UK — Newcastle upon Tyne
Walk the Roman frontier on the Hadrian's Wall Path, a 135km National Trail across Northern England's historic landscape. This moderate, 6-9 day route traverses varied terrain from urban beginnings to tranquil salt marshes, offering stunning panoramas of ancient fortifications and wild moorland. A truly unique historical walk.
Distance: 135.0 km
Elevation Gain: 3500 m
Difficulty: Moderate
Duration: 6-9 days
The Hadrian's Wall Path is a world-class National Trail that stretches 135 kilometres across the narrow neck of Northern England, following the remains of the Roman Empire's most formidable northern frontier. This coast-to-coast journey begins at the urban shipyards of Wallsend in Newcastle upon Tyne on the east coast and concludes at the tranquil salt marshes of Bowness-on-Solway on the west. Along the way, walkers traverse a landscape of immense historical significance and startling natural beauty, crossing the rugged basalt crags of the Whin Sill, passing through the vibrant city of Carlisle, and exploring the rolling pastoral farmland of Northumberland and Cumbria. This is not merely a hike; it is a walk through two millennia of history, where the stones beneath your feet tell the story of emperors, legionaries, and the shifting borders of a vanished empire.
Hadrian's Wall Path is unique among the UK's National Trails for its blend of archaeological heritage and diverse topography. Designated as a National Trail in 2003, it follows the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall, which was constructed on the orders of Emperor Hadrian starting in AD 122. The trail is remarkably varied: the eastern section is largely urban and industrial, following the River Tyne through Newcastle; the central section is wild, dramatic, and physically demanding as it scales the volcanic ridges of the Whin Sill; and the western section is gentle and pastoral, following the Solway Firth into the quiet borderlands of Cumbria.
The experience of walking the wall is defined by the "rhythm of the Roman mile." Every Roman mile (approximately 1,480 metres), the Romans built a milecastle—a small fortlet—and between each milecastle were two turrets. Even where the stone wall has been robbed for local building material over the centuries, the massive earthworks known as the Vallum (a deep ditch and mound system) remain visible, carving a permanent scar across the English countryside. Walkers will find themselves constantly transitioning between the modern world and the ancient one, passing through working farms where Roman stones are integrated into 18th-century barns, and standing on ridges where the view north into "Barbaricum" remains as vast and untamed as it appeared to a Roman sentry 1,900 years ago.
While the maximum elevation of 345 metres may seem modest compared to alpine routes, the central section's "rollercoaster" terrain—frequent, steep ascents and descents over the crags—provides a significant physical challenge. The path is well-signed with the National Trail acorn symbol, but the weather in Northern England is notoriously fickle. Rain, mist, and wind can transform the experience in minutes, particularly on the exposed high ground of Northumberland. Despite its popularity, the trail offers profound moments of solitude, especially in the early morning or late evening when the shadows of the wall stretch across the moorland, evoking the deep history of this ancient boundary.
Hadrian's Wall was the north-west frontier of the Roman Empire for nearly 300 years. Built by three legions—the II Augusta, VI Victrix, and XX Valeria Victrix—it was a monumental feat of engineering that required the movement of millions of tonnes of stone and earth. The wall was not just a defensive barrier; it was a sophisticated system of customs control, a symbol of imperial power, and a bustling corridor of trade and cultural exchange. At its peak, the wall was garrisoned by thousands of auxiliary soldiers from across the empire, including cavalry from Spain, archers from Syria, and infantry from Batavia (modern-day Netherlands).
The wall's history is one of constant evolution. Originally planned as a turf and stone rampart, it was later upgraded to a full stone wall in the east. After Hadrian's death, the frontier was briefly moved north to the Antonine Wall in Scotland, before being abandoned in favour of Hadrian's line once more. Following the collapse of Roman administration in Britain around AD 410, the wall fell into disrepair. For centuries, it served as a "quarry" for local inhabitants; many of the churches, castles, and farmhouses seen along the trail today were built using Roman stone. It wasn't until the 19th century, through the efforts of antiquarians like John Clayton, that the systematic preservation of the wall began.
Today, the wall is part of the "Frontiers of the Roman Empire" UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cultural context of the trail is deeply intertwined with the "Border Reivers" history of the 14th to 17th centuries—a period of lawlessness and clan warfare between England and Scotland. The "bastle houses" (fortified farmhouses) found along the route are a testament to this turbulent era. Walking the path today is an exercise in layering history, where Roman ruins, medieval churches, and industrial heritage coexist in a single, continuous landscape.
