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DATES FOR 2008:
( 8 days walking, 9 nights) |
Day One
An afternoon introductory tour includes a visit to the Museum
of Antiquities in Newcastle upon Tyne. This fascinating museum
has regional antiquities dating from 6000BC to 17th century and
is an ideal place to start a walking tour along Hadrian's Wall.
This evening enjoy an introductory talk and welcome drinks - a
chance to meet your fellow walkers.
Overnight
Day Two
Before leaving the North Sea at Wallsend on the East Coast, stop
to visit the Roman fort of Segedunum, a multi award winning site,
and to admire the first exposed stretches of the Wall.
Today's walk leads us through the vast and vibrant metropolis
of Newcastle upon Tyne. There will be an option of city sightseeing
given to those not dedicated to walking every inch of the trail!
End the day at Heddon-on-the-Wall where there is a good section
of wall with stunning views of the Tyne Valley.
Overnight
Day Three
A walk through arable farming country and the beautiful woodland
of Whittle Dene, with rushing stream waters and a plethora of
wild flowers, towards Harlow Hill. Stop to visit Heavenfield where
St. Oswald put up his cross before defeating Cadwallon's Celtic
army in 635 AD in a bloody battle and learn how St. Oswald re-enforced
the introduction of Christianity to Northumbria.
Corbridge is a perfect place to end the day - this delightful,
unspoilt village is steeped in history and merits time to wander.
A guided walk through history from times Roman to present day
with time to pop into the bookshop, antique shops or a tearoom.
Overnight
Day Four
Another sightseeing oportunity begins the day. A walk around the
historic border town of Hexham to include the Abbey with its Saxon
crypt. From here return to the Wall and explore the fascinating
section of Chollerford including Brunton Turret, the Roman bridge
abutment, Chesters fort with its impressive bathhouse and the
herb garden.
We now enter the stunning countryside of Northumberland National
Park - long vistas of exciting moorland landscapes. An area abounding
with stories of the fierce Border Reivers. Stop to view Roman
Brocolita with its 3rd century Mithric Temple.
Overnight
Day Five
A stunning walk today as the Wall joins the great Whin Sill,
a dramatic geological outcrop, passing turrets and milecastles
to Sewingshields Crag where King Arthur reputedly hid with Queen
Guinevere and all their court in a cave. Next we come to the most
impressive site on the Wall - Housteads Fort - a five acre sight
showing a central headquarters building, commanding officer's
house, barracks, hospital, latrines and granary. After touring
the fort we continue along this spectacular section of the Wall
to Cuddy's Crags, a famous viewing point on the Wall. We end the
day at Milking Gap and descend off the Wall to Twice Brewed hamlet.
Overnight
Day Six
The day begins with a walk past Crag Lough, one of the most beautiful
natural features along the Wall, and continues with outstanding
views and fascinating remnants of the Wall as it makes its way
past Winshields Crag and Cawfields Crag to Carvaoran. Here we
stop for lunch and a visit to Carvoran Roman Army Museum to gain
an insight into the lives of Roman soldiers.
This afternoon we leave the Whin Sill, passing Thirlwall Castle,
a twelfth century border castle where King Edward I stayed in
1306 during his campaign against the Scots. We cross the great
watershed of England at Irthing Gorge, leaving the valley of the
Tyne to follow the river Irthing to the Eden Valley. At this point
we leave Northumberland and enter Cumbria, passing through the
Gilsland Spa, where Sir Walter Scott stayed on his honeymoon.
The walk follows a magnificent stretch of wall culminating with
a visit to Birdoswald Fort and a well earned cup of tea.
Overnight
Day Seven
This morning we leave the moorland landscape and the countryside
changes to rolling hills and farmland. From Craggle Hill there
are magnificent views in all directions. A highlight is a visit
to Lanercost Priory, a twelfth century Augustinian priory. The
Nave of the Priory church is intact and boasts some fine stained
glass windows.
The next section follows through quiet, idyllic farmland and we
shall stop at one of the farmhouses along the way for tea.
Overnight
Day Eight
Today farmland gives way to parkland as we enter the
county town of Carlisle - a town with Roman beginnings and an
endless struggle as a border town between England and Scotland.
We shall take time to enjoy the City on a guided walk to include
the old market, the cathedral, the castle and a visit to the award
winning museum and art gallery. There will be time for shopping
too!
Overnight
Day Nine
The final days walk follows the River Eden as it makes its
way out to sea. This is a delightful stretch which contrasts well
with all that has gone before. Pastures and woodland with river
views lead to the delightful farming community of Beaumont. Views
north to Scotland and south to the Lakeland hills lead to the
fort of Aballava and Burgh-by-Sands where King Edward I died while
waiting to cross the Solway to invade Scotland. The River Eden
joins the River Esk here and there are beautiful estuary views
and marshland birds can be seen as we arrive at our final destination
of Bowness-on-Solway. Enjoy cocktails this evening with views
across the Solway Firth to Scotland and celebrate the end of a
spectacular and historic walk across England.
Overnight
Day Ten
Depart after a leisurely breakfast.
Price: (2008)
$US 4,400 per person shared / $US 400 single supplement.
Included:
Nine nights bed and breakfast, eight days guided
walking, eight picnic or pub lunches, eight dinners, fruit and
juice breaks on the walk, the services of Blue Badge Tourist Guides,
all entrance fees for visits in the itinerary, back-up transport
during the walk and luggage transfers.
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