Cross Country International (CCI), a renowned leader in worldwide equestrian and walking vacations, has announced that it has added a new walking vacation featuring the historic Hadrian's Wall in Great Britain to its catalogue of tours.

Great Britain: In May 2003 Great Britain's National Trust of Historic Monuments National will open all 80 miles of Hadrian's Wall as a National Trail, and CCI is the first company to offer a walking vacation along the wall's complete span.

"I learned that the National Trust was studying Hadrian's Wall with the intent of someday opening it to walking tours in the summer of 1999," said Karen Lancaster, president of CCI. "I am excited and proud to now be able to offer 15 adventurers the opportunity to be among the first people to actually walk the entire length of Hadrian's Wall."

More than 2,000 years ago, Roman emperor Hadrian decided to build a wall from east to west across the narrowest part of England. An engineering feat almost unparalleled for its time, it took six years to complete, and Hadrian's Wall has long been considered the most important monument built by the Romans in all of Great Britain.

Originally, Hadrian's Wall stretched from the banks of the River Tyne in the east to Solway Firth in the west. Substantial portions of the wall remain, and turrets, mile castles, forts and civilian settlements may still be seen. Few people have ever been able to walk its entire length, however, because no trespassing has been allowed on many of the private landholdings that contain portions of the wall.

CCI's adventure walk will take place in June, shortly after the wall's designation as a National Trail. Due to high demand, the company has added another 10-day walk in August, and more weeks may be added.

"This walk is particularly exciting because there is so much to see on this adventure," Lancaster explained. "For instance, CCI walkers will pass Thirlwall Castle where Edward I, or Edward Longshanks of the movie "Braveheart," stayed in 1306 during his campaign against the Scots."

Lancaster also said walkers will pass near Sewingshields where King Arthur is said to have hid Queen Guinevere, and visit the Museum of Antiquities in Newcastle to see jewelry and pottery reclaimed from areas along the wall.

Her company has lined up a knowledgeable guide, bed-and-breakfasts and restaurants, and has put together an itinerary leading walkers through the scenic countryside, towns, villages, farms, forests and parklands.

"While history buffs will be absolutely enthralled with this adventure, there's really something for everyone to enjoy on this unique walk," Lancaster said. "I believe it's truly an adventure for the mind, body and spirit."

For more information on the Hadrian's Wall Walk, contact Cross Country International walking vacations by mail at CCI, PO Box 1170, Milbrook, NY, 12545, by calling 1-800-828-8768 or by visiting the company's Web site at www.walkingvacations.com.