Scotland & England Hiking & Walking Tour
Edinburgh to Hadrian's Wall & the Lake District
Venture into the Scottish Borders and the Lake District, where storied landscapes and refined retreats come together for an inspiring journey through history and wild beauty.
We rate our trips based on a range of activity levels from 1-5.
See this trip's Activity Options & Terrain for more details.
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Snapshots from the Trip
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
- Hike through the green hills of the Scottish Borders, a peaceful landscape of farmland, wooded paths and picturesque towns
- As you explore Northumberland, walk Hadrian’s Wall with a local historian and explore ancient Roman ruins perched above rolling moorland
- Visit England’s largest national park, a breathtaking expanse of mountains, lakes and fells and a place of rich literary heritage
- Savor fresh seasonal fare from rustic pubs, cozy inns and award-winning restaurants rooted in regional flavors
- Unwind in unique hotels, from an abbey-turned-inn to a luxurious estate in the Lake District
Sample itinerary. Trip details may vary by departure.
Start Edinburgh Airport & Travel Details
- Begin in Edinburgh and journey to the green hills of the Scottish Borders
- Enjoy a countryside walk through tranquil Cardrona, a forest dotted with ancient ruins and home to native red squirrels
- Explore the Kelzie Estate and see the famous Highland cow
- Settle into your castle hotel, perhaps relaxing with a spa treatment or a dip in the hot or cold pool.
Night 1
Luxury Hotel
A luxurious country estate nestled in the peaceful surroundings of the Scottish Borders, featuring elegant rooms with traditional décor and outstanding service. (spa)
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Walk along Hadrian’s Wall with a local historian and explore the ancient Roman ruins of Housesteads Fort
- Visit a Northumbrian farm for a sheepdog demonstration and insight into traditional shepherding
- Walk winding lanes framed by hedgerows and old oaks to Edmundbyres and Muggleswick, passing stone walls and fields dotted with sheep
- Step through the monastic past of the medieval village Blanchland on a guided walk and hear tales of Jacobite rebels who once hid in secret priest holes and passageways
- Refresh yourself with cozy meals and warm Northumbrian hospitality in a centuries-old inn.
Nights 2-3
Deluxe Hotel
Set in a 12th-century abbey guesthouse, this historic inn has stone walls and timbered ceilings and offers rooms full of character and a memorable sense of place.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
- Journey west into the Lake District, England’s beloved mountain and lake country
- Be immersed in classic Lake District scenery as you hike through the lesser-traveled Potter Fell, a place of wide-open views, quiet footpaths and hidden tarns tucked among heather and stone
- Follow in the footsteps of William Wordsworth along lakeside paths as you hike from his hometown Grasmere to Ambleside, two iconic villages of the Lake District
- Pause at Rydal Cave, a wide slate cavern once mined in the 1800s, and take in its still, reflective waters
- Browse for keepsakes in Ambleside’s quaint shops, where you might find hand-thrown pottery or woolens made from the local Herdwick sheep
- Venture into Bowness-on-Windermere, a lively lakeside town where cozy pubs, elegant restaurants and lake views make for a perfect evening wander
- Cross Lake Windermere by private boat to Wray Castle, a striking 19th-century neo-Gothic estate, once a holiday retreat for Beatrix Potter and now a fascinating site to explore.
Nights 4-5
Luxury Hotel
This luxurious retreat near Windermere features elegant suites with hot tubs, Michelin-starred dining and 21 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. A Relais & Châteaux member.
Hotels may vary on select departures. Click View Dates and choose a departure to see any variations.
End Liverpool Airport & Travel Details
This trip has an activity level range of 2-4
Please note, because the trails are inaccessible by road, van support may not always be available. Also, due to Scotland's varied terrain, hikes may feel more challenging than the activity levels may suggest.
All breakfasts, 5 lunches, 5 dinners
All accommodations on your Backroads trip
All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
Expertise and services of Backroads Trip Leaders
Lightweight carbon hiking poles
Backroads On Trip App with route maps, elevation profiles, daily snapshots and more
Additional local guides and experts, plus equipment for included activities as detailed in your itinerary
Exclusive activities, tours and cultural experiences, as detailed in your itinerary
All luggage transfers and porterage during your trip
Snacks and beverages between meals
Private cocktail and wine receptions on the first and last nights of your trip
Choice of Backroads t-shirt or hat, plus water bottle and luggage tag
Detailed Travel Planner with destination tips and pre-trip information
