8-day Hadrian's Wall Path Walking Holiday

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.

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. 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, 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.

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.

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 to Steel Rigg. 

The wall climbs to its highest point over Windshields Crags, before descending to the named Bogle Hole. Then down steps with excellent views onto the Pennines. The way passes by Great Chesters and Magnis (Roman forts), passing Greenhead, the ruin of medieval Thirlwall castle. 
From here there are few signs of Hadrian’s Wall remaining so enjoy the last significant portion at Hare Hill.

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.

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 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.

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. 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.

Arrangements end after breakfast.