9 Day / 8 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 and passing through the city centre before climbing to 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, relaxed morning's walk through open farmland to the attractive market town of Corbridge. Arriving early gives you the afternoon to explore Corbridge Roman Town (Coria), one of the most complete Roman military sites in northern England, with its granaries, temple, and remarkable collection of stonework. Your second night is in Corbridge.

From Corbridge the path climbs west through the Tyne Valley towards Chollerford. You'll pass through open farmland with views of the Wall earthworks becoming more substantial as you head west. The day ends at Chesters Roman Fort (Cilurnum) — one of the finest cavalry forts on the Wall, set beautifully beside the North Tyne river at Chollerford. Your third night is in the Chollerford or Hexham area.

This is where the walk transforms. Leaving the Tyne Valley behind, the path climbs dramatically onto the Whin Sill — the great volcanic ridge that carries the Wall across the highest ground in Northumberland. You'll pass Housesteads (Vercovicium), the most atmospheric and complete fort on the Wall, then continue west along the switchback crags to Steel Rigg near Once Brewed. Your fourth night is near Steel Rigg or Once Brewed.

The Whin Sill continues to deliver spectacular scenery as you walk west from Steel Rigg, passing Cawfields and the well-preserved Milecastle 42. The Wall becomes more fragmentary west of Cawfields but the views remain superb. You descend to Gilsland village where the Wall crosses the River Irthing. Birdoswald Roman Fort — with the longest surviving stretch of original Wall curtain — is just a short walk away. Your fifth night is in the Gilsland area.

A short, pleasant day through rolling Cumbrian countryside. The path crosses the River Irthing and heads west through the villages of Banks and Lanercost, passing the medieval priory at Lanercost — well worth a visit. You arrive in the small market town of Brampton in the early afternoon, with time to explore before dinner. Your sixth night is in Brampton.

From Brampton the path continues south-west through farmland 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 collection of Roman Wall artefacts. Your seventh night is in Carlisle.

The character of the walk changes completely as you leave the city and head onto the Solway Plain. The path crosses flat pastoral countryside with wide skies and views across the Solway Firth to the Scottish hills. You arrive at the village of Burgh-by-Sands, burial place of Edward I. Your eighth 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 coast. Some sections near the estuary may be tidal, so timing can matter. You finish at the small village of Bowness-on-Solway, where a modest stone marks the western terminus of the National Trail. A celebratory pint at the Kings Arms is traditional.

## 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:** 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. Taxis from Bowness to Carlisle take around 30 minutes.

**Physical grade:** Moderate. Day 4 involves significant ascent onto the Whin Sill. Most other days are shorter and less demanding than our six-day tour. You should be comfortable walking for four to five hours per day.

**Best months:** May to September.