hadrian's wall guided walking tours

• Best Of The Wall
• 6 Day Trail Walk
• 7 Day Explorer
• Top 10 Tips for Walking Hadrian’s Wall
• Accommodation
• Itinerary planning service
• Bag Transfers

Walk the Wall

Exploring the heritage, rejuvinate, recharge & relax.

There are more ways than one to walk a trail and we've been providing walkers with a choice of options on Hadrian's Wall for 20 years. Our most popular itineraries can be seen here, but we have the flexibility to arrange whatever works best for you...

Self Guided Walks

Our most popular options range from 5-8 nights with a choice of five different B&B Accommodation & service levels

2022 Guided Walk

Spend evenings in fabulous settings, whilst being accompanied by two qualified & experienced Guides by day.

Camping Expeditions

If you're looking at Walking the Wall and like the idea of being that little bit more adventurous

With our base in Wall village, on Hadrian's Wall, we are uniquely placed to be able to offer a level of local knowledge, assistance & expertise from right on our doorstep...

Housesteads

Our reviews.

Terms & Conditions

Last Minute Trips

2025 dates now live, walking tour of hadrian's wall & northumberland.

10% Off Selected Departures. To find out more click Dates & Booking.

At a Glance

• 6 days, 5 nights
• 3* or 4* Hotels
• Pickup: Newcastle
• Carbon: 103kg CO2e
• Difficulty: Moderate

On selected dates

Step back in time and discover a corner of England steeped in rich history with this fully guided walking tour of Northumberland.

Walk in the footsteps of Vikings, visit Britain’s most haunted medieval castle and explore world-famous Roman ruins. From the unmistakeable Hadrian’s Wall and the Anglo-Saxon stronghold of Bamburgh to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, the cradle of Christianity, Northumberland’s heritage has to be seen up close to believed.

With an experienced local guide, fantastic cuisine, and hand-picked hotels and B&Bs, let Active England show you the majesty of historic Northumberland.

Your Itinerary

Arriving into Newcastle railway station at 12.00pm, 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, as well as visiting the resident wild white cattle. An icon of British natural history and one of the rarest animals in the world, these magnificent creatures have inhabited Chillingham Park for the past 700 years. As the day draws to a close, we head to our 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.

Turning inland, we make our way to the most northern point of the Cheviot Hills, a range of rolling uplands straddling the border between Northumberland and Scotland. Here we climb to the top of Yeavering Bell, hiking along trails to reach the Iron Age hillfort that rests on the summit. After stopping for a picnic lunch at the top, enjoying beautiful views over the lower Tweed Valley, we walk through the tranquil College Valley. With a bit of luck, we might even be greeted along the way by the wild Cheviot goats living on the hillside near Hethpool Mill.

We set out today at dawn, with a sunrise walk along the River Till toward one of Northumberland’s best kept secrets, the beautiful Ford and Etal Estates. Here we enjoy a leisurely tearoom breakfast, before continuing to Hay Farm. Home to the largest herd of rare breed Clydesdale horses, we take some time to explore before heading south towards our second hotel for dinner and drinks.

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.

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.

Handpicked Accommodation

Alnwick - 3* Option

Tankerville Arms Nestled in a tranquil village in Northumberland, this 19th century coaching inn offers plenty of little luxuries to create that home-from-home feeling. The restaurant offers British cuisine and concentrates on local produce, plus real ales from local breweries.

Alnwick - 4* Option

Eshott Hall A luxury country house hotel nestled in a quiet village, in the heart of rural Northumberland and surrounded by its own private estate of ancient woodland, rolling lawns and a walled kitchen garden. The archetypal grand manor house with a friendly atmosphere and fine dining.

Hexham - 3* and 4* Options

Beaumont Hotel The Beaumont is an independent Victorian townhouse hotel in the centre of Hexham, with stunning views of the 6th century Abbey. Dine on local seasonal produce in our restaurant or enjoy a drink at the bar with the open kitchen and the Victorian Sele park as a back drop.

What our guides say...

Vikings, castles, Roman ruins and more!

What’s Included

• All accommodation as indicated on the itinerary
• All breakfasts and x2 dinners (excluding dinner drinks)
• Walking poles
• GPS routes, provided via RideWithGPS (app available for Apple or Android)
• All special events, iconic points of interests, expert guests and entrance fees
• All transportation from rendezvous to farewell locations
• All baggage transportation
• All gratuities for baggage, porters and hotel service
• Services of a professional local guide

Accommodation Types

We have handpicked the best family run, independent and country hotels, pubs and guest houses. Cosy and with informal dining, these country hotels are friendly and relaxed, with great menus with locally sourced food and ales. Our handpicked accommodation is 3* with the option to upgrade to 4* for an additional cost.

Difficulty Level

This tour is rated moderate , meaning it’s appropriate for guests who enjoy a good walk and can handle an incline or two. We cover varied terrain, enjoying some rolling hills and a few steeper walks which are slightly more demanding. Your holiday, however, will be tailored by your guide to suit your individual preferences. Daily distances range from 4-10 miles. Rewarding views are guaranteed!

Equipment Provided

We’ll provide walking poles if required.

Pre & Post Tour Travel

Pick-up location: Newcastle railway station. Our walking holidays are designed to be completely relaxing, with the start of our tours sitting within easy reach of London, Bristol or the Midlands. This tour begins from Newcastle, a direct 3-hour train journey out of London, so that you can begin your holiday stress-free. End-of-tour location: Newcastle railway station

Where is Northumberland? Northumberland is a county in North East England, and lies on the England-Scotland border. It is home to one of the most picturesque and untouched stretches of coastline in the United Kingdom along with rolling hills and gentle mountains.

What is the best way to get to the North? The best way to travel up North is by train, approximately a 4 hour direct journey from London Paddington to Northumberland (Newcastle Train Station).

You can also fly into Manchester and transfer to the start of the tour from there.

Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer for you from London – the drive is approximately 5 hours.

How hilly is the North? The North of England is hillier than many of the other regions of England, offering a variety of routes which makes the regions great walking country and suitable for those who are moderately fit and active. There are many hills, fells and moors but the incredible views from the top more than make up from the ascents! However, you will be able to miss out some of the steeper inclines – or add in some hillier walks for those looking to stretch their legs. There are routes for everyone and we can tailor your tour to your specific preferences.

Make this trip private

Our private tours offer complete freedom to customize your trip. Base your tour on one of our scheduled departures, or tailor a bespoke experience to match your every expectation. We love combining our knowledge of England with our expertise in planning and delivering the best adventure trips.

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Carbon footprint.

What’s the Number? Nearly everything has a carbon footprint. Together with ecollective, we’ve measured the carbon impact of not only every tour we operate but our entire business. We’ve taken into account greenhouse gas emissions across the business including office, travel, website, vehicles, accommodation, activities, food, suppliers…

What does the number mean? We’re going to improve this by measuring and reducing our footprint each year. That means working with our suppliers to make changes that have a more positive impact on us and the planet. What does this look like in reality?

• Redesign trips to reduce our carbon impact
• Working closely with all our suppliers across England to join us on our decarbonisation journey
• Switching up our vehicle fleet to electric
• Investing in projects that permanently remove carbon from the atmosphere for any emissions that remain.

We’ve got a long way to go but we’re on our way to net-zero We’re committed to reducing our impact on the planet and working towards a sustainable future. We’ve taken ownership of our carbon footprint and are on a mission to reduce our emissions year on year.

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In choosing Active England you are travelling with a company that takes its commitment to sustainable tourism very seriously. We have partnered with ecollective to help us measure and reduce our carbon footprint, and we work closely with our suppliers to make small changes that have a positive impact on our planet. 

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Dates & Prices

04 aug 24 – 09 aug 24.

10% Sale Price at

29 Sep 24 – 04 Oct 24

Hadrian's Wall Path

Walk Hadrian's Wall Path on our full-length self-guided walking holidays, with accommodation and luggage transfer.

https://www.contours.co.uk/hadrians-wall-path

A walk between Wallsend and Bowness-on-Solway, following the impressive remains of Hadrian's Wall.

From £340 per person

About the trail

Hadrian's Wall Path is an iconic walking holiday. Through a rolling, castle-marked landscape shaped by the Roman occupation of Britain, this popular National Trail strikes across the breadth of the country along the shoulder of Emperor Hadrian’s ancient wall.

Well-waymarked and featuring plenty of friendly villages eager to welcome walkers, Hadrian's Wall Path is the ideal trail for your first walking holiday. Yet it has plenty to offer veteran walkers, too, whether your interest is in the abundant wildlife, the varied remains of Roman milecastles, or the rolling Northumbrian hills themselves.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail. If you wish to experience the entire trail, simply select the first option from the list below.

Choose your route

• This route includes dog friendly tour options Hadrian's Wall Path
• This route includes dog friendly tour options Best of Hadrian's Wall
• This route includes dog friendly tour options Hadrian's Wall Highlights
• This route includes dog friendly tour options Hadrian's Wall Short Break

Dog friendly tours available

Dogs are welcome on select routes along this trail. Look for the pawprint icon when choosing your holiday.

Reverse tours available

This route can be walked in either direction - just tick the 'Reverse Tours' box when choosing your tour to see options travelling in the non-standard direction.

Trail running tours available

We also organise trail running holidays along this route. Find out more .

About this route

From £600 per person

Hadrian’s Wall Path features on the bucket list of almost every walking enthusiast. Our full-length Hadrian’s Wall Path walking holidays enjoy both the vibrancy of Newcastle and the slow, calm terrain near Bowness-on-Solway, ideal for birdwatchers.

The walk passes countless historic waypoints, such as Segedunum, Chesters and Vindolanda Roman Forts, while staying close to the famous wall from the west coast all the way across England to the east coast. This walk is well-known across the world, and once you've walked it for yourself, it is easy to see why.

This route can also be travelled in the opposite direction if preferred. Select the ‘Reverse tours’ option when choosing your itinerary.

Available tours, short breaks, hadrian's wall path - east to west 5 nights, 4 days walking, what's included.

• Extra nights?
• Route profile
• Travel info
• Holiday Highlights

Important information

Please note that in early September thousands of athletes and spectators flock to the Great North Run in Newcastle/Gateshead. This can have an impact on availability of accommodations and on baggage transfers in the area, in particular, at Wallsend. If you are considering walking during this time, please telephone or email us to discuss your options. Additionally, please note that due to limited availability of good-quality accommodation near the start of the trail, accommodation for the Wallsend stop is typically located around Newcastle or at Whitley Bay. Instructions are provided to travel via the Metro to the beginning of the trail. The cost of this is not included in the cost of your tour.

Travel to Wallsend where your first night's accommodation will be booked

Wallsend to East Wallhouses(L). 21 miles (33.5km) / 1411 ft (430 m) ascent

East Wallhouses(L) to Once Brewed. 21 miles (33.5km) / 2228 ft (679 m) ascent

Once Brewed to Newtown(L). 18 miles (29km) / 1378 ft (420 m) ascent

Newtown(L) to Bowness-on-Solway. 24 miles (38km) / 689 ft (210 m) ascent

Depart from Bowness-on-Solway after breakfast

Your Itinerary

This itinerary lists our preferred overnight stops for this tour. Sometimes there may be a shortage of available accommodation in a preferred location, in which case we will transfer you from the trail to your accommodation and back again at no extra charge. Overnight stops marked with a (T) will always require transfers as standard.

Overnight stops marked with an (L) have very limited accommodation, and therefore more often than not will also require a transfer, particularly on bank holidays and weekends. We will use non-transfer accommodation wherever possible.

