Choose Your Hike

We offer different tour grading levels depending on the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require

Gentle Hikes

Our Gentle hiking tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind. People for whom taking photos, meeting the locals and enjoying a long lunch are as important as the hike itself.

These tours spend more time in the most interesting central sections of Hadrian's Wall and give you a chance to explore the Wall and other remains of Roman Britain.

Look out for the 👣 symbol: this itinerary covers the entire Hadrian's Wall Path from Wallsend (Newcastle) to Bowness-on-Solway.

For a shorter “extra gentle tour” with additional sightseeing time we suggest to book a 5 Day Gentle or 6 Day Gentle itinerary with added extra days in order to visit the recommended attractions.

Average Hiking Distance: 13-15km (8-9 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 3-5 hours per day

5-Day / 4-Night Gentle Chollerford - Lanercost from £489 per person View Itinerary
6-Day / 5-Night Gentle Corbridge - Lanercost from £569 per person View Itinerary
7-Day / 6-Night Gentle Corbridge - Carlisle from £649 per person View Itinerary
8-Day / 7-Night Gentle Heddon-on-the Wall - Carlisle from £759 per person View Itinerary
11-Day / 10-Night Gentle 👣 Wallsend - Bowness-on-Solway from £989 per person View Itinerary

Moderate Hikes

Our Moderate hiking tours will suit people who are used to regular exercise. Hikers will appreciate the chance to cover plenty of ground each day without going beyond their limits.

These itineraries still allow you time to enjoy the Roman archaeology along the route. If you think you require additional time to visit the attractions please consider adding extra days to your tour.

Look out for the 👣 symbol: this itinerary covers the entire Hadrian's Wall Path from Wallsend (Newcastle) to Bowness-on-Solway.

Average Hiking Distance: 15-17km (9-11 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 4-6 hours per day

4-Day / 3-Night Moderate Chollerford - Gilsland from £369 per person View Itinerary
5-Day / 4-Night Moderate Chollerford - Newtown from £489 per person View Itinerary
6-Day / 5-Night Moderate Chollerford - Carlisle from £569 per person View Itinerary
7-Day / 6-Night Moderate Corbridge - Carlisle from £649 per person View Itinerary
8-Day / 7-Night Moderate Wylam - Carlisle from £759 per person View Itinerary
9-Day / 8-Night Moderate Wallsend - Carlisle from £809 per person View Itinerary
10-Day / 9-Night Moderate 👣 Wallsend - Bowness-on-Solway from £889 per person View Itinerary

Challenging Hikes

Are you the type of hiker who sets off in the morning and doesn’t stop until they reach their destination? If the answer is yes, then our Challenging hiking tours will be just right for you.

However, if you think you require additional time to visit the attractions along the route please consider adding extra days to your tour.

Look out for the 👣 symbol: this itinerary covers the entire Hadrian's Wall Path from Wallsend (Newcastle) to Bowness-on-Solway.

Average Hiking Distance: 23km (14 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 5-7 hours per day

4-Day / 3-Night Challenging Chollerford - Lanercost from £369 per person View Itinerary
5-Day / 4-Night Challenging Chollerford - Carlisle from £489 per person View Itinerary
6-Day / 5-Night Challenging Heddon-on-the-Wall - Carlisle from £569 per person View Itinerary
7-Day / 6-Night Challenging Wallsend - Carlisle from £649 per person View Itinerary
8-Day / 7-Night Challenging 👣 Wallsend - Bowness-on-Solway from £759 per person View Itinerary

Trail Info

The Route

It’s more common to walk Hadrian’s Wall Path starting from Newcastle and heading west. Many walkers feel that it is ‘more natural’ to walk out of a big city into the open country, and it also makes getting to the start of the walk easier due to the better transport connections to Newcastle. Furthermore, the scenery improves the further west you go – up to a point – and the turrets and milecastles are also numbered from east to west as that is the direction in which the Romans built the Wall.

Departing from Newcastle, near the North Sea, the trail follows mostly railway tracks and footpaths to Newburn. From here, it follows river-side tracks for a small while, before heading away from the river to Heddon-on-the Wall. The route then follows the old Military Road, built on top of the Wall, through a pastoral landscape.

More and more remains of Hadrian’s Wall and its forts, towers and castles become visible as the trail follows the line of the Wall west. The route soon passes the old Roman Portgate, near Corbridge, and then leads on to Chollerford with its Roman Fort of Chesters. From here the trail soon rises to follow the tops of the Northumberland Crags with better-preserved Roman remains.

From Housesteads, it moves on to Once Brewed and then to the lovely village of Gilsland. The trail follows the Wall through a more level landscape via Newtown to the ancient city of Carlisle. Following the River Eden and then moving through the flat landscape along the Solway Firth the route soon reaches Bowness-on-Solway on the Irish Sea.

Terrain Overview

The walking on this trail is relatively easy along footpaths, cycle lanes, well-maintained paths and tracks through fields and on good paths along the top of the Northumberland Crags. Though sometimes muddy in places, there is very little rugged or very wet ground.

