What you can expect
Walk alongside northern Europe's largest surviving Roman monument.
Enjoy picturesque English countryside
Immerse yourself in the history of early Britain with a walking tour along the famous Hadrian’s Wall Path in northern England. This fascinating national trail runs for over 80 miles from coast to coast alongside one of Britain’s most iconic landmarks and passes through some of the most picturesque countryside England has to offer.
Hadrian’s Wall is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designated as a National Trail in the UK, the Hadrian’s Wall Path has become one of Britain’s most popular long-distance walking trails and offers hikers a rare glimpse into the past.
Arrive at and check in at your hotel at leisure. Take time to meet your fellow Solos guests and enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner in the hotel restaurant.
After breakfast we take a coach to the Housesteads Fort which we will take a tour around before setting off on our day’s hiking activity. We then walk along Hadrian’s Wall path using the Military Way/across Hadrian’s Wall Trail to the ‘Steel Rigg’ scenic point. This is a very scenic and iconic walk across the Wall including where the famous sycamore tree once stood and along the way we pass by a variety of features of the Wall which includes milecastles and turrets and will be treated to some fantastic panoramas and dramatic views. (Moderate – very hilly/up and down terrain).
We stop for lunch break at the Twice Brewed Inn
After lunch we continue our walk to Vindolanda Fort and Museum (easy) where we will spend time to take a comprehensive tour of the site (easy – most of site)/ moderate – one steep walk back up from museum to main site)
Mileage: c.6 miles c. 10km but this will feel longer due to hilly nature of the terrain in Hadrian’s Wall central sector (Housesteads – Steel Rigg scenic point down to Twice Brewed pub)
After breakfast we take a coach again to Corbridge town from where we walk to Aydon Castle which we will tour around before walking back to Corbridge Town (circa 2/3 hours).
Mileage: 6.1 miles (9.5km) easy/moderate
We stop for lunch in Corbridge town.
After lunch we walk around Corbridge Town (if time allows) which has plenty of history and interesting features along with numerous quaint shops, a church and the Pele Tower.
We then walk across to Corbridge Roman Fort (15/20 minutes easy walk) where we will tour around the site of the fort and Museum (2 hours)
Mileage: 1.5 miles/2.4km (easy)
Total day’s mileage: 7.5 miles/12km (easy/moderate)
Today we start at the Brunton Turret part of Hadrian’s Wall and walk to Chester’s Roman Bridge Abutment. From there we continue our walk round to Chester’s Roman Fort across Tyne River.
We will take a tour of the fort and enjoy its fascinating features such as the Roman headquarters building, and the Roman bath house located right by the side of the Tyne River (on edge of fort). The fort has fabulous views across to Roman bridge abutment.
From there we will walk back up to Chester’s Roman/John Clayton Victorian Museum which we will take a tour of.
If time allows there will be the chance of having tea/coffee here at the cafe and a look at EH gift shop on way out of main EH reception area.
Midday back to hotel.
The views of offer on this day of our exploration of Hadrian’s Wall are stunning and very different from those compared to those on the hilly central section we enjoyed on Day 2. There is also some amazing architecture here – from the former John Clayton estate.
Total mileage for half day: Mileage: 1.5/2 miles approx./2.4km (easy)
Set on the banks of the North Tyne, in an unrivalled setting overlooking Chester’s Roman Bridge and Hadrian’s Wall beyond, this friendly hotel is surrounded by beautiful gardens and spectacular walking routes.
Priding itself on traditional ‘northern hospitality’, George Hotel provides a relaxing environment with open fires, friendly staff and locally sourced and freshly prepared food.
The George’s on-site restaurant serves breakfast and evening meals with a diverse all-day menu with a modern twist. During the day, guests are welcome to visit the bar for a light lunchtime meal.
The hotel’s leisure club is also open for guests. This includes a swimming pool and gym for visitors who would like to relax or fit in an early morning or late evening workout during their stay.
Each room contains the familiar comforts including a tea and coffee making station, in-room safe, en-suite and TV.