The daily mileages quoted are average trail miles only and do not include the distance from the trail to your accommodation. We do not expect you to have to travel more than a mile from the trail to your accommodation in most cases; should your accommodation be further than this, transfers will be provided as standard if practical. A very limited number of stops will require you to travel on foot up to two miles off the trail, however these instances will be clearly communicated to you if applicable.

Further transfers may also be required due to some accommodations having a two-night minimum booking policy, especially at weekends.

Below are the additional costs that may apply depending on your requirements. Dog-friendly tours are subject to a Daily Dog Charge, which will be listed below if applicable. Our standard prices per person are based upon two people sharing a room; if you are on your own, or are part of a group but require a room of your own, then the Solo Traveller or Single Supplements apply respectively:

You can add rest days at any of the overnight stops:

Holiday highlights

Following Hadrian’s Wall for days of immersive walking through Roman History.

Admiring far-reaching views of the Wall from Wallsend, Cawfields, Walltown Crags and Gilsland.

Enjoying the open wilderness of the Northumbrian countryside, as well as the fine cakes and tea in the friendly towns along the way.

• 5 nights' accommodation in en-suite rooms (where available) in selected B&B’s, hotels, inns and guesthouses along the trail, or a short distance away via taxi provided at our expense.
• Breakfast each day.
• Door to door luggage transfer.
• Maps with the route marked on and a guidebook or route notes describing the trail.
• An information pack containing an itinerary, instructions on how to find your accommodation each night and a kit list.
• Detailed travel instructions on how to get to the start of your holiday and back from the end of it.

Extra Nights & Rest Days

Route profile.

Travel Information

Weather information.

To find out more about the weather forecast for your chosen holiday's general location, please see the following websites:

• MetCheck - This website allows you to look up detailed weather information for specific locations as far as six months in advance.
• Met Office - This website shows regional area forecasts a few days in advance, with a general UK forecast description of up to 30 days in advance.
• Mountain Forecast - This website shows what the forecast is like up on specific hills and fells, and offers forecasts a few days in advance.

Customer reviews from the Hadrian's Wall Path

“This was a wonderful walk. We've shared the experience with many of our friends, and they all talk about it being on their "bucket list."” Dr Coffey, USA

“Very much enjoyed the holiday.” Mrs Low, UK

“A fabulous holiday, all accommodation had been advised that we were coming, luggage always there, taxis easy to communicate with and on time. No glitches, would reserve again with Contours.” Ms Pedersen, France

“Party of four, very well organised, luggage was well organised. All accommodation was good. Thanks. Would recommend Contours.” Mr Woodgate, UK

“Great experience even with the rain, wind and flooded countryside! Great concept and very enjoyable.” Mrs Burroughs, UK

“We had a wonderful holiday. Scenery was beautiful, lovely people, nice B&BS and guesthouses, and the weather was great.” Mr Gundersen, Norway

“Firstly the holiday exceeded all our expectations. We had great weather maybe if anything a bit too hot. All the bookings made by Contours went to plan and everything was great. Transfers of luggage went really well. All the accommodation was very good, obviously she slightly better than others but all the hosts were very friendly and helpful. I already have recommended you to others. I took my three grown up children, (40, 38 and 34) and they want to do something similar next year. You did exactly what you said, no fuss and it all worked without a hitch.” Mr Jenkinson, UK

“Very well organised. Excellent B&Bs. Trouble-free!” Mrs Muggeridge, UK

“Hadrian’s Wall provided a good historical journey with fantastic walks each day.” Mr O’Brien, UK

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• Hadrian’s Wall Path (East to West)

Why go walking on Hadrian's Wall Path (East to West)?

• Walk in the 'original direction' of the Hadrian's Wall Path, as you leave behind the big city of Newcastle and head into the open countryside, before finishing in the quiet village of Bowness-on-Solway at the Solway estuary.
• Move into the past with every step you take on this 135km long National Trail that follows the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall, the best preserved Roman frontier in the world.
• Trace 2,000 years of history across the beautiful border country between Scotland and England while exploring Roman turrets, castles & forts.
• Follow the Wall from the modern, busy cityscape of Newcastle Upon Tyne through the barren, blustery heights of Highshields Crags to the green pastoral scenes of the Eden valley.
• Connect with the life of the men who built and guarded this symbol of Roman Britain almost 2,000 years ago.

What's Included:

• Top-Choice Accommodation
• Detailed Itinerary, Maps & GPS Tracks
• Baggage Transfer
• Insider Tips
• 24/7 Support
• Access your tour details & documents on the go with your designated Hillwalk Tours account

What's Excluded:

• Travel to and from tour start and end points
• Lunches, dinners, snacks & drinks
• Travel insurance
• Hiking equipment

Hadrian’s Wall Path is a long distance National Trail in the north of England. It runs for 135km (84 miles), from Wallsend on the east coast of England to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast, and it became the 15th National Trail in 2003. With its well-maintained paths and few climbs, Hadrian’s Wall Path is often considered to be the easiest National Trail in the UK.

For much of its length, the trail follows close to the remains of Hadrian’s Wall, the defensive wall built by the Romans on the northern border of their empire in 122AD, now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There’s history every step of the way as you pass fine examples of Roman settlements and forts together with cosy pubs, bustling market towns and great views too.

Most of the trail runs through remote countryside and small villages but there are sections that pass through the cities and suburbs of Newcastle and Carlisle. The section between Chollerford and Lanercost/Newtown is the highest and ‘wildest’ part of the path; it is also where the Wall is most visible, and includes several important Roman forts (Chesters, Housesteads, Vindolanda, Roman Army Museum, Birdoswald).

The Hadrian’s Wall Path can be hiked both from East to West (hiking towards Bowness-on-Solway) or West to East (hiking towards Newcastle). Click here for more information about hiking the trail in the two different directions. If you would prefer to hike the Hadrian’s Wall Path in a West to East direction, then you can find these tours here .

See what it’s like to hike Hadrian’s Wall Path through the lens of Amandine and Sebastien who walked the trail with Hillwalk Tours and made this exhilarating video of their experience:

Choose Your Hike

Prices / what's included, accommodation, extra days/activities, travel info, why choose hillwalk tours, more reading.

We offer different tour grading levels depending on the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require

Gentle Hikes

Our Gentle hiking tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind. People for whom taking photos, meeting the locals and enjoying a long lunch are as important as the hike itself.

These tours spend more time in the most interesting central sections of Hadrian's Wall and give you a chance to explore the Wall and other remains of Roman Britain.

Look out for the 👣 symbol: this itinerary covers the entire Hadrian's Wall Path from Wallsend (Newcastle) to Bowness-on-Solway.

Slow Adventures: Our 'Slow Adventure' hiking tours of the Hadrian's Wall Path focus on the most exciting central section and cover less daily distance than our standard Gentle itineraries. They are designed to provide hikers with a more immersive and relaxed experience while exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This type of tour is perfect for those who prefer a slower pace, allowing them more time to enjoy and explore the archaeology and attractions along the central section of Hadrian's Wall.

Average Hiking Distance: 14.5-16km (9-10 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 4-5 hours per day

Moderate Hikes

Our Moderate hiking tours will suit people who are used to regular exercise. Hikers will appreciate the chance to cover plenty of ground each day without going beyond their limits.

These itineraries still allow you time to enjoy the Roman archaeology along the route. If you think you require additional time to visit the attractions please consider adding extra days to your tour.

Average Hiking Distance: 16-18km (10-11 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 4-6 hours per day

Challenging Hikes

Are you the type of hiker who sets off in the morning and doesn’t stop until they reach their destination? If the answer is yes, then our Challenging hiking tours will be just right for you.

However, if you think you require additional time to visit the attractions along the route please consider adding extra days to your tour.

Average Hiking Distance: 22-23km (13.5-14.5 miles) per day Average Hiking Time: 5-8 hours per day

It’s more common to walk Hadrian’s Wall Path starting from Newcastle and heading west. Many walkers feel that it is ‘more natural’ to walk out of a big city into the open country, and it also makes getting to the start of the walk easier due to the better transport connections to Newcastle. Furthermore, the scenery improves the further west you go – up to a point – and the turrets and milecastles are also numbered from east to west as that is the direction in which the Romans built the Wall.

Departing from Newcastle, near the North Sea, the trail follows mostly railway tracks and footpaths to Newburn. From here, it follows river-side tracks for a small while, before heading away from the river to Heddon-on-the Wall. The route then follows the old Military Road, built on top of the Wall, through a pastoral landscape.

More and more remains of Hadrian’s Wall and its forts, towers and castles become visible as the trail follows the line of the Wall west. The route soon passes the old Roman Portgate, near Corbridge, and then leads on to Chollerford with its Roman Fort of Chesters. From here the trail soon rises to follow the tops of the Northumberland Crags with better-preserved Roman remains.

From Housesteads, it moves on to Once Brewed and then to the lovely village of Gilsland. The trail follows the Wall through a more level landscape via Newtown to the ancient city of Carlisle. Following the River Eden and then moving through the flat landscape along the Solway Firth the route soon reaches Bowness-on-Solway on the Irish Sea.

Terrain Overview

The walking on this trail is relatively easy along footpaths, cycle lanes, well-maintained paths and tracks through fields and on good paths along the top of the Northumberland Crags. Though sometimes muddy in places, there is very little rugged or very wet ground.

There are some minor climbs and a little undulating terrain in the central section but for much of its length the path is more or less flat. The total aggregate ascent is approximately 2,000m over the entire route and the highest point is just 345 metres above sea level.

Elevation Profile

Terrain by Stages

Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall: A river-walk on cycle lanes and footpaths through the vibrant city of Newcastle followed by a former ‘Waggonway’ track and some minor roads.

Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford: This section is almost entirely through open countryside on grassy paths, alongside the B6318 ‘Military Road’, which was built on top of the Wall.

Chollerford to Once Brewed: Start out on paths alongside a road, followed by off-road paths which run parallel to the Wall. The trail then starts climbing up to the ‘crags’ (hills) and follows a more undulating route with a number of ascents and descents.

Once Brewed to Lanercost: Initially undulating, with a number of ascents and descents along the crags, followed by sections across open countryside on grassy paths with the Wall often visible.

Lanercost to Carlisle: On this leg, the path returns to more level farmland and at a certain point runs alongside the River Eden and passes through a pleasant park. Mostly paths, some asphalt.

Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway: Initially, the trail runs alongside the River Eden on a footpath, then continues on tracks through level farmland. Later, a footpath runs alongside the flat marshes of the Solway Firth (coastal waters).

What’s Included in the Price?

• Official Hadrian’s Wall Passports for those walking the entire trail ( Note: The stamps for these passports can only be collected from Easter onwards )
• Stay in our friendly, family-run guesthouses
• Relax in comfortable en-suite bedrooms *
• Big breakfasts will keep you going all day long
• Luggage? Don’t worry, we’ll move it for you!
• Detailed maps, route notes and GPS tracks mean you’ll never get lost
• Walking directions written and updated by the Hillwalk Tours team
• Local alternative/supplementary route options based on local knowledge
• Our waterproof map-case keeps your maps and documents dry
• If you need to contact us, we’re here 24/7 to help
• Insider tips on the best places to eat and drink **
• Explore the local history and culture in our fascinating guides
• Discover the most interesting attractions on the trail
• Need info on transport ? We’re happy to help

* Unless already booked out in which case we’ll try to secure a private bathroom

** You will have the opportunity to purchase picnic lunches and evening meals each day. If you are staying in a remote location, the B&B owner will prepare a tasty surprise for you upon request.