There are some minor climbs and a little undulating terrain in the central section but for much of its length the path is more or less flat. The total aggregate ascent is approximately 1,600m over the entire route and the highest point is just 345 metres above sea level.

Elevation Profile

Elevation Profile Hadrians Wall Path

Terrain by Stages

Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall: A river-walk on cycle lanes and footpaths through the vibrant city of Newcastle followed by a former ‘Waggonway’ track and some minor roads.

Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford: This section is almost entirely through open countryside on grassy paths, alongside the B6318 ‘Military Road’, which was built on top of the Wall.

Chollerford to Once Brewed: Start out on paths alongside a road, followed by off-road paths which run parallel to the Wall. The trail then starts climbing up to the ‘crags’ (hills) and follows a more undulating route with a number of ascents and descents.

Once Brewed to Lanercost: Initially undulating, with a number of ascents and descents along the crags, followed by sections across open countryside on grassy paths with the Wall often visible.

Lanercost to Carlisle: On this leg, the path returns to more level farmland and at a certain point runs alongside the River Eden and passes through a pleasant park. Mostly paths, some asphalt.

Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway: Initially, the trail runs alongside the River Eden on a footpath, then continues on tracks through level farmland. Later, a footpath runs alongside the flat marshes of the Solway Firth (coastal waters).

Prices / What's Included

Length of Tour Price Per Person ( £ ) Single Supplement ( £ ) :¹
4 days / 3 nights 369 160 BOOK NOW
5 days / 4 nights 489 200 BOOK NOW
6 days / 5 nights 569 240 BOOK NOW
7 days / 6 nights 649 290 BOOK NOW
8 days / 7 nights 759 320 BOOK NOW
9 days / 8 nights 809 360 BOOK NOW
10 days / 9 nights 889 390 BOOK NOW
11 days / 10 nights 989 420 BOOK NOW
¹A single supplement is an additional charge for walkers booking single accommodation (a room for one person). The total tour price per person requesting a single room is the price per person plus the single supplement.

What’s Included in the Price?

  • Official Hadrian’s Wall Passports for those walking the entire trail (Note: The stamps for these passports can only be collected from Easter onwards)
  • Stay in our friendly, family-run guesthouses
  • Relax in comfortable en-suite bedrooms*
  • Big breakfasts will keep you going all day long
  • Luggage? Don’t worry, we’ll move it for you!
  • Detailed maps, route notes and GPS tracks mean you’ll never get lost
  • Walking directions written and updated by the Hillwalk Tours team
  • Local alternative/supplementary route options based on local knowledge
  • Our waterproof map-case keeps your maps and documents dry
  • If you need to contact us, we’re here 24/7 to help
  • Insider tips on the best places to eat and drink**
  • Explore the local history and culture in our fascinating guides
  • Discover the most interesting attractions on the trail
  • Need info on transport? We’re happy to help

* Unless already booked out in which case we’ll try to secure a private bathroom

** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, the B&B owner will prepare a tasty surprise for you upon request.

Please Note:

We occasionally charge additional supplements on the Hadrians Wall Path for tours starting during the high season. This is due to higher costs involved in booking our upgrade option or in cases where our normal accommodation suppliers do not have availability, and an alternative, more expensive, supplier is sourced with your approval.

Attention USA Walkers: Book Now & Save $$$! With the US Dollar to Pound Sterling exchange rate the highest it’s been in over 35 years, NOW is the time to book your Hadrian’s Wall Path walking holiday!

Extra Days/Activities

Would you like more time to visit all the sites and museums along the route or do think you might need a break from all the hiking?

Newcastle: Once the world’s #1 centre of shipbuilding, vibrant Newcastle has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance. Visit the outstanding ‘Great North Museum’ or experience one of the best nightlife scenes in Britain. (Please note that accommodation for Newcastle is provided in the friendly seaside towns of Whitley Bay or Tynemouth, just 25 minutes by Metro train from the city centre.)

Chollerford: Explore the captivating Chesters Roman Fort with its ornate headquarters building, commanding officers residence, barrack buildings and military bath-house.

Housesteads / Once Brewed: Discover the Roman forts of Vindolanda and Housesteads with their extensive Roman remains and fascinating artifacts.

Carlisle: Visit medieval Carlisle where you find the award winning Tullie House Museum, the 12th century cathedral and the vast castle, with its ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons.

Booking Extra Days

  1. Choose WHERE you wish to stay.
  2. Decide HOW MANY NIGHTS you need.
  3. Go to the BOOKING FORM and fill in the ‘Extra Nights Required/Other Requests’ section

The costs of extra nights during your Hadrian’s Wall hiking tour start from £60 per person per night and from £80 for single hikers who will have their own private room. 

Please note that if you book any extra nights in a location not included in your tour itinerary, you will have to make your own arrangements to transfer your bags to this location.

Accommodation

Staying at the very best accommodation during your time in England can transform a “good” hiking tour into a “great” hiking tour.

That’s why, at Hillwalk Tours, we take the quality of our accommodation partners seriously. So much so that you will find we strive to only work with high-quality and well-reviewed accommodation. Additionally, most of our accommodation partners have been personally checked by a member of the Hillwalk Tours team to ensure your comfort.

