Recommendations for Hadrian's Wall

[CoddledAsAMommet]

I live about as far south as you can get and want to visit Hadrians wall with DH and DS (17). I definitely want to go to Vindolanda but other than that don't really know where to start. It wouldn't be a main holiday so don't want to spend a fortune. Does anyone know of a company they'd recommend that organises walking trips or similar? Or do you think that's not necessary? Thank you.

We went to Birdoswald Fort last summer. It was really good and we learnt a lot from the tour guide. It's run by English Heritage. We did have the added bonus of an archeological dig going on at the time. From there you can wander up and down the wall as far as you like.

You don't really need an organised tour. You can organise baggage transfer if you like, but if you're doing the whole walk, we managed with one change of clothes, extra socks and pants.

Chesters, Vindolanda and Birdoswald are the main Roman settlements. Corbridge is lovely. Lanercost is worth a visit.

The very western end of the walk on the Solway Firth is beautiful - lots of birdlife.

Accommodation on the walk gets booked quickly because there's not much, especially in the middle bit, west of Hexham.

I don’t think you need a company - just a good local guidebook. Thoroughly recommend Netherby Hall for great accommodation in the area - loads of local historical sites, great walks and easy to drive to Vindolandia

Placemarking because I'm very tempted for this summer

Are you on about walking the full length of the wall or just selecting bits you are most interested in?

There is a nice YhA at The Sill in Northumberland and you can walk to Sycamore Gap from there

There's a bus that visits many of the places in the central area of the wall, route AD122 Hadrians's Wall Country Bus.
hadrianswallcountry.co.uk/travel/bus

We stayed in a cottage at Haltwhistle and used the bus to get out to Birdoswald and walked back, and also Housesteads and walked back.

Why not make it a Roman road trip and call at Chester etc on the way?

We stayed at the YHA at the sill. Fabulous. Family ensuite room. Only hostel or hotel where you can walk from the door to Sycamore Gap etc.