Please Note:

We occasionally charge additional supplements on the Hadrian’s Wall Path (East to West)  for tours starting during the high season. This is due to higher costs involved in booking our upgrade option or in cases where our normal accommodation suppliers do not have availability, and an alternative, more expensive, supplier is sourced with your approval.

Would you like more time to visit all the sites and museums along the route or do think you might need a break from all the hiking?

Newcastle: Once the world’s #1 centre of shipbuilding, vibrant Newcastle has undergone a cultural and architectural renaissance. Visit the outstanding ‘Great North Museum’ or experience one of the best nightlife scenes in Britain.  (Please note that accommodation for Newcastle is provided in the friendly seaside towns of Whitley Bay or Tynemouth, just 25 minutes by Metro train from the city centre.)

Chollerford: Explore the captivating Chesters Roman Fort with its ornate headquarters building, commanding officers residence, barrack buildings and military bath-house.

Housesteads / Once Brewed: Discover the Roman forts of Vindolanda and Housesteads with their extensive Roman remains and fascinating artifacts.

Carlisle: Visit medieval Carlisle where you find the award winning Tullie House Museum, the 12th century cathedral and the vast castle, with its ancient chambers, stairways and dungeons.

Booking Extra Days

• Choose WHERE you wish to stay.
• Decide HOW MANY NIGHTS you need.
• Go to the BOOKING FORM and fill in the ‘Extra Nights Required/Other Requests’ section

The costs of extra nights during your Hadrian’s Wall hiking tour start from £60 per person per night and from £80 for single hikers who will have their own private room. 

Please note that if you book any extra nights in a location not included in your tour itinerary, you will have to make your own arrangements to transfer your bags to this location.

Staying at the very best accommodation during your time in England can transform a “good” hiking tour into a “great” hiking tour.

That’s why, at Hillwalk Tours, we take the quality of our accommodation partners seriously. So much so that you will find we strive to only work with high-quality and well-reviewed accommodation. Additionally, most of our accommodation partners have been personally checked by a member of the Hillwalk Tours team to ensure your comfort.

As keen hikers ourselves we know you’ll want somewhere relaxing to put your feet up in the evening. A place where a warm smile from your hosts makes you feel welcome as soon as you step through the door. If your hiking gear gets wet, it’s nice to know that you can dry it or, if you ask, it may even be taken from you and returned nice and dry the next morning.

Comfy beds, en-suite bathrooms (where available), tasty breakfast menus, and a friendly & cosy atmosphere – these are all the things that we like so you can rest assured that we’ll do our best to find them for you as well.

To find out more about the types of accommodation you can expect to find on a Hillwalk Tours walking holiday, read here: Accommodation on your Walking Tour

In addition, if you’d like to stay an extra night at any location during your hiking tour, just let us know.

Due to limited accommodation options in some locations on your tour, we may need to book you into accommodation which will require transfers to/from your hike start/end point or where you will have private bathroom facilities instead of an ensuite. We may also need to book you into the same accommodation for more than one night to cover multiple locations. The cost of this is covered in your basic tour price and will not affect your tour itinerary.

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the hosts of the accommodation that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Getting to and from your Hadrian’s Wall Path (East to West) hiking tour is easy… when you know how!

In your walking pack, you will receive all the necessary public transport information you need to make your journey as convenient as possible.

In the meantime, if you’d like to do some advance planning yourself, here are our tips:

Most Convenient Airports

• Newcastle Airport
• Manchester International Airport

Sustainable Travel (from Europe)

• Travel by Ferry to the UK Sail from ports in the Netherlands, France, Ireland and Spain to Dover, Hull, Harwich, Portsmouth & others in the UK. See list of Routes from Continental Europe & Ireland to UK Ports
• Travel by Train to the UK From Paris, Brussels, Rotterdam or Amsterdam to London via Eurostar
• Travel by Bus to the UK From Europe to London / Manchester From Europe to the UK From the Netherlands & France to London

Public Transport

• Tyneside (Newcastle) Train service to Newcastle Metro to Tyneside
• Wylam Train Service
• Heddon-on-the-Wall Train and/or bus service
• Corbridge Train and/or bus service
• Chollerford Train and/or bus service

Departing from Lanercost, Newtown, Carlisle or Bowness-on-Solway after your Hiking Tour:

Use public or private bus and train services to Carlisle, Newcastle, Manchester and London.

Travelling by car?

If you would like to leave your car at the first or last accommodation on your tour, for the duration of the tour, then you can directly contact the accommodation owners before the start of your tour to check that this is possible. We will provide contact details for the accommodation provider.

• About Our Tours

Tour Grading

How to book, don't forget.., during your tour, about our england hiking tours.

The Hadrian’s Wall Path can be hiked both from East to West (towards Bowness-on-Solway) or from West to East (towards Newcastle). The ‘original direction’ was to start from Newcastle and hike towards Bowness, but recently many hikers are hiking the trail from West to East, towards Newcastle.

If you are looking for Hadrian’s Wall Tours running from East to West (Newcastle to Bowness-on-Solway), please click here .

If you are looking for Hadrian’s Wall Tours running from West to East (Bowness-on-Solway to Newcastle), please click here .

There are arguments that can be made for either direction and it really is down to personal preference:

Why walk the trail in a West to East direction?

In recent years many hikers choose to walk the trail from west to east, i.e. starting from Bowness-on-Solway and hiking towards Newcastle. The main reason for this direction is that the prevailing winds in the UK are usually blowing from the west. If you are walking from west to east you will therefore generally have the wind at your back.

Another reason is that many of the best views along the centre section of the route are from west to east and some say that you also get a better understanding of how the Wall was laid out by travelling in this direction. Lastly, it is a lot easier to travel onwards after finishing in Newcastle, when compared to Bowness, and some hikers feel that there may be something poetic about finishing a hike along the Wall in a place called ‘Wallsend.’

Why walk the trail in an East to West direction?

The official guidebook describes the route of the Hadrian’s Wall Path from east to west, i.e. starting from Newcastle. Many hikers feel that it is ‘more natural’ to walk out of a big city into the open country, and to finish on the quiet Solway estuary, which seems a better place to reflect on your achievement than urban and industrial Wallsend in Newcastle.

It usually also makes getting to the start of the walk easier due to the better transport connections to Newcastle. Furthermore, starting this way, you get the long stretch along the B6318 Military Road out of your way early on in your tour. You also get a little more Roman archaeology from each day to the next and the scenery improves the further west you go – up to a point. Lastly, you will be following the direction in which the Romans built the Wall, which is why the turrets and milecastles are also numbered from east to west.

Our “Slow Adventure” hiking tours of the Hadrian’s Wall Path focus on the most exciting central section and cover less daily distance than our standard Gentle itineraries. They are designed to provide hikers with a more immersive and relaxed experience while exploring the rich history and stunning landscapes of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. This type of tour is perfect for those who prefer a slower pace, allowing them more time to enjoy and explore the archaeology and attractions along the central section of Hadrian’s Wall.

Highlights and Features

• Leisurely Pace: The primary focus of this “Slow Adventure” tour is to encourage a more leisurely pace, allowing participants to take their time to appreciate the sites and scenery. This means shorter daily walking distances of 12-13 km (7.5-8 miles)
• In-Depth Exploration: The shorter distances give you more time to explore the history and archaeology of Hadrian’s Wall and visit the attractions along the route where in-depth explanations and stories bring the fascinating history of the Wall back to life.
• Hidden Gems: This tour is designed to let you spend more time at some of the lesser-known and less-visited sections of Hadrian’s Wall where you have the opportunity to discover hidden archaeological treasures and enjoy moments of solitude.
• Flexible Daily Itinerary: The daily hikes are short, which allows you to adapt to your own pace and interests. This means more time to linger at a fascinating ruin, enjoy a breathtaking view, or chat with fellow travelers.
• Leave No Trace: Emphasis on responsible and sustainable tourism practices, ensuring that the natural and cultural heritage of Hadrian’s Wall is preserved for future generations.

In summary, our “Slow Adventure” hiking tours of the Hadrian’s Wall Path are all about taking your time, immersing yourself in the history and beauty of the area, and savoring every moment of the journey. It’s an opportunity to connect with the landscape, the archaeology, and the stories that make Hadrian’s Wall such a unique and captivating destination.

A self-guided hiking tour means you are hiking without a guide.

Hillwalk Tours will provide you with all the resources you need to successfully complete the trail alone or in the company of good friends. We’ll plan your route, transfer your bags and show you all the best places to visit but you decide whether you want that extra hour in bed in the morning! All this gives you the freedom to enjoy the trails and the wonderful countryside at your own pace.

Find out more about the benefits of a self-guided hiking tour in comparison to a guided tour here .

Choosing the right hiking tour can be tricky. It’s important to consider the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require. To make your decision easier, we have drawn up a menu of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging hiking tours.

Before we explain the difference between the various grades, it is important to note that each hiking tour within a specific region follows the same official hiking trail. For example, if you choose to go walking in Kerry in Ireland, it doesn’t matter whether you pick a ‘Gentle’ tour or a ‘Challenging’ tour – you will still be walking along the official ‘Kerry Way’ trail. To make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have either 1) picked out the sections of the walking trails that are less demanding or 2) shortened the average daily hike between accommodations.

• Same Trail, Easier Sections: For example, on the Kerry Way in Ireland, our ‘Gentle’ tours are restricted to the less demanding sections of the trail while our ‘Challenging’ tours cover the entire trail including the most difficult sections.
• Same Trail, Shorter Distances: For example, on the Hadrian’s Wall Path in England, you can walk the entire trail on a 8-Day Challenging Tour, a 10-Day Moderate Tour or a 11-Day Gentle Tour. However, while the Challenging tour requires you to keep up a brisk pace of 23km (14.5 miles) per day on average, the Moderate tour has a more leisurely average of 18km (11.25 miles) per day and the Gentle tour only requires an average walking distance of 15km per day.

Below is a general overview of each tour grading level. Note that the figures for ‘Average Daily Hike’ and ‘Hiking Time’ may vary between regions. Poor weather conditions can affect the average hiking time which is based on a person of normal fitness walking at a moderate speed of around 4km/h (2.5 mph). The hiking time takes into account the terrain covered but not the time required for lunch stops, photos, etc. For more details on daily distances, the level of ascent and the terrain the trail crosses; refer to the itinerary page of each individual tour.

12-18km (8-11 miles)  3-6 hours

Our Gentle Hiking Tours are designed with the part-time hiker in mind. While you can still expect some climbs, these tours offer the shortest average daily hikes, which in turn means less ups and downs. This will give you plenty time to enjoy the sights and scenery, take photos, have a long lunch and, if necessary, negotiate the more tricky sections of a walk.

 16-23km (10-14 miles)   4-7 hours

Challenging

 22-30km (14-19 miles)   5-9 hours

Our core purpose at Hillwalk Tours is to create experiences that make people happy. Some of the ways we try to achieve this, and ensure you have the best possible experience with us, include;

The biggest choice of itineraries for the trails we offer, guaranteed –  We want you to explore these areas of outstanding natural beauty at your own pace, with nearly 400 itineraries to choose from across 21 different trails (and we’re always looking to add more).

We book your tour direct, always –  We don’t book third-party companies to organise tours for our customers. We don’t resell tours from other third-party companies. We always directly book and operate all of our tours ourselves.

