Hadrian’s Wall Highlights – 5 nights / 4 days walking

About this trail

This trail follows the central part of Hadrian’s Wall Path and encompasses the finest archaeological sites along the Wall, set amid dramatic scenery.

The trail starts at Corbridge, where the extensive remains of what was once a thriving Roman settlement can be found adjacent to the modern town.  Corbridge was the most northerly town in Roman Britain and functioned as a supply base to the garrisons manning the frontier.

From Corbridge you will walk north to meet the main Hadrian’s Wall Path, then westward to Chollerford. Well preserved sections of the Wall start to appear along the trail and at Chollerford there is the opportunity to visit the excellent Chesters Roman Fort and Museum. From Chollerford the landscape starts to become more rugged. Remnants of the Wall, milecastles and Housesteads Fort sit among rocky outcrops and craggy escarpments, creating a stunning scene in the Northumberland countryside.

Once Brewed represents the midway point of Hadrian’s Wall Path and an excellent place to spend a rest day exploring the wonderful Roman fort and museum at Vindolanda, one of Europe’s most important archaeological sites.  Walking westward from Twice Brewed the landscape starts to soften. The route of the trail passes right next to the Roman Army Museum, well worth a visit before arriving in the pretty village of Gilsland. The final day affords more opportunity to walk along well preserved sections of the Wall and to visit Birdoswald fort, before the final few miles passing through the valley of the River Irthing, past Lanercost Priory and into the small market town of Brampton.

Terrain and navigation

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a popular route with a clearly defined path and regular waymarking. Most people choose to walk it from east to west but we are happy to organise it in either direction.

The central section of the path covered by this itinerary follows sections of the path that can be rugged and irregular underfoot and there are a few short, steep inclines, though nothing that a reasonably fit and agile walker cannot manage. West of Gilsland the route reverts to more rolling countryside as you approach Brampton.

Route elevation

Highest point: 324 metres
Total ascent / descent: 1434 metres / 1405 metres

Included as standard in the price

The price quoted is per person and is based on two people sharing a room. It includes:

• Carefully selected, en-suite bed and breakfast accommodation*
• Daily luggage transfers to your accommodation**
• All the necessary maps and guidebooks for your walk
• Route notes and maps detailing how to find your B&B at the end of each day
• The cost of any transfers that are required from the route to your accommodation if we are unable to book you into a B&B within easy walking distance of the trail
• Information about any special facilities offered by your hosts (eg hot tub or licensed bar)
• Suggestions and contact details for places for an evening meal each day
• Telephone support if required
• Advice from our team on travel to and from the start and end of the trail.

*En-suite is always chosen unless all options are booked out, in which case private bathrooms are sought. Customers are always consulted about non-en-suite options before details are finalised.

**Standard package includes one piece of baggage per walker, up to a maximum weight of 20kg. Additional bags can be transferred but incur an additional cost. Please enquire if you need this service.

Packed lunches and evening meals

The cost of these is not included in our standard package. All the accommodation providers we use offer packed lunches to keep you well fed during your walk. Payment is made directly to your hosts. Similarly, if you have an evening meal either at your accommodation or another local establishment, you pay them directly for it.

Optional extras that can be provided by Discovery Travel

Discovery Travel specialises in providing completely tailor-made services to our clients. This means that if our standard published itineraries do not suit our customers’ needs, we are always happy to discuss ways in which we can adjust accommodation, shorten or lengthen itineraries and distances to make for the perfect trip.

We also offer the following services to make for a seamless holiday:

• Transport to and from the start and finish of a trail
• Airport transfers
• Minibus and driver service, in particular for large groups where multiple accommodations are required each night and transfers are frequently required at the end of the day’s walk

If you are interested in any of the above or have any particular requirements, please do contact us to discuss your needs.

Make more of your break

If you would like to pause during your walk and explore one of the overnight locations for longer, you are free to select and add extra days to your holiday at any of your overnight stops. Prices for extra days are quoted above and will be added to the total cost of the holiday. If the itineraries on our website do not quite meet your requirements please do get in touch to arrange a bespoke trip.

Below are some suggestions for good places to spend an extra day or so.

Chollerford

The village of Chollerford is right next to the excellent Chesters Roman Fort and Museum. Guided tours of the fort provide a fascinating glimpse into life in this northern outpost of the Roman Empire and the museum holds many exquisite artefacts.

Once Brewed

Once Brewed is just a hamlet of a few houses and a pub, but it is ideal as a location from which to explore the finest archaeological sites on the walk and soak up the beautiful scenery of the area. The magnificent remains of the Roman frontier fort at Housesteads are nearby, as is the Vindolanda garrison fort and museum.  The Roman Army Museum is also a couple of miles west at Cawfields. Between April and October all of these sites are served by a regular bus service that stops at Once Brewed.

When to go

The weather in the UK can vary hugely so be prepared for all weathers whatever time of the year. April, May and June are when everything comes to life so it is very green, wild flowers are abundant and blossom abounds. July and August tend to be the warmest months, but it is rarely so warm as to be uncomfortable for walking. September is one of the most pleasant times in the countryside and is quieter as most people with children have finished their holidays. By October the days are getting shorter and the weather can be much more changeable.

Getting to and from the trail

By Air: Newcastle Airport is the best regional airport to access this walk. From Newcastle there are trains to both Corbridge and Brampton (which lie on the same line). Larger airports, including for inter-continental flights, are located at Glasgow and Manchester.

By Rail: Both Corbridge and Brampton are served by the rail line that runs east-west between Newcastle and Carlisle. For train times and fares visit National Rail Enquiries.

By Bus: Corbridge is served by local bus services from Newcastle. Buses to Brampton start at Carlisle.

Got a question about travel? If you need any advice about travel to and from your walk please get in touch with Discovery Travel and we will be happy to help.