We have improved our walking grade scale. Read more

Best of Hadrian’s Wall Guided Walking with Sightseeing

Early Booking Offer

Location: Northumberland

Duration: 6 nights

Board Basis: Full Board

Travel Dates: Oct 2026, Apr-Oct 2027

Itineraries available: 1

Choice of Walking Grade: 6 details

Carbon Footprint: 125kg CO2 details

Non-members From

£1,289

pp

Members From

£1,259

pp

For group booking of 10 or more please click here
Walk the best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall starting in the market town of Brampton and ending in historic Corbridge. Let our experienced HF Holidays Leaders take care of all planning and navigation as you spend time at Housesteads Roman fort, explore the southern part of Northumberland National Park, and visit Vindolanda – an archaeological site that boasts carefully reconstructed towers and temples, excavated ruins, and a museum home to some of the oldest surviving handwritten documents ever found in Britain.

Accommodation

A range of handpicked hotels...
We love the Centre of Britain Hotel in Haltwhistle. It’s one of the region’s oldest buildings and part of the hotel was once a 15th century Pele Tower used by the Border Reivers. Later it became a Manor House, excise office, and a coaching inn. Comfortable rooms come kitted out with  TV, radio, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a hairdryer and safe. Drying and washing facilities are available, too. And to really get you into the Hadrian's Wall spirit, the hotel usually organises a Roman banquet-themed meal for your final evening. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Walking grades

From September 2026, we have expanded our walking grade scale from 6 to 10 points. While the holidays themselves have not changed (the routes, daily distances and ascent levels remain the same), our newly expanded 1-10 scale offers greater distinction between holidays and clearer grade descriptions, so you can choose a holiday that best suits you.

Moderate walking grade  6

Moderate walking grade 6

Longer full day walks with more ascent and varied terrain. Good fitness and agility are needed. Typically, 9-10 miles (15-16km) with around 1,500ft (460m) of ascent.

What You’ll Love

  • Walking along a sections of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail
  • Visiting Roman forts including Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Housesteads, and Chesters
  • Exploring Aydon Castle, Thirlwall Castle, and Lanercost Priory
  • Staying in one of our carefully-selected partner hotels
  • Sharing the experience with a group of like-minded walkers
  • A more personalised experience thanks to small group sizes (maximum 15 people)

What's Included

  • Comfortable en-suite rooms in our partner accommodation(s) 
  • Cooked or continental breakfast every morning 
  • Daily packed lunches
  • Three-course evening meals, plus tea & coffee  
  • Guided walks with an experienced HF Holidays Leader 
  • All transport to and from walks where necessary 

    Please note - Entrance fees are not included. See Essential Info tab for details.

Itinerary

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take alternative routes or adapt the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

Guided Trail

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy34006ermj2a1xd56je621
    [title] => Arrival Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will be at reception at 18:00 to meet the group and for a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.

[S] => 1 [E] => 1 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => )

Check in at the hotel is available from 3pm. Your leader will be at reception at 18:00 to meet the group and for a quick introduction to the holiday before dinner.

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy3403e4axqz1gp7wckkjbx
    [title] => Brampton to Gilsland
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Our starting point is the historic market town of Brampton, the headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. Leaving the town we follow a footpath through open fields, which leads us towards the evocative setting of Lanercost Priory, built in 1166 with red sandstone taken from Hadrian's Wall. Soon after leaving the priory we have our first meeting with the Wall from where we can look back over our route so far. We follow the course of Hadrian's Wall, passing various Turrets and Signal Towers before we reach the 2,000-year old Birdoswald Roman Fort, once home to over 1,000 soldiers. The visitor centre here provides a good introduction to the history of Hadrian's Wall. Descending to the River Irthing, we have the opportunity to explore the Roman remains at Willowford, one of the most photographed sections of the Wall, before arriving in the historic village of Gilsland.

9 miles (14.5km) with 1,300 feet (400m) of ascent

Please note, entrance to the various attractions on this holiday is payable locally, and not included in the holiday price as many of you will be entitled to free or discounted entrance. Please find further details in the "Trip Information" section of the trip notes, under "Admission Costs".

