Hexham is ideally located for walkers to explore Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During your holiday, visit landmarks like Housesteads Fort, Vindolanda, and Brocolitia Temple. Enjoy scenic walks through villages like Corbridge and Humshaugh, with stays at the picturesque Riverdale Hall Hotel just outside of Hexham.
Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, Hadrian’s Wall is celebrated worldwide for its historical and cultural significance. This status underscores its role as one of the best-preserved frontiers of the Roman Empire, attracting millions of visitors who come to marvel at its enduring legacy and gain insights into ancient military strategy and frontier life.
Spanning an impressive 73 miles from Wallsend in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the west, Hadrian’s Wall once marked a formidable boundary. This extensive reach not only highlights the scale of the Roman defensive system but also provides modern walkers with a diverse landscape of rolling hills, rugged moorlands, and dramatic coastal views along its length.
Commissioned in AD 122 by Emperor Hadrian, the wall was constructed to secure the northern edge of the Roman Empire. This ambitious project reflected the strategic foresight of one of Rome’s most influential rulers, combining military might with administrative precision to establish a lasting symbol of Roman power and order.
Every Roman mile along Hadrian’s Wall is marked by a milecastle—a small fortification that served as a vital checkpoint and defensive outpost. These structures enabled efficient surveillance and rapid communication along the frontier, showcasing the meticulous planning and engineering prowess of the Roman military system.
The construction of Hadrian’s Wall was a colossal effort that required the labour of more than 15,000 Roman soldiers. Using locally sourced stone and turf, these dedicated troops built a barrier that would stand for centuries. Their hard work not only secured the empire’s edge but also left an enduring monument to Roman engineering and the legacy of their disciplined military culture.
Our guide was experienced and knowledgeable with a good sense of humour. Overall an excellent holiday and to top it off very good weather too.
The food was really good and Mike the guide was flexible, masterminding a lovely weekend.
Food at Riverdale Hall is superb, and the choice on the evening menus outstanding. Tour guide very helpful and informative, and went the extra mile on Saturday and Sunday evenings by hosting a quiz.
Exmoor National Park, spanning West Somerset and North Devon, offers a walking holiday through diverse landscapes, including England’s highest sea cliffs, wooded valleys, ancient farms, and wild uplands. Designated a National Park in 1954, it provides year-round walking opportunities within a compact area, rich in natural beauty and wildlife.
Covering just 267 square miles, Exmoor may be one of the UK’s smallest national parks, but its compact size packs an impressive diversity of landscapes. From rugged moorlands and tranquil valleys to hidden woodlands and dramatic coastlines, every step on Exmoor offers a fresh discovery and a unique walking experience.
Exmoor is steeped in a history that spans over 8,000 years. The park is dotted with remnants of Neolithic and Bronze Age settlements, including evocative stone circles and burial mounds. As you traverse the trails, you’re not just walking through beautiful scenery—you’re stepping into a living archaeological record that tells the story of ancient communities.
A distinctive feature of the park is its wild Exmoor ponies, a native breed that has roamed these lands for centuries. These hardy animals add a touch of timeless charm to your walk, and spotting them against the backdrop of rolling moorland is an unforgettable experience that connects you with the natural heritage of the region.
Exmoor boasts some of the highest sea cliffs in England, with breathtaking sites like the 800ft cliffs at Great Hangman near Combe Martin. These dramatic cliffs provide awe-inspiring vistas of the crashing waves and expansive skies, offering walkers not only physical exhilaration but also moments of reflective beauty amidst nature’s grandeur.
Simonsbath House Hotel is an old hunting lodge originally built by James Boevey is 1645, which has been converted into a small hotel. This 350 year old house retains many of the wonderful features of yesteryear, yet still provides a comfortable and cosy place to stay with individually decorated bedrooms. All rooms have picture postcard views of the Barle Valley, where you can sit and relax whilst taking in the magnificent scenery. Located in Barle Valley, Simonsbath House Hotel is nestled in the heart of Exmoor National Park and is well-known for its many walking routes. The beautiful town of Watersmeet is only 7 miles away, while Lynmouth and Lynton are 9 miles from the property.
A superb holiday. Beautiful accommodation, scrumptious food, excellent hosts. Full marks.
Can’t rate this holiday highly enough. Great location for walking, excellent leader and fantastic food. Knowledgeable guide walked at a good pace for the group, chose very different walks for us to enjoy all aspects of Exmoor and shared his enthusiasm for the flora, fauna and history of the area. Food was the best of any Involved Holidays. Freshly prepared breakfast and three course dinner of a high standard.
We thoroughly enjoyed our holiday and recommend the Exmoor walks and “Ye Olde” Simonsbath Hotel to future ‘Involvers’.
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