and Mitre Hotel

  This grand hotel in the tradition of Edwardian elegance sits in the center of Carlisle, in close proximity to all shops and sites of interest. The sweeping staircase, stained glass windows, and marble and wood detailing complement the town square view and modern amenities.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• David Lunn

  David is an avid traveler who has led trips in more than 60 countries, from the high Himalaya to the African wastelands, from the deserts of Australia to the fjords of Norway. But his vast knowledge of his own country is what makes him truly special as a leader for our trips in Britain. David is an easy-going character who enjoys the outdoors and has a special interest in British history. He's also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London.

• Ivan Green

photo credits: