UK walking holidays, hiking vacations, archaeology tours Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, Haltwhistle England

UK walking holidays, hiking vacations, archaeology tours Hadrian's Wall, Northumberland, Haltwhistle England
Milecastle 37 gateway (picture credit: Donna Angel) Hadrian's Wall & Eden Holidays
by Curlew Guided Walking
The Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of the Wall in 122 AD. Our holidays explore the finest central stretch where Hadrian's Wall and the Roman archaeology is at its most spectacular. Despite the centuries it remains an impressive reminder of the might of Rome. The area is part of Northumberland National Park as well as a World Heritage site.

Following the Wall along the undulations of the Whin Sill ridge milecastles and turrets appear in regular succession. Great crags plunge into the reed-fringed lake of Crag Lough where swans glide over the dark waters before we reach Housesteads, the best preserved fort on the Wall. Barcombe Hill gives us aerial views of Vindolanda where the museum displays artifacts found at the fort including letters written by the inhabitants nearly 2,000 years ago.
"Hadrian's Wall remains my firm favourite with its views, its changes of scenery and its history and archaeology." S. Forbes, London, UK.
Another day takes us over Winshields Crag, the highest point on Hadrian's Wall, to the fort at Aesica where the vault of the headquarters building and an altar are still visible within its classic playing card shape. The switchback crest of Walltown Crags leads to the Roman Army Museum and Greenhead village. Here we find the stark ruin of Thirlwall Castle built from plundered Wall stones in the 14th century when Border 'Reivers' raided for cattle and revenge. As the Wall reaches Cumbria the landscape softens to meadows and woods, home to deer and red squirrels. Several shorter walks here include delightful sections of river, mineral springs and the deep Irthing Gorge with its cascades and towering trees. Well preserved sections of the Wall take us to Birdoswald Fort and old quarries still bearing Roman names and graffiti. Our day ends at Lanercost Priory, once fought over by the Scots and English but now a romantic ruin in a peaceful glen.
"A big thank you for doing such a geat walk at Hadrian's Wall. It was a wonderful experience and you made it so interesting with your knowledge of the Romans." R. Hill, E. Sussex, UK and G. Dickson, Natal, South Africa.

Lanercost Priory On Wednesday we travel to Kirkby Stephen in the Eden Valley for more superb walking. Details of walks and venues can be seen on our Eden Explorer pages.
"A Week At The Wall" For groups with an interest in further exploring the history and archaeology of the area we now offer full weeks at Hadrian's Wall. These will include visits to Roman sites and museums as well as walking along the best sections of the Wall and can be tailored to suit. Please contact us for more details.
"We all just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our holiday with you. We all appreciated your knowledge and preparation for each day's walk and paticularly the extra archaeology you showed us each day."
H. Owen, Hampshire, UK (group leader).
Accommodation:the small market town of Haltwhistle nestles in the beautiful South Tyne Valley immediately south of Hadrian's Wall and at the foot of the North Pennines. There are pleasant waterside walks and many Roman sites close at hand. The elegant former vicarage of Ashcroft Guest House (Gold Award) and the Victorian stone house of Hall Meadows are both set in their own attractive gardens. A warm welcome is also assured at the Grey Bull Hotel, a former pub but now completely refurbished as a comfortable guest house. All three venues are rated at VB 4 Stars.

The Wall & Crag Lough Cost (week): from £460 per person based on sharing a twin or double room.
2 days/nights: from £165
3 days/nights: from £240
Single rooms are available without supplement.
Station (arrive): Haltwhistle then a short walk.
Station (depart): Kirkby Stephen- a short taxi ride from the guest houses.
Links to coach and rail sites can be found on our Links Page.
Dates: May 15th, June 26th, July 31st and September 4th.
To see more of what is included in all of our holidays please see our Home Page.

Home Page Map Dates & Prices Booking Information Photo Gallery Links

Milecastle 37 gateway (picture credit: Donna Angel)	Hadrian's Wall & Eden Holidays by Curlew Guided Walking The Emperor Hadrian ordered the construction of the Wall in 122 AD. Our holidays explore the finest central stretch where Hadrian's Wall and the Roman archaeology is at its most spectacular. Despite the centuries it remains an impressive reminder of the might of Rome. The area is part of Northumberland National Park as well as a World Heritage site.
Following the Wall along the undulations of the Whin Sill ridge milecastles and turrets appear in regular succession. Great crags plunge into the reed-fringed lake of Crag Lough where swans glide over the dark waters before we reach Housesteads, the best preserved fort on the Wall. Barcombe Hill gives us aerial views of Vindolanda where the museum displays artifacts found at the fort including letters written by the inhabitants nearly 2,000 years ago. "Hadrian's Wall remains my firm favourite with its views, its changes of scenery and its history and archaeology." S. Forbes, London, UK. Another day takes us over Winshields Crag, the highest point on Hadrian's Wall, to the fort at Aesica where the vault of the headquarters building and an altar are still visible within its classic playing card shape. The switchback crest of Walltown Crags leads to the Roman Army Museum and Greenhead village. Here we find the stark ruin of Thirlwall Castle built from plundered Wall stones in the 14th century when Border 'Reivers' raided for cattle and revenge. As the Wall reaches Cumbria the landscape softens to meadows and woods, home to deer and red squirrels. Several shorter walks here include delightful sections of river, mineral springs and the deep Irthing Gorge with its cascades and towering trees. Well preserved sections of the Wall take us to Birdoswald Fort and old quarries still bearing Roman names and graffiti. Our day ends at Lanercost Priory, once fought over by the Scots and English but now a romantic ruin in a peaceful glen. "A big thank you for doing such a geat walk at Hadrian's Wall. It was a wonderful experience and you made it so interesting with your knowledge of the Romans." R. Hill, E. Sussex, UK and G. Dickson, Natal, South Africa.
On Wednesday we travel to Kirkby Stephen in the Eden Valley for more superb walking. Details of walks and venues can be seen on our Eden Explorer pages. "A Week At The Wall" For groups with an interest in further exploring the history and archaeology of the area we now offer full weeks at Hadrian's Wall. These will include visits to Roman sites and museums as well as walking along the best sections of the Wall and can be tailored to suit. Please contact us for more details. "We all just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our holiday with you. We all appreciated your knowledge and preparation for each day's walk and paticularly the extra archaeology you showed us each day." H. Owen, Hampshire, UK (group leader). Accommodation:the small market town of Haltwhistle nestles in the beautiful South Tyne Valley immediately south of Hadrian's Wall and at the foot of the North Pennines. There are pleasant waterside walks and many Roman sites close at hand. The elegant former vicarage of Ashcroft Guest House (Gold Award) and the Victorian stone house of Hall Meadows are both set in their own attractive gardens. A warm welcome is also assured at the Grey Bull Hotel, a former pub but now completely refurbished as a comfortable guest house. All three venues are rated at VB 4 Stars.