As keen hikers ourselves we know you’ll want somewhere relaxing to put your feet up in the evening. A place where a warm smile from your hosts makes you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door. If your hiking gear gets wet, it’s nice to know that you can dry it or, if you ask, it may even be taken from you and returned nice and dry the next morning.

Comfy beds, en-suite bathrooms (where available), tasty breakfast menus, and a friendly & cosy atmosphere – these are all the things that we like so you can rest assured that we’ll do our best to find them for you as well.

To find out more about the types of accommodation you can expect to find on a Hillwalk Tours walking holiday, read here: Accommodation on your Walking Tour

In addition, if you’d like to stay an extra night at any location during your hiking tour, just let us know.

Please Note:

Due to limited accommodation options in some locations on your tour, we may need to book you into accommodation which will require transfers to/from your hike start/end point or where you will have private bathroom facilities instead of an ensuite. We may also need to book you into the same accommodation for more than one night to cover multiple locations. The cost of this is covered in your basic tour price and will not affect your tour itinerary.

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the hosts of the accommodation that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Travel Info

Getting to and from your Hadrian’s Wall hiking tour is easy… when you know how!

In your walking pack, you will receive all the necessary public transport information you need to make your journey as convenient as possible.

In the meantime, if you’d like to do some advance planning yourself, here are our tips:

Departing from Lanercost, Newtown, Carlisle or Bowness-on-Solway after your Hiking Tour:

Use public or private bus and train services to Carlisle, Newcastle, Manchester and London.

Travelling by car?

If you would like to leave your car at the first or last accommodation on your tour, for the duration of the tour, then you can directly contact the accommodation owners before the start of your tour to check that this is possible. We will provide contact details for the accommodation provider.

FAQ

About our England Hiking Tours

What is a self-guided hiking tour?

A self-guided hiking tour means you are hiking without a guide.

Hillwalk Tours will provide you with all the resources you need to successfully complete the trail alone or in the company of good friends. We’ll plan your route, transfer your bags and show you all the best places to visit but you decide whether you want that extra hour in bed in the morning! All this gives you the freedom to enjoy the trails and the wonderful countryside at your own pace.

Find out more about the benefits of a self-guided hiking tour in comparison to a guided tour here.

How are the hiking tours graded in terms of difficulty?

Choosing the right hiking tour can be tricky. It’s important to consider the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require. To make your decision easier, we have drawn up a menu of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging hiking tours.

Before we explain the difference between the various grades, it is important to note that each hiking tour within a specific region follows the same official hiking trail. To make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have either 1) picked out the sections of the walking trails that are less demanding or 2) shortened the average daily hike between accommodations.

Below is a general overview of each tour grading level. Note that the figures for ‘Average Daily Hike’ and ‘Hiking Time’ may vary between regions. Poor weather conditions can affect the average hiking time which is based on a person of normal fitness walking at a moderate speed of around 4km/h (2.5 mph). The hiking time takes into account the terrain covered but not the time required for lunch stops, photos, etc. For more details on daily distances, the level of ascent and the terrain the trail crosses; refer to the itinerary page of each individual tour.

Gentle

12-18km (8-11 miles)  3-6 hours

Our Gentle Hiking Tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind. While you can still expect some climbs, these tours offer the shortest average daily hikes, which in turn means less ups and downs. This will give you plenty time to enjoy the sights and scenery, take photos, have a long lunch and, if necessary, negotiate the more tricky sections of a walk.

Moderate

 16-23km (10-14 miles)  4-7 hours

Our Moderate Hiking Tours will suit people who are used to some regular exercise or who have done some previous hiking. They offer longer but still manageable daily hikes and should give you a little more of a challenge without going beyond your limits. There will be more climbs in a day but harder days are generally followed by easier ones. Of course, you will also still have time for a relaxed lunch and to take photos.

Challenging

 22-30km (14-19 miles)  5-9 hours

Our Challenging Hiking Tours are designed for the experienced hiker or those walkers who love a good challenge. They offer the longest daily hikes with more elevation gain and will often test your endurance by having you walk all day. Of course, as with all of our tours there will be a hot shower and the finest local hospitality waiting at the end of your walk to re-charge your batteries each evening.
Why book with Hillwalk Tours?

Our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to create experiences that make people happy. Some of the ways we try to achieve this, and ensure you have the best possible experience with us, include;

We don’t do off-the-shelf guidebooks – We personally walk each trail we offer & create our own detailed route notes. By doing so, it allows us to provide you with more itineraries, route options and alternatives than any other walking tour company!

We have a very low booking deposit – Our booking deposit of £100 is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the industry.

We come highly recommended by other hikers – Our tours & service have consistently received 5* reviews from walkers. Check out our reviews on Google, Facebook & Tripadvisor.

You can start your tour on any day / date you like – We don’t confine you to book your tour on specific dates. Instead, you can book your tour to start on any day / date you like during the walking season.

Stay in high quality accommodation – We quality check each accommodation provider that we work with on every trail, so that your stay is a perfect one.

