10 Day / 9 Night: Bowness to Wallsend

Your walk begins at the stone marking the western end of the National Trail in Bowness-on-Solway. The path follows the Vallum and Wall east across the Solway Plain, with views north to the Scottish hills. Some sections near the estuary can be tidal. You arrive at the village of Burgh-by-Sands in the early afternoon. Your first night is in or near Burgh-by-Sands.

A short morning's walk east across the Solway Plain into Carlisle. Arriving early gives you a full afternoon to explore the Roman city of Luguvallium — Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral, and the outstanding Tullie House Museum with its collection of Wall artefacts are all within easy reach. Your second night is in Carlisle.

From Carlisle the path heads north-east through farmland towards the small market town of Brampton. You'll pass Lanercost Priory — a beautifully preserved medieval priory partly built from Roman Wall stones — before arriving in Brampton in the afternoon. Your third night is in Brampton.

A short, pleasant day east through rolling Cumbrian countryside. The path winds through Banks and along the Wall earthworks to the village of Gilsland in the Irthing valley. Birdoswald Roman Fort — with the longest surviving stretch of original Wall curtain — is just a short walk from Gilsland and well worth an afternoon visit. Your fourth night is in the Gilsland area.

The walk transforms as you head east from Gilsland. The path crosses the River Irthing and climbs onto the Whin Sill — the great volcanic escarpment that carries the Wall through Northumberland National Park. You'll pass Walltown Crags and Cawfields before reaching the high point near Steel Rigg. Your fifth night is near Steel Rigg or Once Brewed.

A rest day in the heart of the finest scenery on the route. Use the day to visit Housesteads Roman Fort (Vercovicium) — the most complete fort on the Wall — and Vindolanda, one of the most important Roman archaeological sites in Britain, where ongoing excavations continue to uncover remarkable artefacts. The AD122 bus connects the key sites if you want to cover more ground without walking. Your sixth night is again near Steel Rigg or Once Brewed.

From Steel Rigg the crags extend east, passing Housesteads and along the switchback ridgeline with panoramic views north and south. The path descends gradually from the Whin Sill to the North Tyne river at Chollerford, where Chesters Roman Fort (Cilurnum) sits beside the water — one of the finest cavalry forts on the Wall. Your seventh night is in the Chollerford or Hexham area.

From Chollerford the path follows the Tyne Valley east through open farmland to the market town of Corbridge. Arriving in the afternoon gives you time to explore Corbridge Roman Town (Coria) — its granaries, strongroom, and inscribed stones make it one of the most rewarding sites on the route. Your eighth night is in Corbridge.

A short morning's walk east from Corbridge to Heddon-on-the-Wall. One of the finest sections of Wall in the eastern half of the route stands here beside the road. Arriving early in the day gives you the afternoon to rest or revisit a favourite section. Your ninth night is in or near Heddon.

The final day follows the Wall east through Newcastle's western suburbs, crossing the Tyne via the Millennium Bridge with views of the famous Tyne crossings. The path continues east along the riverbank through the city centre to Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend — the eastern terminus of the National Trail. A memorable and well-earned finish.

## What's included

- Nine nights' accommodation in selected B&Bs and guesthouses - Luggage transfer each walking day - Comprehensive pre-departure information pack - Step-by-step route notes for each day - 1:25,000 OS maps for each section - GPX files for phone or GPS device - 24/7 on-trip support phone number - Welcome information and practical tips

## Practical notes

**Start point:** Bowness-on-Solway, CA7 5AX. A seasonal bus service connects Bowness to Carlisle (approximately 30 minutes), from where there are frequent trains to Newcastle, Edinburgh, and London.

**End point:** Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend, NE28 6HR. The nearest train station is Wallsend Metro (Tyne and Wear Metro, change at Central Station for mainline trains).

**Physical grade:** Moderate. Day 7 involves significant ascent on the Whin Sill crags, but the rest day on Day 6 ensures you are rested before the toughest section. Suitable for walkers of most fitness levels who are comfortable on rough ground.

**Best months:** May to September.