9 Day / 8 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 may be tidal. You finish at the village of Burgh-by-Sands, burial place of Edward I. 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 time to explore the Roman city of Luguvallium in depth — Carlisle Castle, the Cathedral, and the excellent 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 and along field edges towards the small market town of Brampton. You'll pass Lanercost Priory — a beautifully preserved medieval priory partly built from Roman Wall stones — worth a detour before arriving in Brampton. Your third night is in Brampton.

A short day through peaceful Cumbrian countryside. The path winds east from Brampton through the village of Banks and along the line of the Wall earthworks before arriving at Gilsland in the Irthing valley. Birdoswald Roman Fort, with the longest surviving stretch of original Wall curtain, is just a short walk from Gilsland — ideal for a late-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 begins climbing onto the Whin Sill — the dramatic volcanic escarpment that carries the Wall through Northumberland National Park. You'll pass Walltown Crags and Cawfields before reaching Steel Rigg near Once Brewed. Your fifth night is near Steel Rigg or Once Brewed.

The finest day of the walk. From Steel Rigg the crags extend east, passing Housesteads (Vercovicium) — the most complete and atmospheric fort on the Wall — and continuing along the switchback ridgeline with sweeping views north to the Cheviots and south to the North Pennines. The path descends gradually to the North Tyne river at Chollerford, where Chesters Roman Fort sits beside the water. Your sixth night is in the Chollerford or Hexham area.

From Chollerford the path follows the Tyne Valley east through open farmland. The pace is relaxed and the scenery gentler than the crags behind you. You arrive in the attractive market town of Corbridge in the afternoon — time to explore Corbridge Roman Town (Coria), with its remarkable granaries and temple. Your seventh night is in Corbridge.

A short morning's walk east from Corbridge to Heddon-on-the-Wall, where one of the best-preserved sections of Wall in the eastern half of the route stands beside the road. Arriving early gives you the afternoon to rest, explore the village, or revisit a favourite section. Your eighth 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 Newcastle city centre and on to Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend — the eastern terminus of the National Trail. A memorable finish at the edge of the Tyne.

## What's included

- Eight 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. Taxis from Bowness to Carlisle take around 30 minutes.

**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 6 involves significant ascent and descent on the Whin Sill crags. Most other days are shorter and less demanding. You should be comfortable walking for four to five hours per day.

**Best months:** May to September.