The Whole Wall
Bowness on Solway to Carlisle
Starting from Bowness on Solway you travel across salt marshes bordering the Solway Firth which is renowned for its bird life, peace and views of the Lake District and Scotland. Heading through farm land you join the river Eden and follow this into Carlisle leaving the river at the historic Castle.
Carlisle to Banks
Leaving Carlisle you continue to follow the Eden out into rich agricultural landscapes and Parkland. The route starts to climb through the villages of Irthington and Walton and moorland begins to become the predominant landscape. Wall features begin to make their presence felt and we see our first sections of true Roman Wall.
Banks to Walltown Crags
Today you really get to grips with the Wall, earthworks, sections of wall, forts and Roman graffiti are all in store as are castles and an opportunity to see what life might have been like in the Roman Army
Walltown Crags to Housesteads
Into the high country, from Walltown crags we take a rollercoaster ride along the Whin sill escarpment to Housesteads Roman Fort. We pass remains too numerous to mention and the views get more expansive as we proceed. At Housesteads we take a full tour of the fort as this is the most impressive on the Wall.
Housesteads to Chollerford
A return to Housesteads and over the Sewingshields crags before we start our descent and leave the high ground behind, At Carrawburgh a short detour take us to a Mithraic temple is followed by a gradual climb and the descent into the North Tyne valley and Chollerford.
Chollerford to Newburn
A big day but the way is flat and open with great views of rolling farmland. The wall now heads arrow straight for Newcastle and as you top the rise at Heddon on the Wall you catch a glimpse of journeys end. Drop down to the Tyne and a couple of pleasant miles along its banks.
Newburn to Wallsend
The final day takes us into the city of Newcastle following the river Tyne past the famous TyneBridge, Baltic and Sage centres. The redeveloped quay side is a taste of city life again before heading to quieter parts and the old industrial heart of the city. Segedunum Fort is reached in the shadow of the old Swan Hunter shipyard and is well worth a relaxed hour wandering around the visitors centre before heading to the metro and home or a well deserved night on the town.
The Whole Wall:
Seven days walking
Seven night’s Bed and Breakfast accommodation
Personal transfers from Wall to accommodation
Baggage transfers
Packed lunches
Guide for each day
Photography along the way
Photo CD of the Wall
Cost £756.00 per person
You will need to make your own way to the first nights accommodation but we will be only to happy to advise on how best to do this.
Dates
West to East 18th - 24th May 2008
East to West 1st - 7th September 2008