[S] => 2 [E] => 2 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => )

Our starting point is the historic market town of Brampton, the headquarters of Bonnie Prince Charlie in 1745. Leaving the town we follow a footpath through open fields, which leads us towards the evocative setting of Lanercost Priory, built in 1166 with red sandstone taken from Hadrian's Wall. Soon after leaving the priory we have our first meeting with the Wall from where we can look back over our route so far. We follow the course of Hadrian's Wall, passing various Turrets and Signal Towers before we reach the 2,000-year old Birdoswald Roman Fort, once home to over 1,000 soldiers. The visitor centre here provides a good introduction to the history of Hadrian's Wall. Descending to the River Irthing, we have the opportunity to explore the Roman remains at Willowford, one of the most photographed sections of the Wall, before arriving in the historic village of Gilsland.

9 miles (14.5km) with 1,300 feet (400m) of ascent

Please note, entrance to the various attractions on this holiday is payable locally, and not included in the holiday price as many of you will be entitled to free or discounted entrance. Please find further details in the "Trip Information" section of the trip notes, under "Admission Costs".

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy3406vkkxsa5jr4qacfqbd
    [title] => Gilsland to Once Brewed
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

From Gilsland our route becomes more dramatic, as a craggy landscape rises ahead. We briefly cross the intersection with the Pennine Way before we reach the impressive ruins of Thirlwall Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century by John Thirlwall to protect his family from the violent cross border raids between England and Scotland. On leaving the castle the walking becomes more rugged as we cross a splendid section of wild and invigorating countryside, which includes Cawfield Crags and Milecastle 41. The location of the Milecastle commands superb views over a wide expanse of countryside. As well as a superb stretch of walking, this section of the Wall is particularly impressive - an unbeatable combination. Crossing Windshields Crags we reach the trig point at 345 metres, the highest point on the entire Wall.

10 miles (16km) with 1,300 feet (400m) of ascent

[S] => 3 [E] => 3 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => )

From Gilsland our route becomes more dramatic, as a craggy landscape rises ahead. We briefly cross the intersection with the Pennine Way before we reach the impressive ruins of Thirlwall Castle. The castle was built in the 14th century by John Thirlwall to protect his family from the violent cross border raids between England and Scotland. On leaving the castle the walking becomes more rugged as we cross a splendid section of wild and invigorating countryside, which includes Cawfield Crags and Milecastle 41. The location of the Milecastle commands superb views over a wide expanse of countryside. As well as a superb stretch of walking, this section of the Wall is particularly impressive - an unbeatable combination. Crossing Windshields Crags we reach the trig point at 345 metres, the highest point on the entire Wall.

10 miles (16km) with 1,300 feet (400m) of ascent

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy3409fhg2hrn0hnvk53w8c
    [title] => Once Brewed Circuit
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Today’s circular walk gives us the opportunity to visit Housesteads - the most complete Roman fort in Britain - and the ruins of Vindolanda, a Roman town with its own fort. Leaving Once Brewed, we’ll climb along Steel Rigg and follow a stunning route that enjoys magnificent views over Crag Lough. As we walk, we’ll also see Hadrian’s Wall snaking into the distance, following the high ground to take advantage of the natural defences of this dramatic landscape. A little further on we’ll pass by the spot where the famous “Robin Hood’s” tree at Sycamore Gap once stood, before ample time to explore the impressive site of Housesteads Roman Fort and the gardens at Vindolanda.

5 miles (8.1km) with 570 feet (175m) of ascent.

[S] => 4 [E] => 4 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => )

Today’s circular walk gives us the opportunity to visit Housesteads - the most complete Roman fort in Britain - and the ruins of Vindolanda, a Roman town with its own fort. Leaving Once Brewed, we’ll climb along Steel Rigg and follow a stunning route that enjoys magnificent views over Crag Lough. As we walk, we’ll also see Hadrian’s Wall snaking into the distance, following the high ground to take advantage of the natural defences of this dramatic landscape. A little further on we’ll pass by the spot where the famous “Robin Hood’s” tree at Sycamore Gap once stood, before ample time to explore the impressive site of Housesteads Roman Fort and the gardens at Vindolanda.

5 miles (8.1km) with 570 feet (175m) of ascent.

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy340cdye0bh0njppb3kb1g
    [title] => Housesteads to Chollerford
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

Leaving Housesteads we follow an attractive stretch of footpath along the Wall where woods perch on the rocky slopes of Sewingshields Crag. We can admire the great views of the Wall zigzagging ahead of us, before we pass a white cairn and Sewingshields Turret. Here we descend to follow a long line of roadside Wall, passing the site of the fort Brocolitia and the remains of the Temple of Mithras en route. Entering the Northumberland National Park an excellent stretch of walking provides stunning views of open countryside. Towards the end of our day we reach Chester's Fort, which was originally the grounds of a country house, home to John Clayton the man responsible for the initiation and restoration of the wall around 1832. The museum here displays his finds at various sites along the Wall and is a memorial to his efforts.

