5 Day / 4 Night: Chollerford to Carlisle

Your walk begins at Chollerford, where Chesters Roman Fort (Cilurnum) stands beside the North Tyne — one of the finest cavalry forts on the Wall, with an exceptional preserved bathhouse. From Chesters the path climbs steadily onto the Whin Sill, the dramatic volcanic ridge that defines the central section. You'll reach Housesteads (Vercovicium) in the afternoon — the most complete fort on the Wall, set on the highest point of the ridge. Vindolanda, one of the most important Roman sites in Britain, is a short detour from your overnight accommodation at Once Brewed. Your first night is near Housesteads or Once Brewed.

A short day through the very best scenery on the route. The path follows the Whin Sill crags west from Housesteads in a series of dramatic switchbacks — the iconic images of Hadrian's Wall are photographed along this stretch. You'll reach Steel Rigg near Once Brewed by midday, leaving the afternoon free to visit the National Park Visitor Centre, explore more of Vindolanda, or simply enjoy the surroundings. Your second night is near Steel Rigg or Once Brewed.

From Steel Rigg the crags continue west, passing Cawfields and the well-preserved Milecastle 42 before the path gradually descends from the high ground. West of Cawfields the Wall becomes more fragmentary as the landscape softens towards the Irthing valley. You arrive at Gilsland where Birdoswald Roman Fort — with the longest surviving stretch of original Wall curtain — is just a short walk from the village. Your third night is in the Gilsland area.

Crossing the River Irthing, the walk enters Cumbria and takes on a different character. The high crags are behind you and the path follows rolling farmland west through Banks and Lanercost. Lanercost Priory — a remarkably preserved medieval priory partly built from Roman Wall stones — is worth a visit before arriving in the small market town of Brampton. Your fourth night is in Brampton.

The final day heads south-west from Brampton through farmland to Carlisle — the Roman city of Luguvallium and the largest urban centre along the Wall. Arriving in the afternoon gives you time to visit Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral, and the outstanding Tullie House Museum, which holds one of the finest collections of Roman Wall artefacts in the country. Carlisle has excellent rail connections — direct trains run to London Euston, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Newcastle throughout the day.

## What's included

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

## Practical notes

**Start point:** Chollerford, NE46 4EN. Chollerford is best reached by car (parking near Chesters Fort) or by taxi from Hexham station (approximately 10 minutes). Hexham has regular trains from Newcastle.

**End point:** Carlisle, CA1. Carlisle station has regular direct trains to London Euston (approx. 3.5 hours), Edinburgh (approx. 1.5 hours), Glasgow (approx. 1.5 hours), and Newcastle (approx. 1 hour).

**Physical grade:** Moderate. Day 1 involves ascent onto the Whin Sill. Most other days are shorter and less demanding. Suitable for walkers comfortable on rough ground.

**Best months:** May to September.