Creating memorable self-guided hiking tours is all we focus on, nothing else! –  We just focus on creating and organising self-guided hiking tours, and nothing else! And we’ve been doing it for quite some time (since 2008), with over 20,000 hiking tours taken with us so far, and growing…

You can access your tour information easily –  You will receive a designated Hillwalk Tours account where you can login to access all your tour documents, trail GPS file, and other important details. Access your tour information anytime, anywhere, and on any device.

We don’t do off-the-shelf guidebooks  – We personally walk each trail we offer & create our own detailed route notes. By doing so, it allows us to provide you with more itineraries, route options and alternatives than any other walking tour company!

We come highly recommended by other hikers  – Our tours & service have consistently received 5* reviews from walkers. Check out our reviews on  Google ,  Facebook  &  Tripadvisor .

You can start your tour on any day / date you like  – We don’t confine you to book your tour on specific dates. Instead, you can book your tour to start on any day / date you like during the walking season.

We have itineraries to match your fitness levels  – We provide 3 levels of hiking; ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ & ‘Challenging’, which are designed to suit all types of fitness levels and abilities of hikers.

You can walk at your own pace  – As all our tours are self-guided, you can walk the trails at your own pace as opposed to adhering to a strict schedule, allowing you the freedom to enjoy the beautiful nature & surrounds.

We’re here to support you 24/7  – You can reach us by phone 24/7 if you ever need additional support while on the trail.

We have a very low booking deposit  – Our booking deposit of £100 is one of the lowest, if not the lowest, in the industry.

Guided hiking tours are not available from Hillwalk Tours.

However, don’t be put off doing a self-guided hiking tour. With help from the documentation that you are provided in advance i.e. Route Notes & Directions, Local History & Attractions, Places To Eat / Evening Meal Suggestions etc., you are well prepared, making it perfectly manageable to complete the trail by yourself – and without missing out on any of the local information & history as you walk along the trail!

You can start your hiking tour on any day / date you wish within the walking season. Generally, the walking season for most of our hiking tours takes place between March to October, but there are some exceptions. Please see the individual trail pages for further information on the start and end dates of the walking season for each individual trail.

Our 7-Day tours include 5 days of hiking. The first and last days of all our hiking tours are travel days used to transfer to/from the town where your hike will begin/end. If you would like to hike for 7 days, simply select one of our 9-Day tours.

Our 7-Day tours include 6 nights of accommodation – specifically the first 6 nights on your hiking tour. Your tour finishes on the seventh day when you check out of your last B&B.

A single supplement is an additional charge for walkers booking single accommodation (a room for one person).

This is due to the fact that most accommodation providers price their rooms for double occupancy, meaning that they don’t discount the rooms even if they are only occupied by one person. Furthermore, accommodation providers have outlined that the cost of cleaning the room is the same regardless of how many people are in it, and also the potential cost of giving up a double occupancy (or more) sized room for just one person at a cheaper rate, when they could sell the room to more than one person at the normal rate, is too high.

Therefore, the total tour price for individuals who request a single room is “the price per person plus the single supplement”. This added supplement covers the extra costs associated with accommodating a single person in their own room.

It is not possible to bring your dog on a Hillwalk Tours hiking holiday. Unfortunately, the majority of our accommodation providers do not accept pets of any kind. Furthermore, on many of the trails you will pass through farmlands where livestock are present, and where dogs are not permitted as a result.

Yes, most bus and train tickets can be purchased online in advance of your trip. Specific transport information is available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the Travel Info section for each tour for more information.

Upon booking you will also receive a step by step public transport guide which will outline some potential public transport options you can take in order to get you from your arrival airport to the start location of your tour.

We can generally arrange for you to park at your first accommodation.

If you are bringing your car, please contact us in advance.

About Luggage Transfers and Accommodation

No, on all our English hiking tours your luggage will be transported to your next accommodation each day as you walk and will arrive before 4pm. Weight limits apply to each piece of luggage, and vary from trail to trail, so please refer to your walking pack documents and communications sent to you in advance of your tour for the maximum weight limit allowed per bag on your selected tour.

You will mostly be staying in traditional English Bed & Breakfasts (B&B’s) / Guesthouses and small Hotels during your hiking trip. B&Bs / Guesthouses are often private lodging houses, where the friendly hosts welcome travellers into their homes. To ensure your comfort, most accommodation you will stay in has been personally checked by a member of the Hillwalk Tours team. At your accommodation, you can expect a warm welcome, en-suite facilities (where available) and a tasty breakfast each morning (but usually no other meals).

If you are planning to walk the Camino Francés pilgrimage trail in Spain, you will mostly be staying in family-owned hotels, boutique pensiones (guesthouses), casas rurales (country cottages) and traditional pazos (manor houses) during your hiking trip.

For more details on the types of accommodation you can expect to find on a Hillwalk Tours walking holiday, read here:  Accommodation on your Walking Tour

Yes, you will receive a list of all accommodation that you will be staying in prior to the departure of your travels. Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a digital PDF copy of your walking pack documents such as your route notes, accommodation details and evening meal suggestions etc. It’s within PDF copy of your walking pack documents that you’ll be able to find what accommodation you will be staying in each night*. You will also be posted a walking pack (either to your home address or the first accommodation on your tour) which will include essential physical items for your tour such as the required maps for the trail and luggage tags.

*If you’d prefer to receive a physical copy of your full walking pack documents too, it’s essential that you reply by email within 48 hours of booking your tour in order to let us know.

In general, we try to book accommodation which is as close to the local amenities as possible. If you are staying in a remote location (where access to local pubs/restaurants is not feasible), the owner of the B&B / Guesthouse or Hotel that you are staying at will ensure that you are well fed.

Please be aware that occasionally, due to the limited supply of accommodation, we may have to make reservations for you at a nearby B&B / Guesthouse or Hotel and arrange transfers to and from the walking trail accordingly. In most locations, this is not a concern but in certain places, availability can be an issue. For more information, just have a chat with the person who is booking your tour.

A ‘twin’ room is a room for two people with two separate beds. A ‘double’ room has just one large bed (for two people).

For more detailed information on the different room type options, please see the following page: Room Types

About Your Walking Pack

Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a digital PDF copy of your walking pack documents such as your route notes, accommodation details and evening meal suggestions etc. You will also be posted a walking pack (either to your home address or first accommodation on your tour) which will include essential physical items for your tour such as the required maps for the trail and luggage tags*.

A breakdown of the documents and items you can expect to find in your walking pack are as follows; – Route notes (prepared by a member the Hillwalk Tours team who has walked every step of your tour) – Detailed hiking map(s) – A high-quality waterproof map-case – Full details of your accommodations and where you will be staying – Our tips on the most interesting attractions to visit along the trail – A look at fascinating local history – A guide to the best places to eat and drink – Safety information, emergency contact details & the country code for walkers

You will find GPS coordinates for each overnight accommodation on your tour in your walking pack, which you will receive prior to departure. Additionally, you will find the GPS coordinates for the trailheads (i.e. the start and end points of your daily hikes) for most of our tours.

GPS tracks for your walking route will also be provided and available to download prior to your tour. Please note that while we are reasonably confident that the tracks are correct and up-to-date, we recommend that they are not used as the only tool for navigation. The most important means for navigation should be the way markers along the trail, our route notes and the maps we provide in the walking pack.

Once final payment for your tour has been received, you will be sent an email with a PDF copy of your hiking documents. This PDF document can then be forwarded to as many people within your walking group as you’d like.

For the walking pack which includes physical items such as luggage tags, map-case, maps etc. and which will be posted to you (or awaiting at your first accommodation) – one walking pack will be provided per four people. Therefore, for a group of 1 – 4 people, one walking pack will be sent. For 5 – 8 people, two walking packs will be sent, etc.

The contents of your walking pack (route notes, accommodation information, history, etc.) will all be in English .

About Fitness Levels

We try to provide trail itineraries that cater to a large range of hikers & abilities. To achieve this, we provide 3 different levels of difficulty i.e. Gentle, Moderate, and Challenging itineraries. The difference between each level of difficulty is in the average distance that you will walk each day. It does not differ in relation to the elevation, as the exact trail will still be followed. Therefore, the same elevations (the up’s and down’s) of the trail are usually present regardless of the level of difficulty. Depending on the trail, you may find in your route notes some alternative & easier route options for sections of the trail in order to help you navigate & bypass more difficult parts of the trail, but this isn’t always the case.

It’s important to note that levels of difficulty provided by Hillwalk Tours should only be used as a guide against where your own level of fitness is at, and what you feel you will be able to manage on a daily basis. At the end of the day, it’s you that knows your own level of fitness best. We strongly encourage you to review the distances & walking times for each itinerary that you may be considering, along with any additional notes on the specific tour page, in advance of booking.

The difference between these tours is the distance that you will hike each day:

• Gentle tours cover an average of 12-18 km (8-11 miles) per day
• Moderate tours cover an average of 16-23 km (10-14 miles) per day
• Challenging Tours cover an average of 22-30 km (14-19 miles) per day

For a more detailed breakdown of how we grade our hiking tours, please see the following question: Tour Grading

Yes, we are more than happy to organise an additional night for you at any location along your tour.

Suggestions on interesting places to take a rest day are available on the tour pages of each hiking region. See the ‘Extra Days/Activities’ section of each tour for more information.

About Money, Flights and Insurance

ATMs (cash machines) are available in most larger cities, towns and villages. Remember that your home bank will likely charge you for withdrawing money overseas. Additionally, if you have a debit card, you can often get cash through the ‘cashback’ system at some shops and pubs when you make a purchase with the card (ask for ‘cashback’).

Credit and debit cards can now be used for payment almost everywhere. However, there are still some smaller businesses that may only accept cash, such as smaller shops, B&Bs (for packed lunches) or taxis (for transfers to or from restaurants). We therefore recommend that you carry some cash (local currency) with you as a back-up.

Contactless card payments are also increasingly accepted in many places (please check daily card limits in advance of use).

The currency used in the United Kingdom (i.e. England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland) is Pound Sterling (£). Therefore, if you are taking any hiking tour in England, Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland, you will need Pound Sterling.

Flights and transport to the start and from the end of your hiking tour are not included on our tours. However, we do provide a detailed step-by-step guide of suggested options on how you can make it to the start location of your hike by public transport from numerous major airports. In addition, for further travel information, see the ‘Travel Info’ section on the individual tour page for each trail.

Although travel insurance is not required to take a hiking holiday, we strongly encourage you to take out adequate insurance cover prior to travel.

Unfortunately 3rd party travel insurance is not available through Hillwalk Tours, and must be booked separately.

Which England Hiking Tour Should You Choose?

Choosing the right hiking tour can be tricky. It’s important to consider the balance of physical challenge and comfort level that you require. To make your decision easier, we have drawn up a menu of Gentle, Moderate and Challenging hiking tours.

Before we explain the difference between the various grades, it is important to note that each hiking tour within a specific region follows the same official hiking trail. But to make these walking trails more accessible to all walkers, we have shortened the average daily hike between accommodations for the gentle and moderate tours.

Below is a general overview of each tour grading level. Note that the figures for ‘Average Daily Hike’ and ‘Hiking Time’ may vary between regions. Poor weather conditions can affect the average hiking time which is based on a person of normal fitness walking at a moderate speed of around 4km/h (2.5 mph). The hiking time takes into account the terrain covered but not the time required for lunch stops, photos, etc. For more details on daily distances, the level of ascent and the terrain the trail crosses; refer to the itinerary page of each individual tour.