10 miles (16km) with 500 feet (150m) of ascent

[S] => 5 [E] => 5 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => )

Leaving Housesteads we follow an attractive stretch of footpath along the Wall where woods perch on the rocky slopes of Sewingshields Crag. We can admire the great views of the Wall zigzagging ahead of us, before we pass a white cairn and Sewingshields Turret. Here we descend to follow a long line of roadside Wall, passing the site of the fort Brocolitia and the remains of the Temple of Mithras en route. Entering the Northumberland National Park an excellent stretch of walking provides stunning views of open countryside. Towards the end of our day we reach Chester's Fort, which was originally the grounds of a country house, home to John Clayton the man responsible for the initiation and restoration of the wall around 1832. The museum here displays his finds at various sites along the Wall and is a memorial to his efforts.

10 miles (16km) with 500 feet (150m) of ascent

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy340ezsdb3ae3ypzc5rx4n
    [title] => Chollerford to Corbridge, via Aydon Castle
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 

At Chollerford we cross a fine bridge, built in 1775 following the great flood of 1771, which demolished its predecessor. The Roman ditch is unmistakable and very deep on this stretch and we are surrounded by calls of the skylark, lapwing and curlew. Passing though a thick forest we emerge to a different world of arable farmland and enjoy pleasant walking through fields. The Wall stretches in a straight-line head of us, aligned along the Dere Street Roman Road from Corbridge. At the Onnum Roman Fort we bid our final farewells to the Wall and walk south to the peaceful village of Halton and its ruined castle. From here we continue to Aydon Castle, one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval manor house in England and the setting for the film 'Ivanhoe'. We have the opportunity to explore this delightful castle before following a bridleway to the finish of our Hadrian's Way holiday at Corbridge Roman Town.

9½ miles (15km) with 800 feet (240m) of ascent

[S] => 6 [E] => 6 [B] => [L] => [D] => [content] => Array ( ) [shared] => )

At Chollerford we cross a fine bridge, built in 1775 following the great flood of 1771, which demolished its predecessor. The Roman ditch is unmistakable and very deep on this stretch and we are surrounded by calls of the skylark, lapwing and curlew. Passing though a thick forest we emerge to a different world of arable farmland and enjoy pleasant walking through fields. The Wall stretches in a straight-line head of us, aligned along the Dere Street Roman Road from Corbridge. At the Onnum Roman Fort we bid our final farewells to the Wall and walk south to the peaceful village of Halton and its ruined castle. From here we continue to Aydon Castle, one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval manor house in England and the setting for the film 'Ivanhoe'. We have the opportunity to explore this delightful castle before following a bridleway to the finish of our Hadrian's Way holiday at Corbridge Roman Town.

9½ miles (15km) with 800 feet (240m) of ascent

                      Array
(
    [id] => 01kwy340hmqgkq8vwv7a427c0r
    [title] => Departure Day
    [introduction] => 
    [description] => 
    [S] => 7
    [E] => 7
    [B] => 
    [L] => 
    [D] => 
    [content] => Array
        (
        )

    [shared] => 
)
                    

Accommodation

Centre of Britain Hotel, Haltwhistle - Best of Hadrian's Wall

We love the Centre of Britain Hotel in Haltwhistle. It’s one of the region’s oldest buildings and part of the hotel was once a 15th century Pele Tower used by the Border Reivers. Later it became a Manor House, excise office, and a coaching inn. Comfortable rooms come kitted out with  TV, radio, tea and coffee making facilities, as well as a hairdryer and safe. Drying and washing facilities are available, too. And to really get you into the Hadrian's Wall spirit, the hotel usually organises a Roman banquet-themed meal for your final evening. This hotel is dog-friendly so you may meet four legged friends in some of the communal areas.

Food & drink

Your stay is full-board. This includes daily breakfasts, packed lunch options, and evening meals. Vegetarian choices and dietary requirements can be catered for (please give advance notice when booking).

Packed lunches

Our packed lunches will be too much food for some and not enough for others; if you feel you might need more food during the walk, please bring a supply of snacks to supplement this – it won’t always be possible to buy these on the route. Your packed lunches will include: a bread sandwich or roll with a choice of filling; some fresh fruit; fruit cake/flapjack or similar, crisps and/or biscuits. For those of you tackling a level 4 or above holiday, we would highly recommend bringing some trail mix or something similar to ensure you've some fuel in reserve should you need it.

