Start: Whitley Bay/Tynemouth Finish: Bowness on Solway
Travel to Newcastle and then onto Whitley Bay (or Tynemouth if you prefer/ subject to availability).
Stretch your legs and take the time to visit St Mary’s Island, Lighthouse and Visitor Centre where you will experience spectaluar coastal views.
Accommodation: The Metropolitan is a contemporary styled 4 star B&B.
A short train ride to Wallsend and the start of your Hadrian's Wall walk. If you have time before setting off, take a close look at the remains of the Roman fort of Segedunum which marks the beginning of the route today.
From Wallsend, take the old Tyne to Blyth railway line, now a footpath through to Walker where you join the River Tyne. You come into the riverside area of downtown Newcastle upon Tyne with vistas of the elegant bridges and of the St. Nicholas Cathedral. Once out Newcastle, as you get to the old village of Newburn the countryside really begins to open up. You are now in the county of Northumberland.
Just before you would cross the River Tyne, we turn off for Wylam and our overnight stop at the end of this flattish day.
Accommodation: Victorian country house, which has been noted by English heritage.
After crossing over the River Tyne, you have your first steep ascent up to Heddon on the Wall, where there are some remains of Hadrian's Wall. To beyond Chollerford now, the National Trail follows beside the roads that have been built over part of the wall. The wall itself became a source of material for the foundations of General Wade’s military road. Look out for remains of Vindobala fort and the reservoirs around Welton.
There is a pub at East Wallhouses after about 6 miles.
Accommodation: cosy pub situated close to Hadrian’s Wall, an ideal spot for walkers to relax
The route follows beside the road as far as Fozy Moss, where the road veers off the wall as it reaches the crags of the Whin Sill Escarpment. This stage roller-coasters to Housesteads, with its famed fort and National Trust Museum. There are excellent views over the “Northward Tynescape” to the Bellingham and Simonside Hills. You now follow arguably the most scenic section of Hadrian's Wall Path; over Highshield Crags and then down via Peel Crags to Steel Rigg. From here you can walk out to Once Brewed and adjacent Twice Brewed.
Accommodation: We use a range of B&B ensuite accommodation
The wall climbs to its highest point over Windshields Crags, before descending to the delightfully named Bogle Hole. Then down steps through Thorny Doors and up Cawfields Crags with excellent views onto the Pennines. The way passes by Great Chesters and Magnis (Roman forts), passing Greenhead, the ruin of medieval Thirlwall castle and in another mile or so crosses the Cumbria / Northumberland border on the River Irthing.
From here there are few signs of Hadrian’s Wall remaining so enjoy the last significant portion at Hare Hill (maintained by English Heritage).
This is easy walking along the edge of fields and beside some old established hardwood trees. On approaching Walton, the way drops into the valley below crossing King Water. A short section of road takes you into the village of Walton.
Accommodation: B&B or Farm House
The route continues undulating across country. After crossing the very attractive Cam beck, you briefly join the road at Newtown Village. Here you are following the line of Hadrian's Wall via Old Wall, Blea Head and Wallhead farms, before detouring on a little “sandy lane” that takes you down to The Stanegate.
Next you come to Rickerby and finally cross the River Eden, meander towards Stanwix, then up into Carlisle.
This is a very interesting historical city, with a castle started by Henry I, extensive wall and other Roman remains, and the cathedral. Beer fans will not want to miss out a couple of ales, as this is the centre for the Theakstone’s Brewery.
Accommodation: small 3 star AA graded hotel built in the 1850’s. It has its foundations literally on Hadrians Wall!
The trail follows more or less parallel with the line of the Wall and Vallum, through Grinsdale and Beaumont where you at last veer away from the Eden. You get good views from just north of the village to the peaks of Skiddaw and High Pike to the south and across the Solway Firth to the West. A short detour takes you to the point on the marsh where Edward I died in 1307. In the vicinity of Dykesfield House, the trail joins an old railway embankment for a couple of miles before rejoining the line of “The Wall”. From here, follow a minor road to Bowness on Solway, the site of the Roman fort of Maia and your journey’s end.
Return by bus or taxi to Carlisle to celebrate completing the Hadrian’s Wall Path.
Accommodation: As previous night
Arrangements end after breakfast.
Just 150 metres from Whitley Bay’s sandy beaches, this 4-star bed and breakfast offers stylish contemporary accommodation. Located on a quiet street, The Metropolitan Guest House is less than 5 minutes’ walk from the lively town centre and metro rail station.
Sitting quietly on the Tyne, Wormald House is a Wylam B&B offering guests a truly friendly welcome. If you are “walking the wall” you can keep perfectly on track without having to rack up extra miles.
The Hadrian Hotel is situated close to Hadrian’s Wall this cosy pub is an ideal spot for walkers to relax.
This family run hotel has 14 bedrooms and en-suite facilities are available. There is a public bar which is much used by locals and tourists alike.
This is located close to the priory complex and features a garden, a terrace and a shared lounge. Free WiFi available. The rooms come with a wardrobe and a flat-screen TV. A continental breakfast is provided. Note that for a meal you will either have to eat early at the Lanercost tea Rooms, or take a taxi or perhaps walk to Brampton for a pub meal.
Small 3* AA graded hotel was built in the 1850's with its foundations literally on Hadrian's Wall.
This walking holiday along Hadrian's Wall Path can be booked any day between late March and mid-October, subject to availability
The nearest international aiport to fly to is Newcastle (NCL).
Getting to Whitley Bay/Tynemouth
You can get to Tynemouth / Whitley Bay by train (from Newcastle Station), bus or car. You can use the main line from any of the airports. Most walkers make their way to Newcastle airport then take the transit into the city centre before local train to Tynemouth.
Return from Carlisle
At the end Carlisle has a mainline railway station from where you can easily reach Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and Manchester Airports or all the way direct to Birmingham and London.
GPS tracks are available on request.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 9:00am – 6:00pm (CET)