History Tours

The Northumberland coast is best known for its sweeping sandy beaches, rolling dunes, high rocky cliffs and isolated islands. The special qualities of this coastal landscape led it to being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1958 recognising that the Northumberland coast is one of the finest landscapes in the country.

This 64 miles walk takes in probably one of the finest sections of coastline in England. Part of the 'North Sea Trail' you will follow the Northumberland Coast Path from Cresswell in the South to Berwick upon Tweed in the North.

The route follows the coast in most places with an inland detour between Belford and Holy Island. Most of the route is on footpaths and bridleways but in some places beaches, minor roads and permissive paths are used.

The route is generally level with very few steep climbs and makes for a superb walking holiday in Northumberland.

Self-guided Walking Holiday along the Northumberland Coast Path From Cresswell to Berwick-upon-Tweed over 7 days giving you plenty of time to explore some of the sights on route.

Walk the best preserved sections of Hadrian’s wall, beginning in the market town of Brampton, and continuing to historic Corbridge Roman Town. Visit world famous forts and museums: Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Housesteads, & Chesters. Admire the architectural splendor of Aydon castle, Thirlwall castle and Lanercost Priory. Spot the famous Robin Hood’s Tree at Sycamore Gap. Travel through the centuries walking along Hadrian’s Wall, the best-known frontier in the Roman Empire.

Highlights

• Walk the best preserved sections of Hadrian’s wall, beginning in the market town of Brampton, and continuing to historic Corbridge Roman Town.
• Visit world famous forts and museums: Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Housesteads, & Chesters.
• Admire the architectural splendor of Aydon castle, Thirlwall castle and Lanercost Priory.
• Spot the famous Robin Hood’s Tree at Sycamore Gap.
• Travel through the centuries walking along Hadrian’s Wall, the best-known frontier in the Roman Empire.

Adventure across the Yucatan Peninsula from the tropical beaches to the colourful cities. Lose yourself among ancient Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal, and head to the bustling street markets before finding yourself in clear waters and turquoise lagoons of the coast. Learn about the Maya culture in colonial Merida, experience a traditional meal with a family, and then take the plunge in Bacalar: a laidback lake town famous for its ever-changing shades of blue water. Thousands of years of history mixed with a modern, laidback lifestyle means Mexico, and the Yucatan in particular, should be high on everyone’s bucket list.

St Cuthbert's Way follows the story of a 7th century saint who travelled through Scotland and northern England, spreading the Gospel and performing healing miracles. Beginning at Melrose, where the saint started his ministry, and ending at Holy Island where he ended his days, the trail passes through scenery of great variety and beauty.

The walk takes in heather-clad hills, tranquil riverbanks and old Roman roads, visiting attractive villages and border towns along the way. Particular sites of interest include the ruin of Dryburgh Abbey, Cessford Castle, St Cuthbert's Cave and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, complete with its ruined abbey and spectacular castle.

We offer multiple holiday options along this trail—follow the link or get in touch for more information.

The North Downs have acted as a highway since before Neolithic times, but became busier following the murder of Archbishop Becket in 1170. By the eighteenth century the term 'Pilgrims Path' referred to ancient trackways in the south of England used by pilgrims journeying to Becket's shrine. Although these routes radiated from Canterbury they did not include the path taken by Chaucers' pilgrims in the Canterbury Tales but were prehistoric tracks used by pilgrims travelling to or from the continent via Dover along the Via Francigena. The principal pilgrim route ran between Winchester and Canterbury, much of which is now busy with traffic and therefore is no longer a viable walking route. Nonetheless, our route, a section of the North Downs Way, does coincide with some of the places that Chaucer's pilgrims visited and parts of the Pilgrims Path marked on maps. Overall, this is a walk through an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, with beautiful views below you across the 'Garden of England'; as well as a historic route leading to England’s most eminent Cathedral City.

The Hadrian's Wall trail is quite simply a walker’s paradise with its stunning landscapes and sense of history, from the bloody border feuds of the Border Reivers to being home to Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument, Hadrian's Wall.

May 2003 saw the opening of the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail, an 84 mile unbroken walk from Wallsend (Segedunum) in the east to Bowness-on-Solway (Maia) in the west. It passes through some of the most beautiful parts of England, from rolling fields and rugged landscapes to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. The walk skirts a number of fascinating Roman sites including Birdoswald Fort, Walltown Quarry, Great Chesters Fort, Steel Rigg, Vindolanda, Housteads Fort, Brocolitia Fort, Chesters Fort and Segadunum, as well as numerous Roman turrets and milecastles.

Although the earlier and latter sections of the walk are relatively flat with some undulations, the middle section can be quite demanding with some steep gradients and uneven ground. You will need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker.

Shepherds Walks Holidays offer a range of self-guided and guided walking holidays along Hadrian's Wall National Trail from a 6 day short break on the highlights of Hadrian's Wall right through to a fully guided trip along the full length of the trail. We also deliver 5, 6, 7, 8 and 10 day self guided trips so you can walk the trail at your own pace.

Hadrian's Wall is Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument. It was the brainchild of Emperor Hadrian, who ordered its construction in AD122 to hold back the advancing Barbarians in northern England. As much of the wall still exists, and it traverses some of Britain's most ruggedly beautiful landscape, this is a remarkable and dramatic walk through history. As you follow Hadrian's footsteps from coast to coast, from Bowness on Solway, past Carlisle to Newcastle, you encounter a string of milecastles and forts, jaw-dropping vistas and details of life from two thousand years ago.

To this World Heritage walk we have added wonderful stays in boutique hotels, full of elegant charm, and private transfers to these and key related Roman sites.

Raise a margarita glass to the colourful beauty and fiery flavours of Mexico. Discover the culture and landscapes of this fascinating country on a trip that takes you from Mexico City to Playa del Carmen – with some enticing stops along the way. Discover Maya history and culture at the incredible Chichen Itza ruins and visit indigenous communities near the charming San Cristobal de las Casas. Indulge in a feast of delicious local food, with a chance to learn some cooking skills of your own. Snorkel in the brilliant Caribbean waters, laze on white sands and stroll through lively marketplaces. Waterfalls and mountains await you, and a host of museums, churches and archaeological sites will be sure to give you a taste of Mexico’s rich cultural heritage.