Dietary requirements

Our partner hotels can cater for most dietary requirements, but it is important you advise us of any allergies and dietary restrictions you have at the time of booking.

Getting here

By car

It is possible to leave your car in the Centre of Britain Hotel car park for the duration of the holiday. The hotel is located in the centre of Haltwhistle, on the main street.

By rail

For train times and route planning by train visit www.nationalrail.co.uk or call +44 (0)3457 484950. Our hotel is located only ½ a mile from Haltwhistle railway station. The hotel can collect you on request from the station, but please ensure that you give the hotel a call the day before your arrival to arrange this free service.

By air

There are a number of low-cost flights from around the UK, to Newcastle and Manchester. If you are flying from overseas there are international flights to Manchester Airport and Newcastle Airport.

More Information

We try to create a relaxed atmosphere on the walk but please listen to safety instructions from your leader.

Keep members of the group in view especially when weather or visibility is poor. If you leave the group, then your leader will no longer have responsibility for you. Our leaders consider the safety of the group as a whole and are likely to be more cautious over potential risks such as bad weather.

In the hopefully rare event of any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.

Hadrian's Wall is the best-known frontier in the entire Roman Empire. Our holiday travels through the centuries and follows the most spectacular sections of the wall combining a unique mix of heritage with wild and dramatic landscapes. Internationally celebrated as a World Heritage Site, Hadrian's Wall is the most important monument built by the Romans in Britain and stands as a reminder of the past glories of one of the world's greatest civilisations. The wall was built by order of the Emperor Hadrian, who came to Britain in AD 122. Over the next six years the army built a wall 80 Roman miles long, starting from Wallsend in the east, to Bowness on Solway in the west, with the intention of separating the Romans from the Barbarians. By the early 400's, the Empire had declined, and Britain was abandoned. Spanning nearly 2,000 years of history, this makes what we see today all the more precious for being the last remains of such an incredible Roman structure.

The UK has a famously unpredictable climate so it's best to be prepared for weather that’s sunny one minute and raining the next.  To make it easier, here’s a list of items you should consider packing.   

Essentials  

  • Suitable footwear such as waterproof walking boots that provide ankle support and good grip  
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket 
  • Comfortable clothing (jeans & waterproof capes are not suitable)  
  • Mid-layer(s) to keep you warm. Fleeces make a good choice
  • Waterproof overtrousers  
  • Gloves and a warm hat  
  • Rucksack with waterproof liner 
  • Flask for hot drinks   
  • Water bottle (at least 1 litre capacity)  
  • Sunscreen  
  • UV sunglasses  

For holidays operating October through to the end of March, please also bring the following on your walks:

  • spare warm clothing
  • spare high energy food
  • head torch and spare batteries
  • please note for the October to March season your waterproof jacket needs to offer a high level of waterproofing and wind resistance, and a hood. Look for a waterproof jacket with sealed/taped seams and a minimum HH (hyrodstatic head - this is the rating given on waterproof jackets) of 10,000mm+

Recommended  

  • Several base layers (long-sleeve or short-sleeve)  
  • Cushioned walking socks to avoid blisters  
  • First aid kit, including plasters and midge repellent/net and tick remover tool
  • Sit mat   
  • Waterproof pouch for valuables  
  • Rubbish bag (remember to always leave no trace)  
  • Wallet/purse  
  • Camera
  • Walking poles
  • Midge net

Ticks

Ticks are tiny creatures that live in vegetation and can attach themselves to passing animals or walkers and may carry a risk of Lyme Disease. Please refer to NHS advice and guidelines for information prior to your holiday.

Our experienced and knowledgeable volunteer leaders undergo a thorough assessment to lead you on your holiday and are delighted to share their knowledge and enthusiasm with you.

Please ensure you complete and hand in your registration form on arrival and let the leader know about any medical problems you may have. This may be useful in the event of a problem on the walk and will be treated confidentially by the leader.

In the event of a problem

If you become separated from your group, please stay where you are. Your leader will retrace their steps to find you.

All our leaders carry a mobile phone, group shelter, spare maps and a compass. In the unlikely event your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call the emergency services (call 999 in the UK, or 112 overseas).

Please then try to call the hotel where you are staying to let them know there is a problem.

