If you like Roman history then you’ll love Gilsland! This lovely village is situated on Hadrian’s Wall, with milecastles, turrets, Roman roads, camps, Vallum and sections of Hadrian’s Wall waiting to be explored. To the north of Gilsland the River Irthing has created a deep wooded gorge with the spectacular waterfall of Crammel Linn. The village also straddles the border between Cumbria and Northumberland and lies on the southern edge of the Northumberland National Park – this is true ‘Border Country’!

The Samson Inn is situated at the heart of Gilsland and dates back to the 17th Century when it was a coaching inn. During the 19th Century, the pub was rebuilt and renamed after the famous steam engine ‘Samson’ with the arrival of the railways.

PHOTOS from our most recent Northumberland weekend – April 2019

Walking Weekend based from: Samson Inn, Gilsland
When booking accommodation at the Samson Inn, please mention the Walking Weekend as the rooms have been reserved for us.

Evening entertainment

Friday evening (9pm) – Meet at the Samson Inn for our ‘icebreaker’ pub evening, where you can relax, socialise and meet your fellow walkers, choose your level of walk for Saturday and Sunday.

Arriving early on Friday? Your guides will be eating at the pub at 7:30pm on Friday evening – you are most welcome to join us for a meal; just let us know so we can add you to our table.

Saturday evening (7:30pm) – Meal at Samson Inn, followed by a fantastic Pub Quiz Night with Mark Reid as your quizmaster! Prizes for the winning team. (Meals are not included in the price).

Weekend Walks

There will be a choice of adventurous or leisurely guided walks on Saturday and Sunday, with Mark Reid and one of his colleagues (who have exceptional local knowledge). The precise routes will be determined just before the weekend, taking into consideration weather conditions etc. You will be able to sign up for your chosen walk at the Friday evening ‘icebreaker’, where you will also be able to discuss the walks with Mark Reid.

Saturday (9:30am) – choice of adventurous or leisurely walks, with routes along Hadrian’s Wall and up through the Irthing Gorge into Spadeadam Forest – superb walks full of interest, history, variety and views. Return back to the pub late afternoon to recount your day’s adventures.

Sunday (10am) – choice of adventurous or leisurely walks taking in more of the Roman history, valleys, forests and hills around Gilsland. Return back to the pub mid afternoon for a final drink before bidding fond farewells… until the next Walking Weekender!

Choice of walks: We usually offer a choice of adventurous or leisurely walks on both days. Saturday is a ‘full day’ from 9:30am until 5pm, whilst Sunday is a ‘half day’ from 10am until around 3pm. We will either split into two groups from the start, or we may walk as one group during the morning and then offer ‘longer’ or ‘shorter’ routes after lunch.

Gilsland facilities & accommodation

How to get to Gilsland
Gilsland lies just off the A69 between Carlisle and Hexham. The nearest train station is at Haltwhistle (5 miles to the east).

Facilities
Gilsland has two pubs, several B&Bs, self catering accommodation, bunkhouse and cafe

Accommodation
Gilsland offers a range of accommodation, including…

Samson Inn, Gilsand
The Hollies on the Wall B&B
Brookside Villa B&B
Brooklands B&B
Hill on the Wall B&B