1. Browse through our website to find your preferred hiking trail.

2. Choose the type of hiking tour you want to take: ‘Gentle’, ‘Moderate’ or ‘Challenging’.

3. Next, identify the number of days you want to spend on your hiking tour.

4. Click the ‘Make a Booking’ button on the top right of our webpage.

5. Finally, fill out our booking form and make a €100 deposit per person.

Deposits and Final Payments can be made using:

1. Credit Card – through Stripe, for Sterling Payments

Stripe is a quick and secure way to accept credit card and debit card payments online. Stripe handles millions of transactions every year for businesses around the world and is now the preferred payment partner for many major companies.

2. Bank Transfer – Instructions & account details on how to make a bank transfer payment can be found on our booking form and also within the final payment email. Alternatively, you can contact us directly for the required account details.

1. If you paid by credit card or debit card, you will receive an e-mail within 24 hours verifying receipt of your booking form and deposit payment.

In this email, you will be asked to confirm your tour details. If you paid by bank transfer, payment will take a few days to reach us. Therefore you will receive your email confirmation and request to confirm your tour details shortly after we have assigned the bank payment to your booking form. In this case, you may receive an automatic email outlining that a booking form has been received, but no deposit has been received – you can disregard this email.

2. Once your confirmation is received that all details on your booking form are correct, we will begin making the arrangements for your tour. Therefore, the sooner you send us this confirmation, the sooner we can start to book your tour.

3. After all the arrangements for your tour have been confirmed (this process can normally takes between five to ten working days) you will be sent a breakdown of the balance outstanding for your tour and a due date for payment.

4. Once your final payment has been received, we will send you an e-mail confirming receipt.

5. PDF soft copies of your walking pack will then be sent to you by email which will include all your tour details, and physical items required for your tour (e.g. maps, luggage tags etc.) will be posted to your home address, or to the first accommodation on your tour where it will be waiting for you on arrival. Alternatively, if you have requested that your full walking pack be printed, this will also be either sent to your home address or to your first accommodation on the tour where it will be waiting for you on arrival.

6. You will receive an automated email from us, one week in advance of your tour start date, providing you with some additional information to help with your preparation before travel.

7. During your tour, if you have any issues, you can reach us 24/7 on our emergency contact number which is found in your walking pack.

8. After your tour has finished, we will send you a feedback form in relation to your tour and how it all went. We place a huge importance on our customers feedback and experience of our tours, so when you have some free time, we strongly encourage you to fill out this feedback form as it helps us to continue to provide a high quality service and to further improve where necessary.

9. Lastly, if you would like to tell others about your experience with Hillwalk Tours, you can leave an online review on our Google , Facebook or Tripadvisor pages.

ESSENTIALS:

Please note: A detailed ‘Recommended Equipment L ist’ will be included in your walking pack

◻ WATERPROOF JACKET AND OVER-TROUSERS  – You never know when you will need protection from wind and rain – so prepare for unpredictable weather by packing a waterproof, breathable jacket and over-trousers. You may not need them, but you will be happy to have them if you do.

◻ BASE LAYER  – This is what you wear against your skin and the best options are breathable and wicking fabrics instead of cotton. They will move moisture away from the skin so that you feel more comfortable when you are walking.

◻ FLEECE – It keeps you warm in the cooler months and on top of the hills, and will allow you to shed layers when you are working hard in the summer.

◻ LIGHT AND COMFORTABLE TROUSERS – Make sure you choose trousers that are stretchy or allow enough space to move your legs freely.  Jeans / Denims are not suitable for hill walking and dry very slowly once they get wet.

◻ WICKING SOCKS – Choose non-cotton socks that fit well and will move moisture away from your feet to stop them feeling sweaty. Some people wear two pairs: a sock liner against the skin and wool or wool-blend socks over that. This will help to reduce the likelihood of blisters and ‘hot spots’. Our tip: Apply a little Vaseline or a similar anti-blister ointment each morning and then put on your socks, this reduces rubbing and helps to prevent blisters.

◻ FOOTWEAR – We recommend that you bring comfortable, waterproof, lightweight shoes or boots, that provide good ankle support and offer good grip on rock, grass and mud. Remember that the trails in many of our regions can become quite wet and muddy after periods of rain. Our tip: If you buy new boots for your holiday make sure to try them out on one or two longer walks before your tour!

For the South Downs Way we recommend footwear with good soles for the sections of exposed flint stones.

House Shoes: Some B&Bs don’t allow boots or shoes in the house, so you may wish to bring some ‘house shoes’ i.e., slippers, flip-flops, etc.

◻ GAITERS – By covering your upper boot and lower leg these help to keep your feet and trousers dry in wet grass and boggy terrain. We recommended you bring gaiters especially for our tours along the western coast of Ireland and the Cotswold Way, but they are a good thing to have on your feet wherever the ground gets especially wet.

◻ BACKPACK / RUCKSACK (with Waterproof Cover or liner) – To store all your essentials and keep them dry – including extra layers of clothing, your waterproofs, first aid kit, camera and your lunch, snacks and drinks. Don’t forget how important it is to stay hydrated and bring at least 1 – 2 litres of water per person each day, depending on the weather! Also, make sure to bring some emergency snacks, to help keep your energy up!

◻ WARM HAT & GLOVES – Essential, even in summer, at higher altitudes and on exposed places.

◻ CASH – Bring enough for the duration of your tour/hike as ATM/cash machine & credit card services may be limited (see your Welcome Letter for more details) .

◻ FIRST AID KIT – It’s a good idea to have a small, basic first aid kit to deal with little injuries such as sprains, scrapes, cuts and blisters. Good things to bring are plasters & wound dressings, sterile cleansing wipes, pain killers, tweezers (for splinters & ticks), bandages and, zinc oxide tape.

◻ WHISTLE – This standard piece of hiking equipment is for the very unlikely event you need to signal for help (the standard signal is three long blasts).

◻ HIGH VISIBILITY VESTS & TORCH – Many trails, particularly in Ireland, have sections that follow roads. For those hikes you may wish to bring a High Visibility Vest which will increase your visibility, especially in bad weather or if it gets dark when your walk takes longer than expected. A torch can help on off-road sections.

◻ PLUG ADAPTER (CONVERTER) – 3-square pin plugs are used in Ireland and the UK – voltage is 230V.

◻ MOBILE PHONE – We strongly recommend that you bring or purchase a mobile/cell phone. It will allow you to contact your accommodation and transfer providers from the trail and call for help in an emergency.

• Visitors from other European Countries: As it stands many European network operators also don’t charge for roaming in the UK (Scotland, England, Wales & Northern Ireland), but please check this with your operator before you travel.
• Visitors from the United States, Canada and elsewhere: If your phone is unlocked and GSM/UMTS compatible, you can also purchase a UK SIM card from a variety of mobile phone stores and supermarkets and use it in your own phone. Alternatively, you can purchase a cheap pre-pay phone when you arrive. It is often possible to buy a very basic pre-pay phone for as little as £15. You can then top-up with vouchers or a credit/debit card. If you phone supports digital eSIM cards, you may be able to purchase a separate plan from your phone network provider for use abroad or a prepaid plan from local network provider in your destination country.
• To make international calls in Europe you must dial 00 as the international access code (and not 011 as in the US or Canada). If you are dialling from a cell phone, enter + instead of 00, or simply hold down the 0.
• Make sure your phone is fully charged before you start your walk. Please note that you might not always have a phone signal on the trail but, in general, the level of coverage is quite good.
• If you have a smartphone, we recommend you have a mapping app like Google Maps installed and your location/GPS service turned on. This will let us better help you should you need assistance while on the trail by identifying your location.

ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS:

◻ SUN CREAM, SUNGLASSES AND SUNHAT  (April to Sept) – Let’s hope you’ll need those!

◻ MIDGE/INSECT REPELLENT & MIDGE NET (May to September only) – can be useful for all regions.

◻ CAMERA  – Vital for capturing photos of the stunning scenery along your trip, which help you brag to your friends about your holiday.

◻ COMPASS – A compass (and the ability to use it) is a good idea but not a requirement for our English tours.

◻ WALKING POLES  – Assist forward movement, reduce impact on your knees, and help with balance in difficult terrain. A pair is best but many hikers also just use one.

◻ EARPLUGS  – We know how important it is to get a good night’s rest. However, as there may be other guests in the guesthouse with different plans for their night, we recommend bringing a pair of earplugs to ensure sweet dreams!

Your room will be ready each day from 4pm at the latest and sometimes sooner.

Check-in times to your accommodation is generally not before 4pm. You may be able to check-in a bit earlier (e.g. around 3pm), but this is not guaranteed. To request an earlier check-in time, please contact your accommodation host in advance to discuss.

If you expect to arrive later than 6pm to your accommodation, please inform you accommodation hosts in advance (in particular B&B’s & Guesthouses). Reasons for this can be that your flight is delayed, that you are still on the trail or because you might have stopped for food or a drink before check-in. By letting them know in advance, it allows the hosts to plan accordingly and to also put their minds at ease that you are OK.

Check-out time is usually 10am , but it can vary, therefore it’s often best to discuss check-out times with your accommodation hosts directly.

Your luggage will arrive by 4pm each day

A tasty breakfast is important to prepare you for the day of hiking & adventure ahead. At your accommodation you can find either, a hot breakfast, a continental breakfast, or perhaps even both!

In some cases, where we have no other option but to book you into accommodation where no breakfast is served, we will deduct the cost of the breakfast from your tour price which can instead be used to purchase breakfast in a nearby café / restaurant.

Most accommodation hosts will always try and cater for dietary requirements as best they can, provided they are notified in advance. Therefore, if you do have any dietary requirements (e.g. vegan, vegetarian, etc.) please let us know in the “Any Dietary Requirements/Allergies?” field on our booking form when booking.

Please note, not all businesses may readily accommodate dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, etc., especially in more remote and rural areas. If you require a specific diet, we recommend you enquire in advance or talk to your hosts. You may also find it useful to download an app such as Vanilla Bean or Happy Cow , both available on Android and iOS, to help you find a venue which meets your needs.

In your Route Notes, we list places where you should expect to find at least one café, pub, shop or restaurant along each day’s hike. However, opening times can change, some places may only open in afternoon, and businesses can close unexpectedly. We therefore recommend you also check with your accommodation hosts where you can get lunch the next day, either along the route or at the start of the hike.

If it is unlikely that you will be able to purchase food or drink during the day, you may wish to purchase a packed lunch before you start in the morning, especially if it is a long hike. If there are no shops nearby, your host will be able to provide a packed lunch at a reasonable price on request.

You can generally buy an evening meal in one of the local restaurants, cafes or pubs close to your accommodation. If there aren’t any restaurants/cafes/pubs in the local area, evening meals can be obtained from your host.

The majority of accommodation hosts will be able to assist you in drying your clothes and boots.

1 kilometre = 0.62 mile 1 mile = 1.61 kilometres

Many of the English hiking trails can pass through private farmland. This means that farmers can have their livestock (such as cattle, sheep, goats etc.) grazing in the same fields that you walk through. Some livestock may look intimidating. However, don’t worry, you will find these animals are actually quite timid. Continue walking in a normal fashion (do not run) and you should have no problems. In addition, take note of any signs which the farmer may have put up.

You can find more information on how to deal with animals on your hike in the Safety Information & Country Code document you find in your walking pack.

Most areas have mobile / cell phone reception, even while you are hiking. However, you may pass through some remote areas where reception will be either limited or unavailable entirely.

It is important to note that, if you are ever in an emergency, mobile/cell phones can still contact the emergency service numbers even without mobile/cell phone reception.

