Hadrian's Wall Path: Wallsend to Bowness on Solway

Segedunum at Wallsend Segedunum, the Roman fort at Wallsend in Newcastle that is now a museum, marks the start of this walk along the Hadrian's Wall Path. Most people walk east to west because they like the idea of leaving urban Newcastle and heading out into the countryside, but the walk can be arranged to start from the west if you prefer. You arrive in Newcastle or Wallsend for your first night, then spend six days walking to Bowness on Solway. You leave after breakfast on day eight.

The first stage follows the River Tyne past its refurbished quayside, the Millennium Bridge and the Baltic Arts Centre. After that the route opens out into lush countryside. From Heddon-on-the-Wall onwards you see more and more of the wall.

The daily stages Day 2 runs from Wallsend to Heddon on the Wall (15 miles) and day 3 from Heddon on the Wall to Chollerford (15 miles). Day 4 takes you from Chollerford to Once Brewed (12.5 miles), and day 5 from Once Brewed to Lanercost (15 miles). Day 6 runs from Lanercost to Carlisle (14 miles), and day 7 finishes the walk, from Carlisle to Bowness on Solway (15 miles).

Through Northumberland and Cumbria, you walk right beside well-preserved sections of the wall. You pass the Roman forts of Chesters, Housesteads and Vindolanda, all open to the public, with time to stop and look around at length. The central section is often wild and dramatic, following the rugged escarpment the wall was built along. Nearer Carlisle and the River Eden valley the scenery turns more gentle and pastoral. The last stretch reaches Bowness on the Solway Estuary, where the only sounds are the wind and birds calling over the coast. On a clear day you can see the hills of southern Scotland across the water.

Terrain and waymarking The path is well defined and regularly waymarked. From Wallsend, the first 13 miles are flat, on paved or hard gravel surfaces. Just before Wylam the route leaves the Tyne and climbs into fields and gentle countryside for about 20 miles, with easy walking and gentle slopes. Between Sewing Shields and Greenhead the path gets more rugged and uneven, with a few short, steep climbs, though nothing a reasonably fit and agile walker can't manage. West of Greenhead the land rolls and gradually flattens towards Carlisle. From there it is flat, on public footpaths and small country roads, to the end beside the Solway Firth estuary. The highest point is 324 metres, and total ascent and descent are 1789 metres and 1769 metres.

What the holiday includes You stay in carefully selected en-suite bed and breakfast accommodation. Your luggage is moved each day, one bag per walker up to 20kg, and extra bags can be arranged on request. You get all the maps and guidebooks for the walk, plus route notes and maps showing how to find each night's B&B. If a B&B can't be booked within easy walking distance of the trail, transfers between the route and your accommodation are included. You also get details of any special facilities your hosts offer, such as a hot tub or licensed bar, and suggestions with contact details for an evening meal each day. Telephone support is available, along with advice on travel to and from the start and end of the trail.