10 Day / 9 Night: Wallsend to Bowness

Your walk begins at Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend, the most easterly point of the Wall. You follow the line of the Wall west through Newcastle's eastern suburbs, crossing the Tyne via the Millennium Bridge, passing through the city centre, and climbing to the hilltop village of Heddon-on-the-Wall — home to the longest visible stretch of Wall in the east. Your first night is in or near Heddon.

A short morning's walk through open farmland to the attractive market town of Corbridge. Arriving early gives you a full afternoon to explore Corbridge Roman Town (Coria) — its granaries, temple, and remarkable collection of inscribed stones make it one of the most rewarding sites on the route. Your second night is in Corbridge.

From Corbridge the path climbs gently through the Tyne Valley towards Chollerford, passing through open farmland with the Wall earthworks becoming more substantial. The day ends at Chesters Roman Fort (Cilurnum) — one of the finest and most complete cavalry forts on the Wall, beautifully set beside the North Tyne. Your third night is in the Chollerford or Hexham area.

Leaving the Tyne Valley, the path climbs steadily onto the Whin Sill. The volcanic ridge begins to assert itself as you approach the central section. You reach Housesteads (Vercovicium) in the afternoon — the most complete fort on the Wall and arguably the most atmospheric Roman site in Britain. There is time to explore the fort and museum before dinner. Your fourth night is near Housesteads or Once Brewed.

A short day on the crags — one of the most enjoyable days of the tour. The path follows the Whin Sill west along the switchback ridgeline from Housesteads to Steel Rigg, with sweeping views north to the Cheviot Hills and south to the North Pennines. This is the highest and most dramatic section of the entire route. A short afternoon gives you time to visit the National Park Visitor Centre at Once Brewed or simply rest and enjoy the surroundings. Your fifth night is near Steel Rigg or Once Brewed.

The crags continue west from Steel Rigg, passing Cawfields and the well-preserved Milecastle 42. West of Cawfields the Wall becomes more fragmentary as the path descends gradually from the high ground, passing Walltown Crags and Thirlwall Castle before arriving at 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 the village. Your sixth night is in the Gilsland area.

A relaxed day through rolling Cumbrian countryside. The path crosses the River Irthing and heads west through Banks and along the line of the Wall earthworks. A detour to Lanercost Priory — a remarkably preserved medieval priory partly built from Roman stonework — is well worth the short walk. You arrive in the small market town of Brampton in the early afternoon. Your seventh night is in Brampton.

From Brampton the path continues south-west to Carlisle — the Roman city of Luguvallium. Arriving in the afternoon gives you time to visit Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral, and the outstanding Tullie House Museum with its excellent collection of Roman Wall artefacts. Carlisle has good restaurants and bars for a celebratory dinner. Your eighth night is in Carlisle.

Leaving the city, the path crosses the flat Solway Plain with wide skies and views across the Firth to the Scottish hills. You arrive at the quiet village of Burgh-by-Sands — burial place of Edward I — in the early afternoon. Your penultimate night is in or near Burgh-by-Sands.

The final day follows the line of the Vallum and Wall across the Solway Plain to the sea. Some stretches near the estuary can be tidal, so timing matters. You finish at the small village of Bowness-on-Solway, where a modest stone marks the western terminus of the National Trail. A well-earned pint at the Kings Arms awaits.

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

**End 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.

**Physical grade:** Moderate. Day 4 involves ascent onto the Whin Sill, but stages are shorter than our other tours and the pace is gentler throughout. Suitable for walkers of most fitness levels who are comfortable on rough ground.

**Best months:** May to September.