Hadrian's Wall Walking Holidays
From a Luxury Barn Near Hexham
A Hadrian's Wall walking holiday starts a mile from our door. The Barn at East Salmonswell sits near Acomb, between Hexham and the Wall, with Chesters Roman Fort ten minutes away and the dramatic crags around Housesteads and Steel Rigg in under half an hour. Walk the Roman frontier by day, then return to a quiet, adults-only barn conversion with two en-suite bedrooms and dark skies overhead.
Whether you want to tackle a stretch of the 84 mile Hadrian's Wall Path or wander riverside woodland, The Barn is a comfortable base for walking holidays in Northumberland. It offers the space and privacy of a Northumberland Airbnb, with the warmth of a properly finished barn.
Why walkers choose The Barn
Hadrian's Wall Path, a National Trail and UNESCO World Heritage Site, is around a mile away
A waymarked route runs from Hexham through Acomb to Chesters Roman Fort, so you can start walking without the car
Two en-suite bedrooms for four adults, with plenty of hot water after a long day on the Wall
Adults only, so mornings and evenings are peaceful
Hexham's cafés, bakeries and outdoor shops are a few minutes away for supplies
Walks near The Barn
Hexham to Corbridge along the Tyne
Estimated distance and time Around 4 miles, 2 hours
Route Linear, return by train between Hexham and Corbridge stations
Difficulty Easy
What to expect A gentle riverside walk on mostly level paths, ending in Corbridge with its independent shops, pubs and Roman town.
Chesters Roman Trail, Chollerford
Estimated distance and time Around 2.5 miles, 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Circular from Chesters Roman Fort
Difficulty Easy
What to expect Britain's best-preserved Roman cavalry fort, with its bath house, museum and tearoom, then on to Brunton Turret and the Roman bridge abutment on the North Tyne. Some roadside and field paths, which can be muddy.
Hexham to Chesters Roman Fort via Acomb
Estimated distance and time Around 6.5 miles, 3 hours
Route Linear, starting in Hexham or picked up in Acomb
Difficulty Moderate
What to expect A waymarked trail across the Tyne at Hexham Bridge, through Acomb and Fallowfield, joining the Hadrian's Wall Path for the final stretch. Field paths and lanes with some gentle climbs.
Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, Bardon Mill
Estimated distance and time 1 to 6 miles; the Staward Peel loop is around 5.8 miles, 3 hours
Route Several waymarked circular routes from the National Trust car park
Difficulty Easy to moderate
What to expect The largest area of ancient semi-natural woodland in Northumberland. Level riverside paths along the River Allen, with steeper climbs and some sheer drops on the longer loop up to the ruins of Staward Peel. Look out for red squirrels.
Steel Rigg, Sycamore Gap and Crag Lough from The Sill
Estimated distance and time Around 4.25 miles, 2.5 to 3 hours
Route Circular from The Sill, Once Brewed
Difficulty Challenging
What to expect The classic Hadrian's Wall walk along the Whin Sill crags, past the site where the Sycamore Gap tree stood, to Hotbank and Crag Lough, returning via Steel Rigg. Short, steep climbs and descents on uneven stone steps.
Housesteads Roman Fort to Steel Rigg
Estimated distance and time Around 3.5 miles one way, 2 hours; about 5 miles as a loop
Route Linear along the Wall, or circular returning north of the Wall
Difficulty Challenging
What to expect Start at the most complete Roman fort in Britain and follow the Wall west along the crags above Crag Lough, with some of the finest views on the National Trail. Steep sections throughout.
Chollerford to Steel Rigg, Hadrian's Wall Path
Estimated distance and time 12 miles, 6 to 7 hours
Route Linear National Trail section
Difficulty Challenging
What to expect A full day on the Wall, passing Chesters, Brocolitia and Housesteads before the high crags. The Wall gets wilder and more dramatic as you head west. Arrange a lift back.
Isaac's Tea Trail, Allendale
Estimated distance and time 136 miles, 2 to 3 days, or shorter day sections
Route Circular from Allendale Town
Difficulty Challenging
What to expect A long-distance trail across the North Pennines through river valleys and high moorland. Quiet, remote and best for experienced walkers with a map.
Green fees and visitor times change through the year, so check with each club before you book. Close House and the Hunting course at Slaley Hall usually need tee times booked well in advance.