If you have any cause for complaints regarding accommodation, you should notify your leader who can then attempt to rectify the problem.

Suggested Reading and Maps

Your  leader will carry all the necessary maps and guides. For you own interest you may consider looking at some of the following: 

http://hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/

http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/hadrians-wall

http://www.visitnorthumberland.com/hadrians-wall

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hadrians-Wall

Hadrian's Wall Path Adventure Atlas by Geographers A-Z Map Company Ltd.

This official National Trail Map provides complete OS Explorer mapping coverage of the Hadrian's Wall Path.

Hadrian's Wall: Archaeology and History at the Limit of Rome's Empire by Nick Hodgson. This book is a good introduction to the Wall, how it was built and its purpose and about the soldiers and men, women and children who once lived there.

Please note

Just to let you know, admission fees aren’t included in your holiday price and are payable locally.

If you have National Trust (NT) / English Heritage (EH) membership, you’re entitled to free or reduced-price entry to some of the attractions we’ll visit. If you have either of these, be sure to bring your membership identification with you.

If you aren’t a member of either and aren’t eligible for any concessions, you can expect to pay approximately £60 to cover entrance to the English Heritage venues we’ll visit.

Sites not operated by English Heritage along this route include Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum. These are independently operated, and a joint ticket can be purchased to cover entrance to both sites for a total of approximately £17.

Carbon Footprint - 125kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

Learn more

Reviews

Code: XAJ06-LDW11

Share

Dates & availability

Best of Hadrian’s Wall Guided Walking with Sightseeing

Members save an additional £30 on this booking and get a range of other exclusive benefits. Add HF Membership to your booking online. Read more about membership

2026

4 Oct - 10 Oct 2026

6 nights. Trip notes

2027

Save £50 Per Person

18 Apr - 24 Apr 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,399 £1,349

pp

Members

£1,369 £1,319

pp
Single rooms

Save £50 Per Person

23 May - 29 May 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,449 £1,399

pp

Members

£1,419 £1,369

pp
Single rooms

£1,719 £1,669

pp

£1,689 £1,639

pp

Save £50 Per Person

20 Jun - 26 Jun 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,449 £1,399

pp

Members

£1,419 £1,369

pp
Single rooms

£1,719 £1,669

pp

£1,689 £1,639

pp

Save £50 Per Person

25 Jul - 31 Jul 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,449 £1,399

pp

Members

£1,419 £1,369

pp
Single rooms

£1,719 £1,669

pp

£1,689 £1,639

pp

Save £50 Per Person

1 Aug - 7 Aug 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,449 £1,399

pp

Members

£1,419 £1,369

pp
Single rooms

£1,719 £1,669

pp

£1,689 £1,639

pp

Save £50 Per Person

12 Sep - 18 Sep 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,449 £1,399

pp

Members

£1,419 £1,369

pp
Single rooms

£1,719 £1,669

pp

£1,689 £1,639

pp

Save £50 Per Person

10 Oct - 16 Oct 2027

6 nights. Trip notes

Twin & double rooms

Non-members

£1,399 £1,349

pp

Members

£1,369 £1,319

pp
Single rooms

£1,669 £1,619

pp

£1,639 £1,589

pp
Image

Trusted British co-operative

We are proud to be Britain’s only walking holiday co-operative. Led by almost 40,000 members, offering hundreds of holidays across the UK and overseas, with all surplus being reinvested back into our Society.

Image

Flexible choice of guided walks

Experienced volunteer HF Leaders guide every walk at our UK country houses, offering up to three daily options. Making it easy to find a holiday to suit your ability, and with the flexibility to switch grades each walking day.

Image

Book early with confidence

Become an HF Member to benefit from our Price Pledge. Secure your first choice of holiday early, and if the cost drops after you book, we will automatically refund the difference (exc. travel agent, group and self-guided bookings).

Image

Book with confidence

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

If we cancel your holiday, we honour all refund requests 

Image

Travel with confidence

We know that peace of mind is priceless, so we’ll always go above and beyond to meet – and exceed – expectations

If the flights we have organised are cancelled or changed, we’ll do everything we can to find alternative transport, with minimal disruption to your holiday

Image

HF Holidays

A British heritage brand with 111 years of experience

Offering a choice of over 260 itineraries in nearly 40 countries

Run as a co-operative with 40,000-plus members

Your Wishlist

Start your next adventure.

Click the heart icon on the search or holiday pages to save a holiday to your wishlist.