Frequently Asked Questions
The accommodation is in Chollerford, 5 miles from Hexham town centre and just 37 minutes’ drive from Newcastle airport.
Private parking is possible on site for free.
Two full day and one half day guided walks are included in the programme. The walking programme is graded as easy/moderate and you can expect to walk up to 6 miles on the first walk and approx 7,5 miles on the second walk. Third walk is 2 miles. A coach will be used to transfer you to the starting point of the walks.
Walking notes
Distance: 6 to 7 miles per day approx
Walking boots: Essential
It is your responsibility to ensure that you are fit and well enough to take part in your chosen activity holiday. If you are unsure as to whether the walks are within your capabilities, please contact the office to discuss this matter, thus making sure you appreciate the terrain that you will be walking.
It is recommended to bring water & snacks for the walk.
You could be walking across uneven ground in some areas and extreme care must be taken, especially if wet. If used to using a pole/stick, it is advisable to bring it. Please appreciate the route and content of the holiday may change at the time and at the discretion of the guide/organiser, should conditions require. Solo’s Holidays Ltd cannot be held responsible for personal injury, accident or damage to property whilst on these walks other than incidents arising out of the company’s negligence. The guide has the right to refuse to guide a walk with anyone not properly attired.
It is of paramount importance that you have the correct footwear. It is essential to wear walking boots that are comfortable and preferably lightweight, with some ankle support and a good grip. If you already have a pair of boots that you are happy walking in (including during hot/wet weather and on hard ground), then bring these along. However, if you are bringing new footwear, do make sure they are well broken in before you arrive. Experience has shown that wearing 2 pairs of woollen socks adds to comfort. The dress code for during the evening is casual.
Whilst we would hope for good weather during your holiday, it is of course impossible to guarantee this. We would therefore recommend you travel with clothing suitable for all conditions, and suggest you use the following checklist as a guideline of what to take:
Walking boots with good ankle support
Waterproofs – jacket and trousers
Walking poles – recommended as they provide good support for the knees, particularly on downhill sections of walks and when conditions are wet/slippery
Lightweight trousers and shorts with pockets
Shirts or t-shirts for walking in
Walking socks – several pairs
Lightweight fleece or jumper
Hat & gloves
Daysack/rucksack for walking
Umbrella – it can be used also for protection from the sun as well as rain
Lightweight drinking bottle to carry water whilst walking
Small first aid kit – plasters, insect repellant, etc
Good, high factor sunscreen, sunhat and sunglasses
There is often confusion on the question of gratuities, since it frequently depends on the type of holiday, location and, of course, your attitude towards tipping, as to what is normally expected. In order to give you a rough idea, we have given appropriate guidance below. The Tour Leader will be on hand to offer advice or suggestions if required but gratuities are offered entirely at the sole discretion of the individual. We suggest a group collection at the beginning of your holiday to cover drivers, guides and hotel staff (including restaurant, kitchen and reception staff) of approximately £10. Your Tour Leader will collect this on your behalf and distribute it accordingly, thus relieving you of the burden of who, when and how much to tip. The tipping of bar staff and housekeeping will be left to your individual discretion (the rounding up of the drinks bill and a small amount left in your room on departure should cover this and would be much appreciated). As is customary, ‘the hat’ will be passed around for the driver and guide on all optional excursions. For any meals that are not included in your itinerary, restaurants expect a 10% gratuity (do check that service has not already been added to your bill). For taxis 10% of the metered fare.
Average Temperatures
| Month(s) | Highest temperature | Lowest temperature |
|---|---|---|
| May | 15 °C | 8 °C |
| September | 17 °C | 11 °C |
| October | 14 °C | 8 °C |
“I’m sure you will enjoy it, I have been on three solos holidays to date and the people I’ve met have been great.”
“I’ve been travelling with Solos for nearly 20 years, on and off. The reason is for exactly what you want – you meet like minded people… and have loads of fun!”
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“The feeling you have once you go away on your own is worth all the nerves before! I was so very anxious the first time but now having done it 4 times, I love it!”
