6-Day / 5-Night Moderate

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Gilsland.

A varied hike with a lot of classic Hadrian’s Wall scenery. You come across some of the best-preserved Wall sections, several Roman Milecastles, and a Roman Fort. From Greenhead and its medieval castle, the route soon gains elevation and follows along the high crags. Optional visits include the Roman Army Museum and, near Once Brewed, the Fort of Vindolanda with its museum and active excavations.

More classic Hadrian’s Wall scenery, with some great Wall sections, Roman Milecastles and the spectacular Roman Fort at Housesteads. After the last of the crags, the trail leads through more level, open moorland and pastures to a Roman temple at the Fort of Brocolitia. After a visit to the northernmost edge of the Roman Empire, at Limestone Corner, the hike finishes at the excavated fort at Chesters.

At the start of the day, you pass the remains of a Roman bridge across the River Tyne. At the Heavenfield battle site, Oswald, king of Northumbria, won a famous victory in 634. Following the gentle curves of the defensive Roman earthworks south of the Wall, the trail brings you to the Port Gate, where the main Roman road into the North of Britain used to pass through Hadrian’s Wall. On your way into Corbridge, you pass Halton Castle and a little later Aydon Castle, one of the finest and most unaltered examples of a 13th-century English manor house. The day finishes in the pretty town of Corbridge, where you can see the remains of a Roman garrison town.

Pass through the un-excavated Roman fort of Onnum on your way to Wallhouses and the Robin Hood Inn. Through a rolling countryside of meadows and pastures, the trail follows the old Military Road (now the B6318) and the earthen defences on either side of Hadrian’s Wall. The Whittle Dene Reservoirs and Nature Reserve may give an opportunity for some bird-watching before you arrive at the aptly named Heddon-on-the-Wall, where you find one of the last preserved sections of the Wall. The route now turns south towards the River Tyne and then follows a former wagonway, close to the birthplace of George Stephenson, the Father of all Railways.

There is a regular bus service from Newburn. Full details provided upon booking.