England: Hiking Through History on Hadrian's wall
May 17 - 30, 2026
Trip Co-Leaders - Deirdre Butler | Melinda Goodwater
Hadrian's Wall, also called the Roman Wall, is the stuff of legends. Built in 6 years from AD 122 by the Roman emperor Hadrian, it sought to intimidate the Empire's enemies. Built in the shortest distance across northern England, it stretched for 84 miles from today's Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. Now its entire route is a World Heritage Site with the 84-mile Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail running alongside. This trip will trace the complete route of the Wall with many stops along the way to visit fort excavations, museums, cathedrals and castles. You will come away with a much deeper understanding of life, culture, and history in this most distant outpost of the Roman Empire.
Starting in cosmopolitan Newcastle-upon-Tyne, we quickly leave the city for rolling hills that gradually increase in height and steepness as we reach the Pennine Mountains. This rugged area is where the Wall has been less disturbed and many miles of it are exposed snaking atop sheer cliffs. We descend back into undulating farmland reaching the historic city of Carlisle, then finishing at the seacoast of Bowness-on-Solway, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
This is a coast-to-coast hiking adventure of 84 miles averaging about 9 miles per hiking day. Much of the way is flat to rolling hills, but crossing the Pennines is challenging with many short, steep climbs where the weather tends to be wet and the ground soggy. Conditioning for this outing is essential for getting the most enjoyment out of it. A love of, and interest in history is a must!
The trip begins in Newcastle-upon-Tyne and ends in Carlisle.
What's Included:
All accommodations with shared twin/double occupancy en suite rooms (single supplements are very limited, first come basis).
All on-trip transportation.
All luggage transfers.
All breakfasts and dinners.
Entrance fees and visits to Arbeia Roman Fort, Segedunum Roman Fort, Housesteads Fort & Museum, Vindolanda Fort & Museum, Lanercost Priory, Carlisle Castle, Tullie Museum, Carlisle Cathedral, Edward 1 Memorial.
Gratuities for local service providers.
Pre - trip bulletins prior to departure with more detailed and specific information to help you prepare for your trip.
What's Not Included:
International airfare and in-country travel, pre- and post- trip
Lunches. Hot, cold, alcoholic beverages with dinners
Personal expenses
Tips for trip staff at your discretion
