Hadrian’s Wall & the Scottish Borders

You travel on old Roman Dere Street, which linked the supply ports of the south of England up to modern day Scotland.

Your first stop on this tour is the border town of Jedburgh, a historic burgh dominated by a magnificent 12th century Augustinian Abbey.

On arrival in Jedburgh, you may have time to take a short walk through the narrow streets and visit this impressive ruin.

Continuing south we make a stop at the scenic Carter Bar on the edge of the Cheviot Hills. This crossing point between Scotland and England runs close to the ancient Roman road and has formed the border between the two countries for the past 700 years.

The tour continues through the magnificent forests of Northumberland National Park before turning west towards Hadrian’s Wall.

We follow the road that takes us along the south side of the wall, stopping at Steel Rigg. You have time to walk beside the wall and experience the isolation that Roman foot soldiers would have experienced as they guarded their empire from the ‘barbarians’ to the north.

You continue your journey along the wall where your guide will recommend the best of the sites to visit.

Next up is an optional activity but one we think you’ll love. Exploring the archaeoligical site of Vindolanda* allows you to step into the lives of those who lived at this Roman auxiliary fort. After years of excavation, many incredible things have been found, from shoes to jewelry, bones to pottery. 

*The Vindolanda visit is optional.

You have time to explore sections of the wall or the remains of the Roman settlements before you turn north and travel back to Edinburgh through the Galloway hills.