Hadrian’s Wall – 8 Days

AVAILABILITY AND BEST TIME TO WALK

This walk is available from March through to November.

So the saying goes in the UK, always be prepared for a change of weather! Regardless of when you travel, you can experience rainy days with temperatures dipping to 12°C and on the same day, clear skies and sunshine of up to 30°C.

Spring (March-May) – Recommended

Pros: Abundant Wildflowers and Lambing Season

Cons: Frequent Heavy Rainfall

Spring graces the landscape with its splendour as nature reawakens following the harsh winter. Pastures transform into vibrant green carpets, and wildflowers paint the hillsides with their vivid hues. This season marks the onset of the enchanting lambing season, offering heartwarming encounters with adorable lambs and playful calves in the fields. Be mindful, though, as spring can bring copious rain showers, so waterproof boots and a trusty rain jacket are essential companions.

Summer (June-August)

Pros: Ideal Walking Conditions, Accessibility, Prolonged Daylight

Cons: Increased Crowds

Summer blesses adventurers with dry weather and warmer temperatures, boasting an average high of 18°C. The extended daylight hours, with up to 16 hours of sunshine around the June solstice, make for perfect hiking conditions. However, summer also ushers in the busiest period of the year, especially during the UK school summer holidays in July and August, resulting in larger crowds on the trails.

Autumn (September-November) Recommended

Pros: Quieter Trails, Stunning Autumn Foliage

Cons: Unpredictable Weather

Autumn may bring wet and blustery weather, but it enchants with its breathtaking beauty as golden foliage blankets the landscapes in shades of red and orange. As daylight hours diminish, it’s the perfect opportunity to savour the cozy atmosphere of the region’s village pubs after a day of exploration. However, be aware that by late October and early November, some accommodation providers begin closing for the winter season, potentially making room reservations more challenging.

Winter (December-February)

We don’t offer the walk at this time due to the cons of limited accessibility, inclement weather and accommodations being closed.

THE WALKING

Graded moderate with several moderate to challenging days. An active lifestyle makes walking more enjoyable. Along with your usual walks, an exercise regime of 2 to 3 times a week is needed. Typically, days are generally easy-going underfoot and you should be used to be covering up to 24km per day.  The route will have sections of ascending, rocky trails and in places, lose terrain underfoot. Trails are very well-defined and very well way-marked. Although the route is well-waymarked, for each of your walks, you will be provided with daily walk summaries, a map, and comprehensive walk notes.

HOW TO GET THERE AND AWAY

This walk starts in Bowness-on-Solway

To Bowness-on-Solway
There are various ways to get Bowness-on-Solway including trains and limited buses. But the easiest way is to get a train to Carlisle and a taxi to Bowness on Solway.

Bus Service 93 from Carlisle Bus Station to Anthorn operates 4 times daily (no service on Sundays) at 6.35am, 12.40pm, 16.30pm and 18.10pm.

Private Taxi from Carlisle costs around $80

Onward Travel from Newcastle
Newcastle has great connections to London and other areas.

For all train travel in the UK, please check The Trainline or National Rail for timetables, prices and ticket purchases.

Another useful planning tool for travel is Rome2Rio should you be travelling from, or to, other destinations.

INSURANCE

We require that you have adequate travel insurance against potential losses, damage or injury, including cancellation costs and loss of luggage.

For all trips that require international travel, you must have purchased travel insurance that also includes medical evacuation coverage.

We also charge a cancellation fee if you cancel your walking holiday after we have confirmed it to cover costs incurred from our suppliers and in the office.  See the FAQ section for more information.