You don’t need to worry about carrying your luggage – We’ll organise that your heavy suitcase be transferred to your next accommodation while you’re out walking each day, so you only need to worry about carrying a small backpack filled with some snacks and other essentials.

We have itineraries to match your fitness levels – We provide 3 levels of hiking; ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ & ‘Challenging’, which are designed to suit all types of fitness levels and abilities of hikers.

You can walk at your own pace – As all our tours are self-guided, you can walk the trails at your own pace as opposed to adhering to a strict schedule, allowing you the freedom to enjoy the beautiful nature & surrounds.

We’re here to support you 24/7 – You can reach us by phone 24/7 if you ever need additional support while on the trail.

Do you offer guided hiking tours?

Guided hiking tours are not available from Hillwalk Tours.

However, don’t be put off doing a self-guided hiking tour. With help from the documentation that you are provided in advance i.e. Route Notes & Directions, Local History & Attractions, Places To Eat / Evening Meal Suggestions etc., you are well prepared, making it perfectly manageable to complete the trail by yourself – and without missing out on any of the local information & history as you walk along the trail!

When can we start our Hillwalk Tours hiking holiday?

You can start your hiking tour on any day / date you wish within the walking season. Generally, the walking season for most of our hiking tours takes place between March to October, but there are some exceptions. Please see the individual trail pages for further information on the start and end dates of the walking season for each individual trail.

Does a 7-Day tour include 7 days of hiking?

Our 7-Day tours include 5 days of hiking. The first and last days of all our hiking tours are travel days used to transfer to/from the town where your hike will begin/end. If you would like to hike for 7 days, simply select one of our 9-Day tours.

Does a 7-Day tour include 7 nights of accommodation?

Our 7-Day tours include 6 nights of accommodation – specifically the first 6 nights on your hiking tour. Your tour finishes on the seventh day when you check out of your last B&B.

What is a single supplement?

A single supplement is an additional charge for walkers booking single accommodation (a room for one person).

This is due to the fact that most accommodation providers price their rooms for double occupancy, meaning that they don’t discount the rooms even if they are only occupied by one person. Furthermore, accommodation providers have outlined that the cost of cleaning the room is the same regardless of how many people are in it, and also the potential cost of giving up a double occupancy (or more) sized room for just one person at a cheaper rate, when they could sell the room to more than one person at the normal rate, is too high.

Therefore, the total tour price for individuals who request a single room is “the price per person plus the single supplement”. This added supplement covers the extra costs associated with accommodating a single person in their own room.

Can we bring our dog?

It is not possible to bring your dog on a Hillwalk Tours hiking holiday. Unfortunately, the majority of our accommodation providers do not accept pets of any kind. Furthermore, on many of the trails you will pass through farmlands where livestock are present, and where dogs are not permitted as a result.

Can we buy bus/train tickets in advance of our trip?

Yes, most bus and train tickets can be purchased online in advance of your trip. Specific transport information is available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the Travel Info section for each tour for more information.

Upon booking you will also receive a step by step public transport guide which will outline some potential public transport options you can take in order to get you from your arrival airport to the start location of your tour.

If we arrive by car, where can we park while we are on our hiking tour?

We can generally arrange for you to park at your first accommodation.

If you are bringing your car, please contact us in advance.

About Luggage Transfers and Accommodation

Will we have to carry our own bags during our hiking tour?

No, on all our hiking tours your luggage will be transported to your next accommodation each day as you walk and will arrive before 4pm. A maximum weight limit of 20 kg per person applies to this luggage transfer service.

What type of accommodation will we be staying in?

You will mostly be staying in traditional English Bed & Breakfasts (B&B’s) / Guesthouses and small Hotels during your hiking trip. B&Bs / Guesthouses are often private lodging houses, where the friendly hosts welcome travellers into their homes. To ensure your comfort, most accommodation you will stay in has been personally checked by a member of the Hillwalk Tours team. At your accommodation, you can expect a warm welcome, en-suite facilities (where available) and a tasty breakfast each morning (but usually no other meals).

If you are planning to walk the Camino Francés pilgrimage trail in Spain, you will mostly be staying in family-owned hotels, boutique pensiones (guesthouses), casas rurales (country cottages) and traditional pazos (manor houses) during your hiking trip.

For more details on the accommodation you will be staying in, see the Accommodation section for each tour.

Can we get a list of our accommodation before we leave?

Yes, you will receive a list of all accommodation that you will be staying in prior to the departure of your travels. Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a digital PDF copy of your hiking pack documents such as your route notes, accommodation details and evening meal suggestions etc. It’s within PDF copy of your hiking pack documents that you’ll be able to find what accommodation you will be staying in each night*. You will also be posted a hiking pack (either to your home address or the first accommodation on your tour) which will include essential physical items for your tour such as the required maps for the trail and luggage tags.

*If you’d prefer to receive a physical copy of your full hiking pack documents too, it’s essential that you reply by email within 48 hours of booking your tour in order to let us know.

Will our accommodation be close to the local town/village?

