Walking Tour of Hadrian's Wall & Northumberland

Arriving into Newcastle railway station at noon, our local guide will transfer you to the cosy village of Chillingham. Famously home to Britain’s most haunted medieval castle, we spend the afternoon touring the state rooms and castle grounds. Today the medieval castle remains as it was, with just a few adjustments during the Tudor period and the walls and architectural detail retain the castle’s character. As the day draws to a close, we head to the hotel for our first dinner together. 

Our itinerary takes us this morning to Holy Island, located on the Lindisfarne nature reserve. The ancient site of England’s first Christian settlements, our guide will lead you onto the stunning local beaches, showcasing the very best of Northumberland’s glorious coastline. If the tide allows, we’ll even take the opportunity to step on the ancient walkway used by barefoot pilgrims during the 8th century. In the afternoon, we move on to Bamburgh. One of the most important Anglo-Saxon strongholds in Northumbria, this castle is celebrated as one of the most spectacular in the area and is a must-see location for fans of the cult Viking series, The Last Kingdom. Tour the state rooms and enjoy magnificent views of the castle from the beach and rugged sand dunes. 

4 miles – 110ft elevation

In the morning we will transfer you to the village of Craster, famed as being the home of the Kipper, a smoked fish delicacy. We will walk a circular coastal route to Dunstanburgh castle before returning back to Craster. The walk along the coast offers fantastic sea views and an incredible view of Dunstanburgh Castle for the entirety of the route. There is the option of enjoying a coastal lunch on this day at the well-known Jolly Fisherman Restaurant. In the early afternoon, we transfer you back to Alnwick. In the afternoon in Alnwick, you will have the opportunity to walk along the river, around the outskirts of Alnwick castle. Enjoy some free time visiting the infamous Barter books with a large model train set inside! 

7 miles – 400ft elevation

Today we change hotels, moving towards Hadrian’s wall! In the morning, you visit the National Trust property of Cragside House. Cragside house sits on a rocky outcrop surrounded by trees. It’s a true masterpiece of late 19th-century architecture so we allow plenty of time to explore the house and gardens. After a visit to Cragside, we will transfer you to Hexham. Once settled in, you can enjoy a walk along the River Tyne from the hotel, arriving back in the early afternoon some free time to explore Hexham Abbey and relax in the hotel.

5 miles – 100ft elevation

We start our day heading to the world-famous Hadrian’s Wall. Stretching 73  miles from coast to coast, we take some time to marvel at what is undoubtedly one of  England’s most dramatic landmarks. We also visit the sadly felled Sycamore Gap tree,  before pausing for lunch in the National Landscape Discovery Centre, The Sill. In the  afternoon, we stroll down to Vindolanda, one of England’s most significant Roman  archaeological sites. We’ll finish the day with a group meal to celebrate our last night together.

4 miles – 350ft elevation

After a leisurely breakfast, your guide will transfer you to Newcastle. Here we say farewell and provide any help you might need with your onward travel.