Walking Hadrian’s Wall – part 4&5 – Once Brewed – Chollerford – East Wallhouses
Day 4 – Once Brewed → Chollerford
✔ Distance: ~12 miles (19 km)
✔ Time needed: 5–6 hours (depending on pace & breaks)
✔ Terrain: Last of the rocky Whin Sill crags, then noticeably smoother and greener hills
✔ Challenge level: Moderate – fewer steep climbs than yesterday
✔ Amenities: Pub & brewery at Twice Brewed, loos at visitor centres, pubs & accommodation in Chollerford (and nearby Hexham if needed)
Highlights:
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Stunning final crags near Sycamore Gap & High Shield crags
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Views over rolling Northumberland hills as the landscape softens
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Brunton Turret (26B) and other small Roman remains
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The gentle arrival at Chollerford over River North Tyten
Day 5 – Chollerford — to East Wallhouses
✔ Distance: ~10–11 miles (16–18 km)
✔ Time needed: 4–5 hours
✔ Terrain: Flatter farmland, quiet lanes, pasture paths
✔ Challenge level: Easy-to-moderate – less drama, but can feel long and repetitive
✔ Amenities: Tea room & shop at Chollerford / café at Port, Robin Hood Inn at East Wallhouses
Highlights:
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Chesters Roman Fort & Museum (if you fancy a short detour)
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Longer, intact stretches of Wall alongside fields
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Brunton Bridge & River scenery
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Peaceful farmland views & dry-stone walls
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The Robin Hood Inn – classic pub stop / possible overnight stay
Why these days are great:
✔ You transition from epic rocky scenery → to classic English countryside
✔ More time to simply walk, think, and enjoy the history
✔ Still plenty of Roman remains, but fewer crowds
✔ The pub at the end of each day = strong motivation!
Day 4 – From Crags to Quiet Fields (Once Brewed to Chollerford)
After Once Brewed, the first few miles still feature the rugged drama of the Whin Sill cliffs, with stretches of wall perched dramatically along the ridges. But gradually, the landscape began to soften. The climbs became gentler, the views wider and greener.
You pass sheep-dotted farms, lonely stretches of ancient wall, and the occasional reminder of Roman life—stone milecastles, weathered info signs, and the lingering echo of footsteps from centuries ago. With fewer steep ascents than previous days, there is time to look around, breathe, and simply walk.
By early afternoon, we followed the River North Tyne into Chollerford, a peaceful village with a welcome pub, warm food, and a place to rest tired legs. It is a quieter end to the day—less dramatic than the central section but full of charm.
Day 5 – Into Farmland & History (Chollerford to East Wallhouses)
Day 5 brings a new rhythm. Gone are the crags and cliffs—the path now meanders through farmland, past stone cottages, and across open fields edged by dry-stone walls. Though the scenery is gentler, the history becomes more noticeable. You pass Brunton Turret (26B), remnants of Roman bridges, and long sections of wall running beside peaceful pastures.
The walking feels easier underfoot, but the miles can be deceptively tiring—especially with fewer dramatic landmarks to break up the day. Still, the quiet beauty of the landscape and the thought of a pub at the finish keeps spirits high.
By late afternoon, the rooftops of East Wallhouses and the promise of a pint at the Robin Hood Inn appear on the horizon. There’s something special about arriving on foot—muddy boots, tired feet, and a sense of achievement that no car or train can bring.
Tips for Future Walkers
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Food & Water: Limited refreshment stops between Once Brewed and East Wallhouses—pack snacks and plenty of water.
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Navigation: The path is mostly clear, but farmland sections can be tricky—keep an eye on signs and maps.
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Don’t Miss: The Twice Brewed Inn & Brewery (near the start), Brunton Turret, and the riverside views near Chollerford.
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End-of-Day Reward: The Robin Hood Inn at East Wallhouses—a classic spot for a hearty meal and a pint.
Why These Days Matter
These two days mark a shift in the journey—away from epic cliffs and into the quieter heart of the countryside. It’s where the walk becomes less about dramatic scenery and more about rhythm, reflection, and the simple joy of putting one foot in front of the other.
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