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the owner of the B&B / Guesthouse or Hotel that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Please be aware that occasionally, due to the limited supply of accommodation, we may have to make reservations for you at a nearby B&B / Guesthouse or Hotel and arrange transfers to and from the walking trail accordingly. In most locations, this is not a concern but in certain places, availability can be an issue. For more information, just have a chat with the person who is booking your tour.

What is the difference between a ‘twin’ and a ‘double’ room?

A ‘twin’ room is a room for two people with two separate beds. A ‘double’ room has just one large bed (for two people).

For more detailed information on the different room type options, please see the following page: Room Types

About Your Hiking Pack

What’s included in my hiking pack?

Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a digital PDF copy of your hiking pack documents such as your route notes, accommodation details and evening meal suggestions etc. You will also be posted a hiking pack (either to your home address or first accommodation on your tour) which will include essential physical items for your tour such as the required maps for the trail and luggage tags*.

*If you’d prefer to receive a physical copy of your full hiking pack documents too, it’s essential that you reply by email within 48 hours of booking your tour in order to let us know.

A breakdown of the documents and items you can expect to find in your hiking pack are as follows;
– Route notes (prepared by a member the Hillwalk Tours team who has walked every step of your tour)
– Detailed hiking map(s)
– A high-quality waterproof map-case
– Full details of your accommodations and where you will be staying
– Our tips on the most interesting attractions to visit along the trail
– A look at fascinating local history
– A guide to the best places to eat and drink
– Safety information, emergency contact details & the country code for walkers

Do you provide GPS data?

You will find GPS coordinates for each overnight accommodation on your tour in your hiking pack, which you will receive prior to departure. Additionally, you will find the GPS coordinates for the trailheads (i.e. the start and end points of your daily hikes) for most of our tours.

GPS tracks for your walking route will also be provided and available to download prior to your tour. Please note that while we are reasonably confident that the tracks are correct and up-to-date, we recommend that they are not used as the only tool for navigation. The most important means for navigation should be the way markers along the trail, our route notes and the maps we provide in the hiking pack.

How many hiking packs are provided?

Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a PDF copy of your hiking documents. This PDF document can then be forwarded to as many people within your walking group as you’d like.

For the hiking pack which includes physical items such as luggage tags, map-case, maps etc. and which will be posted to you (or awaiting at your first accommodation) – one hiking pack will be provided per four people. Therefore, for a group of 1 – 4 people, one hiking pack will be sent. For 5 – 8 people, two hiking packs will be sent, etc.

What language will my hiking pack be in?

The contents of your hiking pack (route notes, accommodation information, history, etc.) will all be in English.

About Fitness Levels

How fit do we need to be to take a hiking tour?

We try to provide trail itineraries that cater to a large range of hikers & abilities. To achieve this, we provide 3 different levels of difficulty i.e. Gentle, Moderate, and Challenging itineraries. The difference between each level of difficulty is in the average distance that you will walk each day. It does not differ in relation to the elevation, as the exact trail will still be followed. Therefore, the same elevations (the up’s and down’s) of the trail are usually present regardless of the level of difficulty. Depending on the trail, you may find in your route notes some alternative & easier route options for sections of the trail in order to help you navigate & bypass more difficult parts of the trail, but this isn’t always the case.

It’s important to note that levels of difficulty provided by Hillwalk Tours should only be used as a guide against where your own level of fitness is at, and what you feel you will be able to manage on a daily basis. At the end of the day, it’s you that knows your own level of fitness best. We strongly encourage you to review the distances & walking times for each itinerary that you may be considering, along with any additional notes on the specific tour page, in advance of booking.

What is the difference between Gentle, Moderate and Challenging Hiking Tours?

The difference between these tours is the distance that you will hike each day:

  • Gentle tours cover an average of 12-18 km (8-11 miles) per day
  • Moderate tours cover an average of 16-23 km (10-14 miles) per day
  • Challenging Tours cover an average of 22-30 km (14-19 miles) per day

For a more detailed breakdown of how we grade our hiking tours, please see the following question: Tour Grading

Can we take a rest day?

Yes, we are more than happy to organise an additional night for you at any location along your tour.

Suggestions on interesting places to take a rest day are available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the ‘Extra Days/Activities’ section of each tour for more information.

About Money, Flights and Insurance

Will there be ATM/Credit Card facilities along the hiking route?

ATMs (cash machines) are available in most larger cities, towns and villages. Remember that your home bank will likely charge you for withdrawing money overseas. Additionally, if you have a debit card, you can often get cash through the ‘cashback’ system at some shops and pubs when you make a purchase with the card (ask for ‘cashback’).

Credit and debit cards can now be used for payment almost everywhere. However, there are still some smaller businesses that may only accept cash, such as smaller shops, B&Bs (for packed lunches) or taxis (for transfers to or from restaurants). We therefore recommend that you carry some cash (local currency) with you as a back-up.

Contactless card payments are also increasingly accepted in many places (please check daily card limits in advance of use).

What currency do I need for my hiking holiday?

The currency used in the United Kingdom (i.e. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) is Pound Sterling (£). Therefore, if you are taking any hiking tour in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you will need Pound Sterling.

Are flights and transport to the start of our hiking tour included?

