The Best 40 miles of Hadrian’s Wall

Itinerary

Thursday

For this getaway we’re basing ourselves at the four-star rated Ninebanks YHA, a 17th century cottage in a secluded location with spectacular views across the hills. After we’ve introduced you to your fellow walking companions, there’s plenty of time to make the most of those views while chatting in the garden, no doubt with a drink in-hand, while we prepare the evening meal.

Friday

Your Large Outdoors host will serve a delicious breakfast that will be just the ticket to prepare for the day’s exertions. We then take the group to the start of the first day’s walk at Walton. From here we strike out for Steel Rigg along a 16-mile route which reaches the highest point along the Wall at 345 metres. Along the way we’ll come to the fascinating remains of the fort at Birdoswald and follow some well-preserved sections of the wall, complete with turrets. We cross the River Irthing and at Gilsand the route takes us across open moorland before we come to the final stretch that is dominated by dramatic crags, quarry ponds and panoramic views all the way to Steel Rigg.

Back at Ninebanks, and with the sun shining down on us, there will be time to soak up the rays in the garden before sitting down to an evening meal lovingly prepared by our team. The YHA’s location, well away from any light pollution, means that on a clear night there is plenty of star gazing potential so we will often step outside to make the most of those celestial moments!

Saturday

Today our Large Outdoors transportation will take us back to Steel Rigg for a 15-mile stretch towards Port Gate. During the day we pass the sites that are some of the most iconic of Hadrian’s Wall, namely the forts at Housteads and Chesters and Sycamore Gap, where a solitary tree known as Robin Hood’s tree sits perfectly in a dip between two hills. Expect undulating terrain, tranquil riverside spots and wild moorland in this majestic landscape where it’s easy to conjure up images of the Romans defending their territory from the Scottish Picts. With the walk completed we return to base for a celebratory evening meal hosted by us, no doubt re-living the highlights of the day.

Sunday

Today we have a gentler walk in mind, a 9-miler finishing at the lovely village of Heddon-on- the-Wall. Here, the experts say there is the best stretch of Hadrian’s Wall in a village setting, with the remains still reaching up to 6.5 feet wide in places. There also happens to be a lovely pub so it would be churlish to not enjoy a a celebratory post walk toast.

Good to know:

Our accommodation:

This 250-year-old lead miners’ house offers a special place to stay in the North Pennines close to Hadrian’s Wall.
It offers four-star accommodation, en suite rooms, a great social space and a terrace with wonderful views.

Venue Address:

Ninebanks YHA
Orchard House
Mohop
Hexham
Northumberland
NE47 8DQ

Nearest Train Station: Hexham, we will be offering a free limited collection from Hexham station at 6pm.

Car shares / taxi share or travel buddy: If you are attending this trip then please use the Large Outdoors Facebook Members page to request or look for travel buddies.

Parking at Ninebanks YHA - there is limited parking at the hostel but plenty of free parking a short walk away, you can drop bags etc at the hostel before going to park. There are no street lights in this area so please ensure you have your head torch with you.