Hadrians Wall and Lakes Walk

Our adventure begins in Newcastle, once a titan of industry and now a lively business and cultural hub. If you arrive with time to spare, you could stroll to the Tyne Bridge, the Grade II* listed arch opened by King George V in 1928 and now the city’s best known crossing. Around 6pm we meet your tour leader and fellow travellers in the hotel reception to get to know one another and hear about the journey ahead, then we share a welcoming group dinner. If you would like more time in Newcastle, you can arrange extra nights before the tour through your sales representative. You can also upgrade to a superior room – speak to your sales representative for details.

We leave the city for Alnwick, an ancient market town overseen by its formidable Norman castle. We begin with a stroll around town, then visit Alnwick Castle – the second largest inhabited castle in the UK after Windsor. Built in the 11th century, it once served as a defensive stronghold with extra thick stone walls and has since starred on screen, including in Downton Abbey and the first two Harry Potter films. We wander the lavish state rooms and visit the artisans’ courtyard to glimpse life in the 14th century; you could also try archery or even broomstick flying lessons. In the afternoon we continue to the coastal village of Alnmouth, where pastel coloured cottages line the River Aln. We explore the high street and its gift shops, cafes and pubs. Your leader can suggest places for dinner – you might finish the day with fish and chips on the beach.

After breakfast we head to Lindisfarne, or Holy Island, often considered the birthplace of Christianity in England and a tidal island cut off twice daily – we time our crossing carefully. We visit the ruins of the 12th century priory founded by Norman monks and walk past the island’s castle, later transformed into a private holiday home by Sir Edwin Lutyens, who helped shape New Delhi. We then tour Bamburgh Castle, perched on a rocky plateau beside the Northumberland coast, a stronghold for more than 1,400 years and recognisable from The Last Kingdom. The length of today’s walk depends on the tides.

We travel across country to Hadrian’s Wall, a World Heritage site stretching 73 miles (117km) from coast to coast – a 1,900 year old frontier of the Roman empire running through wild landscapes. Before our hike, we set the scene at The Sill discovery centre, learning from dedicated volunteers about local history, landscapes and conservation. We then walk a classic section, visiting the Roman garrison of Vindolanda, still under excavation, and passing the site of the felled tree at Sycamore Gap. After the walk we transfer by bus to the Lake District, famed for its dramatic scenery and characterful towns. You can upgrade to a prestige room – speak to your sales representative for details.

Today we enjoy a classic Lake District outing – a fell walk up Cat Bells, a beautiful summit with varied terrain and a modest height of 1,480ft (451m). From the top we admire sweeping views over the countryside and Derwent Water. In the afternoon we take the ferry back to Keswick, after which you have free time to relax or explore this historic market town. You can upgrade to a prestige room – speak to your sales representative for details.

Our second peak is Helvellyn, the third highest fell in the Lake District at 3,118ft (950m). We follow the popular route, which builds gradually before rewarding us with far reaching views from the summit. After descending, we stop at the King’s Head, a 17th century coaching inn turned traditional pub with superb views of the surrounding fells. You can upgrade to a prestige room – speak to your sales representative for details.

After breakfast we begin the journey home. A transfer takes us to Penrith for hourly trains to London and Scotland, arriving at Penrith station by 09:30am. If you would like to extend your time in the Lakes, you can speak to your sales representative about adding extra nights.