Flights and transport to the start and from the end of your hiking tour are not included on our tours. However, we do provide a detailed step-by-step guide of suggested options on how you can make it to the start location of your hike by public transport from numerous major airports. In addition, for further travel information, see the ‘Travel Info’ section on the individual tour page for each trail.

Do I need to buy insurance?

Although travel insurance is not required to take a hiking holiday, we strongly encourage you to take out adequate insurance cover prior to travel.

Unfortunately 3rd party travel insurance is not available through Hillwalk Tours, and must be booked separately.

Tour Grading

Which England Hiking Tour Should You Choose?

Choosing the right hiking tour can be tricky. It’s important to consider the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require. To make your decision easier, we have drawn up a menu of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging hiking tours.

Before we explain the difference between the various grades, it is important to note that each hiking tour within a specific region follows the same official hiking trail. But to make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have shortened the average daily hike between accommodations for the gentle and moderate tours.

Below is a general overview of each tour grading level. Note that the figures for ‘Average Daily Hike’ and ‘Hiking Time’ may vary between regions. Poor weather conditions can affect the average hiking time which is based on a person of normal fitness walking at a moderate speed of around 4km/h (2.5 mph). The hiking time takes into account the terrain covered but not the time required for lunch stops, photos, etc. For more details on daily distances, the level of ascent and the terrain the trail crosses; refer to the itinerary page of each individual tour.

Gentle

12-18km (8-11 miles) 3-6 hours
Our Gentle Hiking Tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind. While you can still expect some climbs, these tours offer the shortest average daily hikes, which in turn means less ups and downs. This will give you plenty time to enjoy the sights and scenery, take photos, have a long lunch and, if necessary, negotiate the more tricky sections of a walk.

Moderate

16-23km (10-14 miles) 4-7 hours
Our Moderate Hiking Tours will suit people who are used to some regular exercise or who have done some previous hiking. They offer longer but still manageable daily hikes and should give you a little more of a challenge without going beyond your limits. There will be more climbs in a day but harder days are generally followed by easier ones. Of course, you will also still have time for a relaxed lunch and to take photos.

Challenging

22-30km (14-19 miles) 5-9 hours
Our Challenging Hiking Tours are designed for the experienced hiker or those walkers who love a good challenge. They offer the longest daily hikes with more elevation gain and will often test your endurance by having you walk all day. Of course, as with all of our tours there will be a hot shower and the finest local hospitality waiting at the end of your walk to re-charge your batteries each evening.

How To Book

How do I book my hiking holiday?

1. Browse through our website to find your preferred hiking trail.

2. Choose the type of hiking tour you want to take: ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ or ‘Challenging’.

3. Next, identify the number of days you want to spend on your hiking tour.

4. Click the ‘Make a Booking’ button on the top right of our webpage.

5. Finally, fill out our booking form and make a €100 deposit per person.

What options have I to pay for my tour?

Deposits and Final Payments can be made using:

1. Credit Card – through Stripe, for Sterling Payments

Stripe is a quick and secure way to accept credit card and debit card payments online. Stripe handles millions of transactions every year for businesses around the world and is now the preferred payment partner for many major companies.

2. Bank Transfer – Instructions & account details on how to make a bank transfer payment can be found on our booking form and also within the final payment email. Alternatively, you can contact us directly for the required account details.

After I book, what can I expect?

1. If you paid by credit card or debit card, you will receive an e-mail within 24 hours verifying receipt of your booking form and deposit payment.

In this email, you will be asked to confirm your tour details. If you paid by bank transfer, payment will take a few days to reach us. Therefore you will receive your email confirmation and request to confirm your tour details shortly after we have assigned the bank payment to your booking form. In this case, you may receive an automatic email outlining that a booking form has been received, but no deposit has been received – you can disregard this email.

2. Once your confirmation is received that all details on your booking form are correct, we will begin making the arrangements for your tour. Therefore, the sooner you send us this confirmation, the sooner we can start to book your tour.

3. After all the arrangements for your tour have been confirmed (this process can normally takes between five to ten working days) you will be sent a breakdown of the balance outstanding for your tour and a due date for payment.

4. Once your final payment has been received, we will send you an e-mail confirming receipt.

5. PDF soft copies of your hiking pack will then be sent to you by email which will include all your tour details, and physical items required for your tour (e.g. maps, luggage tags etc.) will be posted to your home address, or to the first accommodation on your tour where it will be waiting for you on arrival. Alternatively, if you have requested that your full hiking pack be printed, this will also be either sent to your home address or to your first accommodation on the tour where it will be waiting for you on arrival.

6. You will receive an automated email from us, one week in advance of your tour start date, providing you with some additional information to help with your preparation before travel.

7. During your tour, if you have any issues, you can reach us 24/7 on our emergency contact number which is found in your hiking pack.

8. After your tour has finished, we will send you a feedback form in relation to your tour and how it all went. We place a huge importance on our customers feedback and experience of our tours, so when you have some free time, we strongly encourage you to fill out this feedback form as it helps us to continue to provide a high quality service and to further improve where necessary.

9. Lastly, if you would like to tell others about your experience with Hillwalk Tours, you can leave an online review on our Google, Facebook or Tripadvisor pages.