Yes, in most accommodation Wi-Fi is available, however it’s not guaranteed. In addition, due to the remote locations of some accommodations, the Wi-Fi quality may not always be the best.

Yes, in general most routes are very clearly way-marked with a marker directly before and after each turn. If you are ever in doubt, you can also check the Hillwalk Tours route notes or maps provided in your walking pack.

Yes, it is possible that your tour may include taxi transfers to bring you to and from the trail. The reason for this is;

•  Due to limited accommodation options in some locations on your tour, we may need to book you into an accommodation which will require transfers to/from your hike start/end point.
•  Due to limited accommodation options or no availability in accommodation, we may need to book you into the same accommodation for more than one night to cover multiple locations, in which case taxi transfers will be required to bring you to and from the trail.
•  Due to minimum night stay requirements in accommodations on certain trails, we sometimes have no other option but for you to stay multiple nights in the same location and use transfers to get you to and from the trail.

The cost of these taxi transfers bringing you to and from the trail is covered in the tour price, and they will not affect your tour itinerary i.e. you will still walk the exact route as listed.

In England, famous for its rain and the lush green of its countryside, the Gulf Stream ensures mild, maritime influenced weather. The warmest months are July and August with temperature averages between 16 and 21°C. Rain falls throughout the year, and the weather in England can sometimes change very quickly. Average annual rainfall in the north is more than 1,600mm, but central and southern England receive an average of less than 800mm. April, May and June are the driest months.

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Hadrian's Wall Tours & Vacations

Follow in the footsteps of Romans and discover some of England’s most gorgeous countryside along the way.

Spanning 73 miles from coast to coast across northern England , Hadrian's Wall is so much more than a wall. It's an archaeological treasure drenched in stories and secrets of one of the most powerful empires in history. Although completed in AD122, the wall and its surrounding forts, turrets and castles have stood the test of time, making it the best-preserved Roman frontier in the world. With a local guide by your side, you’ll discover all the highlights plus some hidden gems. From breathing in the fresh air from the top of a crag to warming up with delicious local food in cozy village pubs, there’s something new to discover every step of the way.

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Hadrian's Wall travel FAQs

Do i need a covid-19 vaccine to join an intrepid trip.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travelers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travelers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

What should I pack for a Hadrian’s Wall tour?

Ensure you bring plenty of comfy clothes, a daypack and a pair of hiking boots or walking shoes that have been worn in (this is important as you don’t want blisters early on in your trip!).

You might also need a hiking stick as some sections of the crags (hills) are rocky and steep.

It rains a lot in Northumberland, so you’ll need a warm, waterproof jacket no matter what time of year you visit. 

How difficult is walking Hadrian’s Wall?

This walking trip is a point-to-point walking itinerary, and while it doesn't require a high level of fitness, it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.

Some days of walking include undulating hill sections and uneven terrain, so you might want to consider bringing walking poles to help you. 

Can you cycle along Hadrian’s Wall?

Hadrian's Cycleway is part of the National Cycle Network and covers 170 miles (275km) from Ravenglass in the Lake District (on the Cumbrian Coast) to South Shields by the North Sea.

The route follows Hadrian's Wall, and you'll be able to access many sections directly (or hop off and explore on foot), but you can see more by walking as the walking trail follows the wall and historical sites more closely. 

When is the best time of year to walk Hadrian's Wall?

The folks at National Trails recommend walking Hadrian's Wall between May and October as the weather is mild and the soil is drier, which is better for reducing wear and tear on the trails.

Summer is the busiest season, so you'll share the trails with more people.

You can still visit in the cooler months, but just note that the weather is cold and wet (particularly in winter), and the days are very short, which isn't great for walking.

How do I get to Hadrian's Wall?

The easiest place to start your Hadrian's Wall adventure is in Newcastle (in the east) or Carlisle (in the west), as these cities are well connected to the rest of the  UK  and  Europe  by road, train, bus and air. 

You can travel to Newcastle or Carlisle by train from London, Birmingham and Newport in the south, and Glasgow and Edinburgh in the north, or take a coach with Megabus or National Express to Newcastle and Carlisle from London, Manchester, Leeds and various other cities in the UK. 

Once you arrive in the Hadrian's Wall region, you can take the Tyne Valley Railway, 685 bus or AD122 bus to travel between the east and west of Hadrian's Wall.

Are Intrepid trips accessible for travelers with disabilities?

We are committed to making travel widely  accessible , regardless of ability or disability. We do our best to help you see the world, regardless of physical or mental limitations. 

We are always happy to talk to travelers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them toward the most suitable itinerary for their needs and, where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Hadrians Wall Guided Tours

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Explore the hidden gems and iconic sites of beautiful Northumberland. Learn about the rise and fall of one of Rome’s most famous constructions at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall. Discover why Northumberland has more castles than any other county in England. See romantic moorland, sweeping coastlines and medieval villages. We aim to bring the places we visit to life, by telling you the secrets tales and anecdotes that archaeologists usually keep to themselves. Our tours are perfect for visitors who want to get off the beaten track to explore the history and culture of rugged Northumberland.

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Hadrian’s Wall Day Tour

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Our Hadrian’s Wall Guided Walking Tour

Set in stunning English countryside, you’ll discover how soldiers lived on this iconic frontier of the ancient Roman Empire.

Once the frontier of the Roman Empire, Hadrian’s Wall is now a UNESCO world heritage site. Starting at Steel Rigg, we’ll walk the two-and-a-half miles to the Roman fort of Housesteads – the most complete Roman fort remaining in Britain. This will give you the opportunity to see the wall up close, discover its milecastles and take in the wild geography of the frontier.

After visiting the fort, we’ll stop for a well-earned lunch at the Twice Brewed Inn. We’ll then proceed to Vindolanda, a Roman supply base that has been extensively excavated, where you’ll get great insight into the lives of people who lived here in Roman times.

This epic tour is great for those who love history, wish to discover more about the Romans and enjoy country walks. For Individual travelers or large group bookings, please contact us directly.

For groups of four or fewer , please get in touch with us to organise your bespoke booking. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

Customers travelling from Edinburgh : Please note, we can collect customers from Alnmouth train station at no additional cost, but for groups of four or fewer there will be an additional surcharge of £500.00 for travel for Edinburgh collection and drop off.

Pickup & Drop Off

The tour meets at Steel Rigg Car Park unless you have booked collection, in which case collection and drop off points will be prearranged before your tour if you have booked transport. 

Departure Time

What to bring.

• Clothing for any weather (this is England, after all!)
• Shoes you’re comfortable walking in
• A camera to capture photos of your favourite sights

Before you Come

• We’ll need a mobile/cell phone number that we can contact you on in case of any last-minute changes on the day of your tour
• Let us know if you have any disabilities within your group (e.g. wheelchair use, vision impairment) and we will make the necessary arrangements
• Due to COVID-19 we ask all customers to maintain social distancing as per the United Kingdom Government guidelines.
• We ask customers to wear a face covering inside buildings.
• Your guide will not shake your hand during the tour for mutual safety.
• For all other COVID-19 information please visit ‘Keeping you safe’
• Due to the nature of this tour and the safety of all guests, the tour operator reserves the right to refuse service to passengers who are intoxicated or show signs of intoxication. If, as a result, your tour is cancelled, you will not be entitled to a refund.

If you Need to Cancel

• More than 3 days before a booked tour: we’ll provide a full refund
• Less than 3 days before a booked tour: we’ll charge a 50% cancellation fee
• Less than 1 day before a booked tour: we’ll charge a 100% cancellation fee

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Alnwick and warkworth castles, the scottish borders.

Walking Hadrian’s Wall

Discover the archaeological remains at Vindolanda

The Hadrian’s Wall footpath crosses wild and beautiful terrain, its route covering the shortest distance coast to coast across the country following Hadrian’s ambitious frontier. Our walking tour takes in forts, milecastles and turrets, road, vallum and road ditch, inscriptions and of course wall structure. Our lecturers will introduce you to the tactical and strategic consideration of such a complex frontier system and explain what Hadrian’s plan might have been when he ‘built a wall eighty miles long to separate the Romans from the barbarians’.

We start along the shore of the Solway Firth and end at the excavated fort and reconstructed bath-house at Segedunum. Crossing the remote Northumbrian and Cumbrian fells, one can easily imagine the Roman soldiers, far from Syria or Spain, as they patrolled the farthest flung corner of the Empire.

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• Save $350 on this tour with our current offers.

What to Expect

• Walk along the largest unbroken section of Hadrian’s Wall
• Search deeper into the rich Roman history of this unique area
• Explore Birdoswald, where we’ll see its fort and museum
• Walk the route in the company of an expert, who knows its stories inside and out

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Hadrian's Wall Walk

Hadrian's wall.

• The Hadrian's Wall, an area of AONB and a UNESCO World Heritage site
• Walk east to west the same way the Romans constructed the wall back in AD122 
• Revel in the wild and beautiful landscapes of Northumberland National Park
• Enjoy cosy pubs and welcoming B&B's along the route
• Discover the Roman Forts of Segedunum, Chesters and Housesteads
• Walltown Crags, the most scenic spot to view Hadrian's Wall

Immerse yourself in history with a walking holiday on Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail. Hadrian’s Wall is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Opened as a National Trail in 2003, Hadrian’s Wall Path follows the course of the wall closely along its entire length. Follow the path from coast to coast with Hadrian's Wall accompanying you much of the way from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. Or if you're short on time,  take in the best sections on the Best of Hadrian's Wall Path  as featured in the Telegraph . 

Since 2005, Macs Adventure has been booking self guided adventures along Hadrian's Wall Path and have over 400 reviews from happy customers. We know the route inside-out and have built up great relationships with our lovely accommodations and baggage couriers, who will ensure that at the end of a great day's walking and discovering historical sites, you just need to put your feet up and relax! Our knowledgeable team are also able to choose the perfect itinerary for you, so you can book your Hadrian's Wall walk with confidence and simply look forward to discovering one of Britain's most popular long distance walks!

The below itineraries are for those looking to walk the Hadrian's Wall Path from east to west. If you are looking to walk it in the opposite direction   then please visit our west-to-east collection .

Featured Adventures - Hadrian's Wall

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Best of Hadrian's Wall Path - 7 Days & 6 Nights

Best of Hadrian's Wall Path - 6 Days & 5 Nights

Discover hadrian's wall.

The honest truth is that there is no right or wrong way to walk the Hadrian's Wall Path - it really comes down to personal preference but it can often be a bit of a hot topic! Below are the most commonly known reasons why people opt to walk in a particular way:

East to West – most popular (Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway)

• The Romans built the wall from east to west, starting at the North Sea and going to the Irish Sea, so many walkers do it this way as it gives the sense of you are following the same path that the Roman soldiers did when they constructed it
• There are some great museums - Great Hancock and Segedunum Fort - in Newcastle that give a wonderful context to the history and culture of the walk before you start (as opposed to finish).
• Easier connections to Newcastle from Airports/train stations at the start (so if you have a long flight for example, you don't need to make your way to Bowness-on-Solway in the evening or potentially spend an extra night in Newcastle). it's also argued that it's nicer to walk out of a big industrial city into the fresh air of the countryside as opposed to finishing in it.

West to East (Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend)

• The main reason for walking it west to east is that the prevailing winds in Northern England generally blow from the Atlantic (west to east), meaning you will have the wind at your back for most of the journey, which of course makes things a little easier.
• Taking the wind factor out of things, the trail is considered slightly easier to walk west to east as the terrain is slightly less steep and heads downward.

