The commanding views from Steelrigg to the amazing and inspiring visitor centres at Housesteads, Vindolanda and Tullie House are full of incredible artefacts and information about the surrounding area and the Roman treasures found along the Hadrian's Wall walk.
The Cumbrian stretch of Wall has many guest houses and café’s, not forgetting the glorious views along the way. The diversity of the landscape, the hills, the valleys and the craggy outcrops give you a truly beautiful insight to what life must have been like as a Centurion guarding the Northern frontier of the Roman Empire.
You may like to include some inspirational places to visit along the way.
At Birdoswald Fort are Roman ruins, set above the most attractive valleys, totally unspoilt by modern living. Walking 4 miles, 6.5 km, further west sitting in the Irthing Vale is Lanercost Priory. This is a 12th Century Augustinian Monastery, still used as a place of worship today. Try the lovely refreshments at the Lanercost Priory Tea rooms just a short stroll around the corner from the Priory. Mouth-watering cakes and meals are available from 9.30am until 5pm. You may choose to sit on the extensive patio in the warm sunshine where water bowls are provided for thirsty dogs.
You traverse through the small market town of Brampton, where Accommodation is available, or try Newtown, Irthington, Crosby on Eden and into the City of Carlisle. Tullie House is certainly worth a visit. This shows the artefacts found locally, the famous Railway history and the geology of the surrounding areas. The stunning red sandstone Citadel entrance to the City centre is impressive and unique. Pop along to Carlisle Castle, where the historic defence of the city against Bonnie Prince Charlie and 1745 rebellion await you or tales of Mary Queen of Scots being imprisoned.
The amazing tribute to the battles fought by the Border Regiment. It’s all here waiting to be explored. Don’t forget to checkout Carlisle Cathedral. A fine Building Architecturally, both inside and out. Carlisle has lots of little bars and bistros from the quirky and interesting to the fine dining or dancing in the clubland area ...
A few suggestions - The Lane Bar, The Shabby Scholar, The Quarter lounge, The Dutch Uncle and The Old Bank City Pub and Chop House on Fisher St. Davids, Dempseys, Sotto, Prezzo, Nando’s and The Halston on Warwick Road. The Thin White Duke, Eaten By Monsters, The Fat Gadgie and Hell below on Devonshire St. Pizza Express, Bocata, Circle Bar, The Last Zebra and Sanna on Lowther St.
Try some of the great Café’s in Carlisle, Castlegate Café on Lowther St, Celebrations on Bank St, Anazao on Cecil St, The old Engine room on West Walls. Café Nero, Starbucks, Costa, on English St.
If you need to get from Carlisle Station to Wallsend at Bowness to start your walk please contact Airstream taxi +44 (0) 7808 778599. Taxi services around the Carlisle area are available from Airstream Taxi.
Hadrian’s wall then stretches out across the Solway Plain to Bowness on Solway.
Through the attractive hamlet of Grinsdale, where you follow the meandering of the mighty River Eden and on to Beaumont and Monkshill, where you will find the Drovers Rest, an authentic country Pub with a tasty Menu. A short walk westward brings you to Burgh by Sands. The final resting place for King Edward 1, affectionately known locally as Ed the Dead. A fine monument exists on Burgh Marsh 1 mile north of the village. Beside a warm and friendly pub, The Greyhound Inn you will also see a recently commissioned statue of Edward 1.
The 12th Century Parish church has an incredible amount of history, well worth a visit. See if you can find the Bollards for the Carlisle to Bowness Canal along the walk. You follow the line of the Old Canal along the marsh, a haven for birds where seals, porpoises, badgers, deer, foxes and Pine martens can be seen at various times of year. The arrow markings are still visible on the marsh opposite the Easton Road for the second world war Bomb training runs by the Royal Air Force.
Following the sea level walk you enter Drumburgh where the remains of the Roman Wall are visible in the stonework of Drumburgh Castle. Tea rooms are available in Drumburgh and most definitely not to be missed. Along the Old Canal again, you drop into Glasson. The Highland Laddie is a traditional pub with a superb selection of food available, with a log burning fire to rest your weary feet and comes highly recommended. On through Port Carlisle with more refreshments available at the Hope and Anchor Pub. Accommodation and Camping can be found at Kirkland farm.
Eventually you find yourself in Bowness on Solway. This historical little village is unspoilt and sits on the tranquil waters of the Solway Firth. There is accommodation at the Wallsend Guesthouse and Shoregate Guesthouse. The Old Chapel guesthouse is located halfway up the village where your warm friendly host Maureen, will provide you with a superb night’s rest. Food and refreshments are available at the Kings Arms, where a traditional warm, friendly welcome awaits you. Transport back to Carlisle, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Newcastle/ Port of Tyne, Manchester, or wherever you require can be arranged for you.
Please contact us or telephone 07808 778599