Don't Forget..

ESSENTIALS:
Please note: A detailed ‘Recommended Equipment List’ will be included in your hiking pack.

WATERPROOF JACKET AND OVER-TROUSERS – You never know when you will need protection from wind and rain – so prepare for unpredictable weather by packing a waterproof, breathable jacket and over-trousers.

BASE LAYER – This is what you wear against your skin and the best options are breathable and wicking fabrics instead of cotton. They will move moisture away from the skin so that you feel more comfortable when you are walking.

FLEECE – It keeps you warm in ethe cooler months and on top of the hills, and will allow you to shed layers when you are working hard in the summer.

LIGHT AND COMFORTABLE TROUSERS – Make sure you choose trousers that are stretchy or allow enough space to move your legs freely. Denims are not suitable for hill walking and dry very slowly once they get wet.

WICKING SOCKS – Choose non-cotton socks that fit well and will move moisture away from your feet to stop them feeling sweaty. This will help to reduce the likelihood of blisters and ‘hot spots’.

FOOTWEAR – We recommend you bring comfortable, waterproof, lightweight shoes or boots, that provide good ankle support and offer good grip on rock, grass and mud. Remember that the trails in many of our regions can become quite wet and muddy, after periods of rain.

  • For the South Downs Way we recommend good soles to help with sections of exposed flint stones. Some walkers bring both light shoes AND boots to be prepared for different terrain.
    • Our tip: If you buy new boots or shoes for you holiday, make sure to try them out on one or two longer walks before your tour!

BACKPACK / RUCKSACK (with Waterproof Cover or liner) – To store all your essentials and keep them dry – including extra layers of clothing, your waterproofs, first aid kit, camera and your lunch, snacks and drinks. Don’t forget how important it is to stay hydrated and bring at least 1 – 2 litres of water per person each day, depending on the weather!

WARM HAT & GLOVES – They can be essential in many regions, even in the summer, at higher altitudes and on exposed places.

CASH – Bring some cash to pay some smaller businesses that may not accept credit or debit cards, such as smaller shops, B&Bs (for packed lunches) or taxis (for transfers to or from restaurants).

FIRST AID KIT & FOIL BLANKET – It’s a good idea to have a small, basic first aid kit to deal with little injuries such as sprains, scrapes, cuts and blisters. Good things to bring are plasters & wound dressings, sterile cleansing wipes, pain killers, tweezers (for splinters & ticks), bandages, zinc oxide tape or elastoplast tape (for blisters or sprains) and a foil rescue blanket to keep you warm (or cool) in case of an accident.

WHISTLE & TORCH – In the very unlikely event you need to signal for help (whistle) or if your walk takes longer than expected and you end up walking in the dark (torch).

MOBILE PHONE – We recommend that you bring or purchase a mobile/cell phone. It will allow you to contact your accommodation and transfer providers from the trail and call for help in an emergency.

  • Visitors from other European Countries: Most European billpay and prepay customers can use ‘roaming’ but check with your operator for the best rates before you travel.
  • Visitors from the United States, Canada and elsewhere: Make sure that you have a GSM/UMTS phone compatible with European networks and a roaming service / suitable phone plan for the country you are travelling to. If your phone is unlocked and GSM/UMTS compatible, you can also purchase a UK SIM card from a variety of mobile phone stores and supermarkets and use it in your own phone.
  • Alternatively, you can purchase a cheap pre-pay phone when you arrive. It is possible to buy a basic pre-pay phone for as little as £15. You can then top-up with vouchers or a credit/debit card.
  • Make sure your phone is fully charged before you start your walk. You might not always have a phone signal on the trail but, in general, the level of coverage is quite good.

PLUG ADAPTER (/CONVERTER) – Three square pin plugs are used in the UK – voltage is 230V.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:
SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES AND SUNHAT (April to Sept) – Let’s hope you’ll need those!

MIDGE/INSECT REPELLENT & MIDGE NET (May to September only) – can be useful for other regions. Our tip: Smidge – a product developed in Scotland and considered the UK’s #1 Midge Repellent Spray.

CAMERA – Vital for capturing photos of the stunning scenery along your trip, which help you brag to your friends about your holiday.

COMPASS – A compass (and the ability to use it) is a good idea but not a requirement.

WALKING POLES – Assist forward movement, reduce impact on your knees, and help with balance in difficult terrain. A pair is best but many hikers also just use one.

GAITERS – By covering your upper boot and lower leg these help to keep your feet and trousers dry in wet grass and boggy terrain.

EARPLUGS – We know how important it is to get a good night’s rest. However, as there may be other guests in the guesthouse with different plans for their night, we recommend bringing a pair of earplugs to ensure sweet dreams!

During Your Tour

Is there specific check-in and check-out times at each accommodation?

Your room will be ready each day from 4pm at the latest and sometimes sooner.

Check-in times to your accommodation is generally not before 4pm. You may be able to check-in a bit earlier (e.g. around 3pm), but this is not guaranteed. To request an earlier check-in time, please contact your accommodation host in advance to discuss.

