Outdoors lovers are being offered top tips on for the best winter-blues busting walks and walking events in Hadrian’s Wall Country this holiday season.

According to NHS Direct, eight in ten people in the UK suffer from winter blues, or sub-syndromal SAD, which starts as the days grow shorter and less light reaches our brains. Hadrian’s Wall Country is blessed with the most tranquil natural environment, perfect for the enjoyment and wellbeing of hearts and souls.

Getting exercise in the great outdoors is one of the best ways to lift your spirits, so Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd is offering some top tips on choosing shorter, scenic strolls to help people get the most out the reduced daylight hours.

There are a variety of leisurely circular walks on offer in Hadrian’s Wall Country, which can be done in a morning or afternoon.  All provide breathtaking scenery and miles of wide open skies for that all important daylight fix.  To help preserve and conserve the Wall, walks that explore the forts and museums, and those that venture off allowing walkers to discover alternative tracks and explore the Hadrian’s Wall towns and villages are especially encouraged during the wetter winter months.

David McGlade, Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail Officer for Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, says:

“Hadrian’s Wall Country is famous for its inspiring natural scenery and fresh, clean air, so those looking to banish their winter blues can give themselves a boost with a range of carefully selected circular walks.

“More exercise will not just make you fitter at this time of year, there’s a good chance it will make you happier too.”

As well as self-led circular walks around the Wall and surrounding area, there are year-round guided walks on offer and opportunities to spot local wildlife. A full selection of circular walking routes that incorporate inspitarional vistas of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail are available for download from Hadrians-wall.org, but the following recommendations are ideal for brisk winter excursions, or the backbone of a short break stay.

Accommodation that meets the particular needs of walkers is widely available throughout Hadrian’s Wall Country, with a full variety of establishments meeting the requirements of the accredited Walkers Welcome scheme.

The Roman Ring

This is a path suitable for all seasons.  The Roman Ring itself runs parallel and to the south of Hadrian's Wall between Lanercost Priory and Halton Chesters.  The Roman Ring can be walked as a circular route in conjunction with the Hadrian’s Walk Path National Trail, which is equal in distance to the entire coast-to-coast trail. 
www.hadrians-wall.org

Gilsland Spa ‘Popping-stone’ (3.5 miles plus optional 2.5 miles to Birdoswald Roman Fort)

Walk to Walter Scott’s ‘popping stone’, where he is said to have proposed to his wife.  This popular route takes walkers through the village of Gilsland, the Woodland Trust’s Irthing Gorge Wood and the option of taking an extended detour to Birdoswald Roman Fort.

Walkers’ accommodation:
Sandysike Bunkhouse, Walton, Brampton, Cumbria
Located in the beautiful Georgian Sandysike House merely a few steps from the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail, walkers accommodation and Fair Trade refreshments are available for as little as £10 per person.

Haltwhistle Burn to Cawfields, Northumberland National Park (6 mile circular walk)

Highlights of this interesting circular walk include The Whin Sill, Caw Gap and the ‘Lover’s Walk’ in the river valley.

Walkers’ accommodation:
Holmhead, Greenhead, Northumberland 
Holmhead offers bed and breakfast, self-catering and bunkhouse accommodation, and is located directly on the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail.   www.bandbhadrianswall.com

www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall

‘Robin Hood’s Tree’, Sycamore Gap, near Once Brewed (2 miles)

Sycamore Gap is a section of the Wall between two crests just west of Milecastle 38.  As well as the Wall, people come here to see ‘Robin Hood’s Tree’, named for its use in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner.  It is also the site of the tallest piece of surviving Wall. 

Take a two mile walk from the Once Brewed Northumberland National Park Visitor Centre along the Wall to the tree.  The tree can be seen from the B6318 (Military Road). 
www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Walkers’ accommodation:
Carraw Bed and Breakfast, Military Road, Humshaugh, Hexham, Northumberland
The only Gold Award Guest House in Hadrian’s Wall is a family run-working farm situated on the foundations of Hadrian's Wall, with a sublime hilltop setting overlooking the countryside of Northumberland National Park and the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.  www.carraw.co.uk

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge, near Bardon Mill (2.5 miles)

Allen Banks and Staward Gorge Estate are set on the steep valley sides of the river Allen. It is the largest area of ancient woodland in Northumberland.  People can explore the woods and see what wildlife they can spot on this gentle two and a half mile riverside walk, including red squirrels, roe deer, bats and otters.  On a hill within Staward Wood are the remains of a medieval pele tower.  www.nationaltrust.org.uk 

Walkers’ accommodation:
Wydon Farm, Haltwhistle, Northumberland
A 366 acre working farm, on the National Trust Bellister estate and an ideal base for touring Hadrian's Wall and Haltwhistle - the 'centre of Britain'.  Footpaths and a bridleway run through the farm yard and Sustrans cycle way runs through part of the farm.  www.wydon-haltwhistle.co.uk

Battlesteads Country Inn, Wark on Tyne, Hexham, Northumberland
Originally built as a farmstead in 1747, this four-star Inn and restaurant offers a cosy winter retreat, with log fire and real local ales.  www.battlesteads.com

The Frontiers of the Roman Empire World Heritage Site, spans the north of England from Ravenglass on the Cumbrian coast to South Shields on the North East. 

A full list of walker friendly accommodation is included in the official  Hadrian’s Wall Country ‘Holiday & Short Breaks Guide’  which can be obtained by calling the Hadrian’s Wall Information Line on 01434 322002.

For more information about Hadrian’s Wall Country and to plan your winter walking itinerary, visit www.nationaltrail.co.uk/hadrianswall