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Couple smiles while hiking on a mountain with stone wall, cloudy sky.

Grand Day Out

Join us for an 8-mile walking tour that explores both the north and south sides of Hadrian’s Wall, set against the spectacular Northumberland landscape. Along the way you’ll discover forts, milecastles, milestones, and ancient earthworks—this walk truly packs in the sights.

Why Choose this Tour?

If the Highlights Tour is a taster, this 8-mile walk is the full feast. While the Highlights Tour covers a shorter stretch and is perfect for those with limited time or looking for a gentler introduction, the 8-mile circular route goes further, both north and south of the Wall.

You’ll see more variety in the landscape—rolling moorland, valleys, and crags—and visit additional sites including milestones, earthworks, and hidden corners that most visitors miss. With more time on the trail, we dive deeper into the stories, from Roman soldiers and commanders to Border Reivers, geology, and the natural world.

This tour is ideal for those who:

Enjoy longer walks (8 miles / about 4 hours)
Want a fuller picture of Roman and local history
Are keen to explore beyond the iconic milecastles and Sycamore Gap

This 8-mile circular tour is the one to choose if you want to experience more Wall, more stories, and more of Northumberland’s wild beauty.

At a glance

Start — 9:30 am
Meet — The Sill
Distance — 8 miles
Terrain — undulating, uneven in parts, some quiet country roads, stiles stone steps and paths
Fitness — moderate level required
Roman sites — Housesteads, Vindolanda, Hadrian's Wall, Sycamore Gap and Peel Gap Tower (the unmarked turret)
Midway break — at Housestead.
Available — Low-level paths and Walking poles.
Toilets — At start/end and Housesteads
Drinks & Food — At start/end and Housesteads

Highlights

Take home memories – we capture photos and videos to create a bespoke highlight reel of your walk, so you can stay fully present.
Hold a genuine Roman artefact – handle history in your own hands.
Discover a hidden Roman carving tucked away on the trail.
Walk the only permitted section of the Wall itself.
See more in less time – two forts, two milecastles, four loughs, three crags, one and a half Roman milestones, one Roman quarry, and sections of the Roman vallum.
Step onto the Stanegate Road – the Roman military road predating Hadrian’s Wall.
Soak up panoramic views of the Whin Sill, Housesteads, and Hadrian's Wall’s rugged landscape.
Visit Sycamore Gap, the site of Britain’s most photographed trees.
Guided by fun, knowledgeable locals who bring the Wall’s stories to life.
Enjoy thoughtful touches – walking poles if you’d like them, tailored insights, and local recommendations.

Grand Day Out

Grand Day Out

What do our guests say?

We had the most wonderful day exploring the Northumberland countryside and Hadrian's Wall with Claire. It was a 4 hour hike that took in all the beautiful scenery & historical sites. We passed Vindolanda which we explored ourselves after the hike. We got to walk on a section of the wall & stopped at Sycamore gap with was bittersweet. We thoroughly enjoyed our guided tour with Claire and would highly recommend it to anyone looking to get outdoors and learn about the history of Hadrian's Wall and the surrounding area. Claire was super friendly and enthusiastic and we definitely wouldn't have had as good an experience without her knowledge and expertise.

☆☆☆☆☆

Frequently Asked Questions

Do tours run in bad weather?

Yes! Tours run in all weather, so please dress appropriately. Hiking boots, walking shoes with good grip, or trail shoes are recommended. If conditions are unsafe, we will contact you with alternatives.

What time and where should I arrive?

Meet at 9:30 am at The Sill National Discovery Centre, . If you need walking poles, we'll get you set up.

How difficult is the walk?

The route is a mix of uneven paths, grassy areas, stone steps, and undulating terrain. A reasonable level of fitness and mobility is recommended to enjoy the experience. Walking poles are available take frequent stops and offer lower path.

Prefer less walking? Check out Hadrian's Wall Highlights

What is your cancellation policy?

You may cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before the start time are non-refundable. If we ever need to cancel (rare), you’ll be offered a full refund or a chance to reschedule.

What should I Wear?

We recommend sturdy footwear such as hiking boots, walking shoes with good grip, or trail shoes. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing weather on the Wall, and bring a waterproof jacket just in case. Hats, gloves, and sun protection may also be useful depending on the season. We don't recommend jeans or fashion shoes.

Do you only focus on Roman history?

No, not at all. While the Romans built the Wall, the landscape holds stories from many eras. We share tales of Border Reivers, pre-industrial times, and the people who’ve lived and worked along the Wall for centuries. It’s history, humour, and human interest stories, not just Romans in sandals.

What is the best section of Hadrian's Wall?

The best section of Hadrian’s Wall runs between Steel Rigg and Housesteads, where the Wall sweeps across rugged crags and past the iconic Sycamore Gap. It’s the most dramatic and best-preserved stretch of the frontier — and the heart of what we explore on our Hadrian’s Wall Highlights and Grand Day Out tours.

How long will it take?

Most tours take around 4 hours. If we take more stops and have a more relaxed pace, it can take up to four hours.

Where in the world are we?

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