If you expect to arrive later than 6pm to your accommodation, please inform you accommodation hosts in advance (in particular B&B’s & Guesthouses). Reasons for this can be that your flight is delayed, that you are still on the trail or because you might have stopped for food or a drink before check-in. By letting them know in advance, it allows the hosts to plan accordingly and to also put their minds at ease that you are OK.

Check-out time is usually 10am , but it can vary, therefore it’s often best to discuss check-out times with your accommodation hosts directly.

What time will my luggage arrive at?

Your luggage will arrive by 4pm each day

What types of breakfasts are available?

A tasty breakfast is important to prepare you for the day of hiking & adventure ahead. At your accommodation you can find either, a hot breakfast, a continental breakfast, or perhaps even both!

In some cases, where we have no other option but to book you into accommodation where no breakfast is served, we will deduct the cost of the breakfast from your tour price which can instead be used to purchase breakfast in a nearby café / restaurant.

Most accommodation hosts will always try and cater for dietary requirements as best they can, provided they are notified in advance. Therefore, if you do have any dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, etc.) please let us know in the “Any Dietary Requirements/Allergies?” field on our booking form when booking.

Please note, not all businesses may readily accommodate dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc., especially in more remote and rural areas. If you require a specific diet, we recommend you enquire in advance or talk to your hosts. You may also find it useful to download an app such as Vanilla Bean or Happy Cow, both available on Android and iOS, to help you find a venue which meets your needs.

Where can I get a packed lunch? Can I pick this up along the trail?

In your Route Notes, we list places where you should expect to find at least one café, pub, shop or restaurant along each day’s hike. However, opening times can change, some places may only open in afternoon, and businesses can close unexpectedly. We therefore recommend you also check with your accommodation hosts where you can get lunch the next day, either along the route or at the start of the hike.

If it is unlikely that you will be able to purchase food or drink during the day, you may wish to purchase a packed lunch before you start in the morning, especially if it is a long hike. If there are no shops nearby, your host will be able to provide a packed lunch at a reasonable price on request.

Most accommodation hosts will always try and cater for dietary requirements as best they can, provided they are notified in advance. Therefore, if you do have any dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, etc.) please let us know in the “Any Dietary Requirements/Allergies?” field on our booking form when booking.

Please note, not all businesses may readily accommodate dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc., especially in more remote and rural areas. If you require a specific diet, we recommend you enquire in advance or talk to your hosts. You may also find it useful to download an app such as Vanilla Bean or Happy Cow, both available on Android and iOS, to help you find a venue which meets your needs.

Where can I get an evening meal?

You can generally buy an evening meal in one of the local restaurants, cafes or pubs close to your accommodation. If there aren’t any restaurants/cafes/pubs in the local area, evening meals can be obtained from your host.

Most accommodation hosts will always try and cater for dietary requirements as best they can, provided they are notified in advance. Therefore, if you do have any dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, etc.) please let us know in the “Any Dietary Requirements/Allergies?” field on our booking form when booking.

Please note, not all businesses may readily accommodate dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc., especially in more remote and rural areas. If you require a specific diet, we recommend you enquire in advance or talk to your hosts. You may also find it useful to download an app such as Vanilla Bean or Happy Cow, both available on Android and iOS, to help you find a venue which meets your needs.

Will there be drying facilities at my accommodation?

The majority of accommodation hosts will be able to assist you in drying your clothes and boots.

What is the difference between kilometres and miles?

1 kilometre = 0.62 mile
1 mile = 1.61 kilometres

How do I deal with animals on my hike?

Many of the English hiking trails can pass through private farmland. This means that farmers can have their livestock (such as cattle, sheep, goats etc.) grazing in the same fields that you walk through. Some livestock may look intimidating. However, don’t worry, you will find these animals are actually quite timid. Continue walking in a normal fashion (do not run) and you should have no problems. In addition, take note of any signs which the farmer may have put up.

You can find more information on how to deal with animals on your hike in the Safety Information & Country Code document you find in your hiking pack.

Will I have mobile / cell phone reception?

Most areas have mobile / cell phone reception, even while you are hiking. However, you may pass through some remote areas where reception will be either limited or unavailable entirely.

It is important to note that, if you are ever in an emergency, mobile/cell phones can still contact the emergency service numbers even without mobile/cell phone reception.

Will our accommodation have Wi-Fi connection?

Yes, in most accommodation Wi-Fi is available, however it’s not guaranteed. In addition, due to the remote locations of some accommodations, the Wi-Fi quality may not always be the best.

Are the trails clearly way-marked?

Yes, in general most routes are very clearly way-marked with a marker directly before and after each turn. If you are ever in doubt, you can also check the Hillwalk Tours route notes or maps provided in your hiking pack.

Climate

In England, famous for its rain and the lush green of its countryside, the Gulf Stream ensures mild, maritime influenced weather. The warmest months are July and August with temperature averages between 16 and 21°C. Rain falls throughout the year, and the weather in England can sometimes change very quickly. Average annual rainfall in the north is more than 1,600mm, but central and southern England receive an average of less than 800mm. April, May and June are the driest months.