Macs Adventure has been running self-guided walking holidays on the  Hadrian's Wall Path since 2005 . Our second-ever trip, Hadrian's Wall Path was an obvious choice.  Not long opened in 2003 it gave people a chance to walk alongside history, through some beautiful landscapes and we just knew that our customers would love it. We now send over 1500 walkers along Hadrian's Wall every year and have over 500 Reviews to back up how much work we put in to ensure every single customer has a great experience. 

We offer many variations of  Hadrian's Wall  including options to walk it east to west or west to east, multiple itineraries to suit all different levels of ability, including the full trail for the purists, the "best of "experience for those looking to see the best bits with the wall still intact and even a short break for those looking to visit over a long weekend. 

On the trail, we use high-quality digital mapping and detailed route notes within our Macs app, so that you can be sure you never get lost! All our tours, see you stay in comfortable, friendly overnight accommodations in local B&Bs and guesthouses . We carry your bags to lighten your load so you can concentrate on simply putting one foot in front of the other and enjoying the unique culture, food and scenery of Northern England. You can book with confidence that we have it all covered for you. 

We love Hadrian's Wall Path and our main aim is to make sure that you do too.  

How Long? When?  The most essential facts about the wall would be how long it is and when was it built. The 73-mile-long wall was constructed in 117AD by Emperor Hadrian, to separate the Roman Empire from the northern Barbarians. In its glory, the wall was around 15 feet high and 10 feet wide.

Who actually built it?  It took around 15,000 men over six years to build the wall. There were three main Roman garrisons stationed in England and Wales and all of these men were put to work building the wall. Hadrian himself had a keen interest in architecture and is thought to have designed it. At Chesters, you can see the names of the centurions who actually built the wall, carved into stone tablets. 

How much of the wall still exists?  Only around 10% of the original wall still remains. While much of the land is still shaped to accommodate the wall, the stone itself was re-purposed or buried after the wall was abandoned. Many local buildings are said to be built from the stone from Hadrian's Wall. 

Is this the border between Scotland and England?  No, it never was.  It marked the border of the Roman Empire before they headed further north and created the Antonine Wall, before retreating back to the more secure Hadrian's Wall. Most of Northumberland, England's largest county, is north of the wall, so the wall definitely does not indicate the border. 

Take a Break  - Especially if you are there for a good slice of history, taking a break on the walk is essential.  This will give you more time to explore one of the museums on the route. An extra night in Once Brewed, for instance, will let you have more time at Housesteads. For more information, take a look at our blog -  6 best Historical Sites on Hadrian's Wall Path  for some inspiration. 

Preserve the History  -  Oh, it is tempting, to walk along the top of the wall, to do a little dance on it for your trip video. However, the wall is pretty old and needs a bit of TLC so being on the wall is frowned upon. Also, walking over lumps and bumps in the ground should be avoided where possible as there could be archaeological goodies waiting to be found. You wouldn't want to be unknowingly crushing some poor foot soldiers' amphora! 

Make sure you have the right gear -  Take a look at our  Hadrian's Wall equipment blog  for more details – as this can make a big difference to how enjoyable you find the walk.  For this particular walk, its all about the boots. Make sure you have comfortable, waterproof boots with a couple of pairs of good walking socks.

Meet the locals. -  Quite often the B&B owners and locals are the best people to speak to about ideas for alternative routes, places to see, lunch stops etc. This local knowledge can really help make your walk go as smoothly as possible. 

Thinking of walking Hadrian's Wall Path, but don't know where to start? 

Macs Adventure to the rescue! Simply download our Free 14-page Hadrian's Wall Path guide from the link below to read on your phone, tablet or good old printed page.  

Download your Free Hadrian's Wall Path Guide

Hadrian's Wall Path follows the route of the UNESCO world heritage wall, built to keep the "barbarians" (Scots!) out of Roman territory.  This outstanding historical site is punctuated with milecastles, museums and recreations, not to mention some of the best walking in England.  

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WALK THE WALL WITH AN EXPERT

Friendly.  Factual.  Fun.  Walk and talk with an archaeologist to breathe life into history!

We'll go with you.  #GoWithHadrian

WE ARE HADRIAN WALKING TOURS

It's your trip!  Whether you're walking the Hadrian's Wall Path, visiting a historic site, or just out for a hike in Wall Country, make the most of your visit with Hadrian Walking Tours.  Let an archaeological expert be your guide to one of ancient Rome's greatest monuments. Get the facts about what we really know (and what we really don't) and keep up to date with breaking archaeological developments.  Go beyond the guidebook.  Go with Hadrian.

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MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR ADVENTURE

No matter if it's a once in a lifetime journey or an just afternoon outing, every trip to Hadrian's Wall should be unforgettable.  Make the most of your visit with an expert to show you what others miss (or misunderstand).  Fast or slow, long or short, wherever you want to go and whatever you want to see, Hadrian Walking Tours will go with you.  Let us guide you through ancient landscapes and jumbled ruins to see and understand the remarkable people (men, women, and children, hailing from Scotland to Syria) who lived here long ago.

HEAR FROM OUR TRAVELLERS

"Sky guided our group for a full day. It was so good we asked him to stay and walk with us the next day too!"

Sham S. - San Francisco

WHAT'S UP ON THE WALL?

• Jul 8, 2022

Suggested Walk: Housesteads to Steel Rigg Circuit

• Feb 1, 2022

Desert "Sky"

• Jan 27, 2022

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Hadrian’s Wall Path (various tour options)

Travel back to antiquity with our Hadrian’s wall self-guided walking tour following one of England’s most recognizable historical sites. A true UNESCO World Heritage treasure and the largest Roman structure that can be seen in present times. Day by day you will be tracing the monument coast to coast in its entire length feeling the deep connection with Britain’s ancestry. Hike through some of the most beautiful natural sites in England and get a glimpse of its wild side. Forts, milecastles, turrets, visitor centers, and museums will be your constant companions along the way. This is Britain’s most popular hiking tour and a world-famous top long-distance walking route. *We offer various options of this famous trail (incl. West to East itineraries!), so check with us for details, and also in case you are short of time or wish to make a longer (and easier) discovery the path. Why to walk from East to West (as per the standard option below)? Hadrian built his Wall starting in Newcastle, mainly for ease of supply of materials and military backup. Exploration of the Roman sites progressed westwards from Newcastle, and these are now archaeologically numbered and mapped in that direction, rather than for any walking. When Hadrian’s Wall Path was designated a National Trail, the National Trail Guide (the only guide at the time) described the Trail in this direction. This has since changed with the support of excellent guidebooks and maps, which caters for both directions, as the ones our local partners supply. Why to walk from West to East (check details for these options with us)? Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path from West to East is physically easier and typically more picturesque than the conventional East to West direction. Hadrian’s Wall was built across the beautiful, but wild Northumbrian countryside. Weather on England’s northernmost border can prove unpredictable; walking eastwards, in poor conditions, you have wind and rain at your back, not driving against you. In fine weather (come summer there is plenty), the afternoon sun is behind you, not in your eyes and the emerging light brings those far flung corners of the terrain into focus. Many classic views are arguably best seen from West to East – such as Crag Lough, Cuddy’s Crags, Sewingshield Crags and Limestone Corner. Walking East from Solway coast to Wallsend, Roman sites become progressively interesting. Each day peels back insights and examples of everyday Roman military and domestic life as you head from Carlisle towards Newcastle-which seems anti-climactic when travelling East to West. Plus, Newcastle is a wonderful place to end your walk and perhaps spend an extra day of your trip.

Walking Grade/ Difficulty

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• Destination England
• Duration 8 (6-12) Days I Level: 3/4 (of 5)
• What is included Hand picked B&B, guesthouse and small hotel accommodation incl. breakfast; Luggage transportation; People transfers to/from the trail when changes in overnight places require that; Detailed roadbook, maps and GPS tracks (1 set per reservation); Emergency phone support
• What is not included Travel to the start or from the finish of the walk; Lunches, dinners, snacks and drinks; Travel insurance; Personal equipment; Transport when you need to skip a stage.
• Best period April, May, June, July, August, September, October

FROM OUR GALLERY

The Hadrian's Wall Path self-guided hiking tour in England

Day 1: Arrive in Newcastle

Day 2: wallsend - heddon (24km; 6,30hrs; +360m/-280m), day 3: heddon - chollerford (26km; 6,30-7hrs; +370m/-410m), day 4: chollerford - once brewed (21km; 5,30-6hrs; +450m/-250m), day 5: once brewed / steel rigg - banks (24km; 6,30hrs; +360m/-520m), day 6: banks - carlisle (24km; 6,30hrs; +190m/-290m), day 7: carlisle - bowness-on-solway (24km; 6-6,30hrs; +180m/-190m), day 8: onward travel, tour location.

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Hadrian's Wall Holidays

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We are a specialist Hadrian's Wall tour company offering 3-10 day trips. Being locally based, we know the area better than anyone.

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Happiness Promise

There are hundreds of thousands of guides and tour operators around the world. Figuring out who to trust is stressful and hard.

That’s why we started 10Adventures Tours, we’re here to make it easy to find a great guide or tour operator. We handpick the best local guides and tour operators for 10Adventures, working to ensure you have great guides and a great trip.

We know it sucks to show up in a different country and find out the tents are junk, the guide incompetent or the route different from what we thought we were getting.

We want to give our users peace of mind that you’ll have a great trip and offer a guarantee that we will work with you to make it right.

How does this work? Well, if you feel that something about your trip didn’t’ meet your expectations, let us know. We will then work to gather the details and figure out where things went wrong. If something indeed wasn’t as described, or went wrong with your trip, and the problem was within the control of either oursleves, the guide or the tour company, we will then work out a refund with you that’s proportional to the scale of the problem.

Obviously the best way to make a great trip is to tell your local guide or tour operator and give them the chance to fix the solution while you are on your trip. Most things can be solved by telling your guide when the issue develops. If that doesn’t solve it, then email us right away. Please don’t wait to voice your concerns until the trip is over, as it’s much harder to solve issues after the fact.

We work hard to make sure you have a great trip. If something isn’t right, please email  [email protected]  and we will get to work right away.

Group Trips

Group travel can be chaotic and messy, which is why going on a trip with family or friends is the fun part and planning the trip, well… isn’t. But what if the group travel experience of your dreams could be organized without the hassle of you needing to plan every detail?

With 10Adventures group tours, you’ll be the mastermind behind an unforgettable trip without the need to worry about logistics, payments, or who can get time off for a holiday.

The VIP-level service of our Travel Advisors allows you to organize the adventure of your dreams, customize it exactly how you want to, and watch the savings roll in as more of your friends and family sign up for the once in a lifetime experience you created. It’s that simple!

Take the first step on your next group adventure by contacting one of our Travel Advisors today.

The window to travel as a family only narrows with time. Make the most of it by exploring the world together and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Why share a travel experience with people you don’t know? Spend your hard-earned vacation surrounded by close friends on the adventure of a lifetime.

Shared travel experiences strengthen bonds and are the perfect way to come together as colleagues to solve challenges in a way that just can’t be done in an office environment.

Connect with members of your club or social circle over shared interests like food, culture, and the outdoors.

• VIP Service: Have a dedicated Travel Advisor who is always a call or a click away.
• Cost Savings: More people mean a lower cost per person. And there are additional discounts for children and shared rooms.
• Customizable: You are in charge and choose the start date, length, itinerary, accommodations, and other services.
• Easy Payment: Flexible payment schedule, and most importantly separate invoices so you aren’t left paying for other people.
• Private: Just you and your group making memories that will last your lifetime.
• Quality Time: There’s no better way to travel than alongside family and or friends. Enjoy quality time exploring the world with those you love most.

Hadrian’s Wall Walking Tour

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Discover the Roman history of Northern England on this 7-day self-guided walking tour

Take the first step towards a private travel experience, customized just for you.

About this tour:

What travellers are saying about 10Adventures

Jennifer W.

Why travellers choose this tour

At 10Adventures, we take care of the details so that our guests can focus on making memories. Enjoy these key features on this tour.

We're Canadian

Book with a Canadian company whose mission is to help you travel the world.

Accommodations

Accommodations for 6 nights along the tour are included.

Don't worry about meals. 6 breakfasts are included throughout the tour.

Check out the 'What's Included' tab for more info on personal transfers during your tour.

Local Support

Travel stress-free knowing in-country local support is available by regular phone or WhatsApp to support you during your tour.

Payments Made Easy

Enjoy the flexibility and ease of staggered payments in your own currency using your choice of credit card.

Route Resources

Route notes, maps, and/or a trail app make navigation on this tour a breeze.

Park Entrance Fees

Included where possible! Check the 'What's Included' tab for more info on park entrance fees during your tour.

Luggage transfers

Take a load off, with optional or included luggage transfers. Check inclusions for further details.

Accommodation for Hadrian’s Wall Walking Tour

This tour includes the accommodation in cozy guest houses and hotels. Each room offers modern amenities that will help to elevate your level of comfort after a long day of hiking. Expect to stay in a room with another member of the tour or upgrade to single occupancy for an additional fee.

Note that specific accommodation may vary based on availability but will be substituted with accommodations of a similar standard.

Single Rooms and Solo Travelers Single rooms for this tour are on request, and the price depends on the season, availability and the number of days left until your travel. Please inquire to find out more.

Cornerways Guest House in Carlisle

Cornerways Guest House harks back to 160 years ago. Along with the unique historical charm, you’ll enjoy free Wi-Fi, TV, and a complimentary breakfast.

Quarryside Inn in Banks

Let this quaint farmhouse relax you during your stay. To top it off, Quarryside Inn comes with Wi-Fi, free breakfast, and a TV in your room.

The Twice Brewed Inn in Once Brewed

The Twice Brewed Inn grants trekkers with the ideal mid-trip getaway: free Wi-Fi and breakfast, a bar, restaurant, coffee shop, and a TV in your room.

Simonburn Tearooms and B&B in Chollerford

This lovely B&B, complete with a lush outdoor seating area, will have you feeling relaxed and full. They serve amazing British cuisine that can cater to special diets.

Hotel Hadrian’s Barn in Heddon-on-the-Wall

This charming, quaint hotel, just 12.8 km from Newcastle’s centre offers free Wi-Fi around the property, free breakfast, and a kitchenette in the rooms.

Caledonian Hotel in Wallsend

This hotel seamlessly blends comfort with necessary benefits: free Wi-Fi, a bar, restaurant, a breakfast buffet, and a TV in your room.

Hotels on Standard Tour

Planning a group trip?

Learn how we help group of friends, outdoor clubs and families get the tour they’ve been dreaming about.

Hadrian’s Wall Walking Tour Details

Overview for hadrian’s wall walking tour.

One of the best walks in the UK is the Hadrian’s Wall Path. This self-guided walking tour allows you to explore beautiful Northern England, while enjoying the history and beauty of the English Countryside.

Discover a concoction of ancient history, lush flora, and friendly fauna on this seven-day excursion along Hadrian’s Wall Path. Hadrian’s Wall acted as a divide between England and Scotland 2,000 years ago. The iconic Wall, stretching over 135 kilometres (84 miles), winds through rolling countryside, other ancient wonders, and quaint villages.

While not an intense walk, this self-guided walking tour demands long distances and is not for beginners. The pilgrimage along this UNESCO World Heritage site will have you reminiscing on stories of the past while living out one of the most magical chapters of your life.

Itinerary for Hadrian’s Wall Walking Tour

Carlisle to bowness-on-solway.

Drop your bags off at your hotel in Carlisle before hopping on a local bus to Bowness-on-Solway. From here, you’ll make your way back to Carlisle by foot, enjoying beautiful views en route. You’ll see Drumburgh Castle, beautiful countryside, forested paths, the charming village of Beaumont, and Bitts Park. Finish the day with a relaxing evening in Carlisle.

Walk to Banks

For those that love history, you can opt to explore the 900-year-old Carlisle Castle. Otherwise embark on a 21-kilometre (13 miles) walk to Banks. Expect to encounter a plethora of farms and animals as you walk and to catch a glimpse of Hadrian’s Wall. Spend the night recharging in Banks.

Walk to Once Brewed

Get ready for another 21 km walk today, one that explodes with glimpses of Roman history. Start the journey in Banks and discover the most unspoiled turret on the west end of the Wall. In addition to some beautiful walking in the English Countryside, you’ll see another historic monument: Thirlwall Castle. Enjoy a relaxing evening in Once Brewed.

Walk to Chollerford

Start your day with an energizing breakfast before embarking on one of the most rewarding days of this seven-day pilgrimage. Notice how Hadrian’s Wall follows the undulations of the rolling hills while admiring the scenic views as you meander across the ridge. Pay attention to the remains of fortresses, turrets, and other ruins en route. Check into your hotel in Chollerford, slip off your walking shoes, and enjoy a relaxing evening.

Walk to Heddon-on-the-Wall

Today’s walk is the longest day so far, so be sure to enjoy a big breakfast before tying up your laces. Today’s route goes through forested trails, meadows, and carved out roadside paths before reaching Heddon-on-the-Wall for the night.

Walk to Wallsend

Embark on your final 25 km on the Hadrian’s Wall Path to Wallsend, which is set along the banks of River Tyne. On this final leg, you’ll spend a majority of the walk admiring the explosion of vibrant green blanketing the land until you arrive in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. Walking along River Tyne, enjoy one of the most spectacular ruins on this pilgrimage: Segedunum Roman Fort. It costs £6.00—paid locally—to enter, but it’s impossible not to stand in awe amid the excavated fort. Spend your last night in Wallsend.

Enjoy a rewarding breakfast before saying goodbye. Newcastle-upon-Tyne’s central train station is a 15 minute drive, while the airport is 20-25 minute away.

Tour Highlights

Highlights for hadrian’s wall walking tour.

Discover the unique history winding through England’s countryside as you walk 135 kilometres along Hadrian’s Wall Path.

Explore ancient history peppering the pathway and villages: Drumburgh Castle, Carlisle Castle, Thirlwall Castle, and Segedunum Roman Fort.

Learn to admire the rolling hills and undulating landscapes spanning England’s vast, green countryside.

Spend your evenings relaxing in cozy hotels situated in quaint, charming villages—and don’t be afraid to enjoy a pint or two at a local pub.

What's Included

What's included for hadrian’s wall walking tour.

6 breakfasts are included throughout the tour.

Transportation during the Tour

Transport for your luggage is included throughout the tour. You must make a way to the start of the trail yourself.

Also Included

• Detailed route guide

Not included

• Guide services
• Personal expenses
• Anything not stated as ‘included’
• Entry to Carlisle Castle
• Entry to Segedunum Roman Fort

Optional Extras

• Extra night before or after the tour

Dates & Prices

Dates and prices for hadrian’s wall walking tour.

This self-guided walking tour in England is always run as a custom tour for your group only and the price is fixed per person staying in a double room. Single rooms are also possible on request for an extra charge. Please note, that booking this tour on short notice might increase the tour price, as the accommodation options here are limited and on high demand.

• Price per person staying in a double room - $1,125 USD

Accommodation

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Tour Booking Process

Booking process for hadrian’s wall walking tour.

Submit Booking

Confirm Availability

Pay Deposit

Trip Confirmed!

Frequently asked questions for Hadrian’s Wall Walking Tour

How hard is the Hadrian’s Wall Path Walk?

We rate this tour as a 3 / 5. You should be able to walk up to 25 km daily.

Do I need a visa to travel to England?

Check with your local country about visa requirements. You could also try this website , though you should verify with your government.

I’ve never been on a self-guided trip! How does it work?

Self-guided traveling is not difficult! For many it is a preferred type of travel as you are in charge of your own time and pace. You are provided all the information on which direction you need to go daily. You don’t need to carry lots of things with you and can only carry your daypack, as your luggage will be picked up from your hotel daily in the morning and delivered to your destination hotel.

Are meals included on the Hadrian’s Wall Path Walk?

6 breakfasts are included.

Do I need insurance?

Yes, it is mandatory to have Health and Medical insurance to join this trip. Get your Travel Insurance .

How do I get to Carlisle to start this tour?

Carlisle can be reached by train from all the major cities in England.

Is the Hadrian’s Wall Path Walk in English?

Yes, the tour guide speaks English.

Where does the Hadrian’s Wall Path Walk end?

This tour ends in Wallsend.

Do I need special vaccines to travel to England?

Check with your family doctor.

Are there any travel restrictions for England?

Please check with your local government about travel restrictions before you book your tour. This map from the US Department of State provides an overview of the current status in countries around the globe. The UK‘s Foreign Office and Government of Canada also provide advice on foreign travel. Note that the travel advice may change depending on your nationality.

Tour Difficulty

Difficulty for hadrian’s wall walking tour.

Read about our scale for Tour Difficulty Ratings.

This tour was made for you!

Start filling out your booking details. Once you submit your request, we'll review availability for this tour and contact you within 24 hours to further customize your perfect adventure.

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Make lifelong memories with the people you care about most. We specialize in custom & private active travel experiences.

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Immerse yourself in the destination with highly-vetted, local tour operators who love to showcase where they live.

We make it easy for travellers to book private travel experiences, so they can make memories exploring the world with the people that matter most.

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Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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Guided Walking Tour of the Moscow Metro

Description, good to know.

• Pricing details

Departure place

You would like, admiring the frescoes in kurskaya and komsomolskaya metro stations, marvelling at the architecture of the moscow metro, listening to your guide's commentary, essential information *, duration 1 hour 50 minutes, starting time 2:00 pm.

Set off to discover the most breathtaking stops on Moscow’s beautiful metro system on this walking tour.

Some of the stops on the Moscow metro are real masterpieces. Head underground and admire the Moscow metro with your guide.

During your guided tour, you will get to admire the Ploshchad Revolyutsii , designed by the architect Dushkin. There are no fewer than 72 sculptures in this station!

You will then explore Kurskaya station, built in 1938. The design, mosaics and slogans will immerse you in the era of Stalin. You will also see the frescoes depicting Russian victories in Komsomolskaya station.

Then, continue to one of Moscow’s must-see metro stations, Novoslobodskaya , which resembles an underground palace: marble, stained glass windows...

Join your guide to explore the most lavish and important metro stops in Moscow! 

• Availability: every day (excluding exceptional dates)
• Duration: 1 hr. 50 mins approx.
• Departure point: The Kremlin
• Languages: English
• Please wear comfortable shoes
• Metro tickets are included for the metro stations visited during the activity 
• A valid student card will be requested from participants who have booked the reduced student tariff
• A minimum of 2 participants is required to book this activity

Price includes

• Metro tickets
• The services of an English-speaking tour guide
• The guided tour of the Moscow metro

Price doesn’t include

• Access to stations not included in the tour
• Hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Tips (optional)
• All other extras

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