Want more background? Read extended notes on history and cultural context → Learn more
The official walking season for Hadrian's Wall Path runs from May to October. This coincides with the "Passport" season, when the trail's stamping stations are active and the ground is generally dry enough to support the high volume of walkers without causing significant erosion to the sensitive archaeological layers beneath the turf.
Spring (May to June): This is arguably the best time to walk. The weather is often at its most stable, the wildflowers are in bloom, and the ground is firm. The "whin" (gorse) on the crags provides a vibrant yellow backdrop to the grey Roman stone. Daylight hours are long, allowing for a relaxed pace.
Summer (July to August): The warmest months, but also the busiest. Accommodation should be booked well in advance. While temperatures are rarely extreme (usually 18–24°C), the humidity can make the steep climbs in the central section feel more taxing. This is also the peak season for the "AD122" bus service, which makes logistics much easier.
Autumn (September to October): A beautiful time to witness the changing colours of the Northumberland National Park. The air is crisper, and the light is excellent for photography. However, the days shorten rapidly, and the risk of Atlantic storms bringing heavy rain increases.
Winter (November to April): Walking the full trail in winter is strongly discouraged by the National Trail authorities. The path becomes extremely muddy, and the "smearing" of mud over the archaeological remains causes permanent damage. Many museums, cafes, and B&Bs along the central section close during this period. If you do walk in winter, expect short daylight hours, freezing temperatures, and potentially hazardous ice on the steep crag sections.
Day 1: Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall
Day 2: Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford
Day 3: Chollerford to Once Brewed (Steel Rigg)
Day 4: Once Brewed to Gilsland
Day 5: Gilsland to Walton
Day 6: Walton to Carlisle
Day 7: Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway
Important Notes:
Planning for Hadrian's Wall Path requires a balance of physical preparation and logistical coordination. While the trail is not an alpine expedition, the 135-kilometre distance requires a good level of walking fitness. It is recommended to complete several back-to-back day hikes of 20 kilometres with a weighted pack before starting. Newcastle upon Tyne serves as the primary gateway, with an international airport and major rail links. Most walkers base themselves in Newcastle for the first night and Carlisle for the final nights. Booking accommodation at least 4–6 months in advance is crucial, especially for the central section (Chollerford to Gilsland), where options are limited and high in demand.
The trail offers a wide variety of accommodation, ranging from luxury hotels to basic campsites. Because the path passes through many small villages, you will primarily be staying in B&Bs, local inns, and farm-based bunkhouses.
Accommodation Types:
What's Provided: Most B&Bs provide bedding, towels, and breakfast. Many also offer packed lunches for an additional fee and luggage transfer services (where your main bag is moved to your next stop for around £10–£15 per day).
What's NOT Provided: Do not expect laundry facilities at every stop. Many smaller B&Bs do not have drying rooms, so if your gear gets wet, you may need to get creative with radiators. Shops are infrequent in the central section, so you must carry sufficient snacks and water for the day.
There are no formal permits or entry fees required to walk the Hadrian's Wall Path itself. As a National Trail, it is a public right of way. However, there are several voluntary and site-specific costs to consider when planning your journey.
The Trail Passport: While not a legal requirement, most walkers purchase the Hadrian's Wall Path Passport (approx. £5). This allows you to collect stamps at seven stations along the route between May and October. Once completed, you can purchase an official "Achiever's" certificate and patch. The proceeds from the passport go directly towards the maintenance and conservation of the trail.
Site Entry Fees: While the path passes through or alongside many Roman sites, entering the fully excavated forts managed by English Heritage (such as Segedunum, Chesters, Housesteads, and Birdoswald) requires an entry fee. If you plan to visit more than two or three, it is often more cost-effective to purchase an English Heritage overseas visitor pass or a standard annual membership.
Conservation and Access: The "Every Footstep Counts" initiative encourages walkers to follow specific guidelines to protect the wall. During wet weather, walkers are asked to walk side-by-side rather than in single file to avoid creating deep "trenches" in the turf, which can lead to erosion of the underlying Roman remains. There are no "closed" dates for the path, but the voluntary "summer-only" walking policy is highly respected by the hiking community.
Detailed route notes, maps, logistics & tips for the Hadrians Wall Path (PDF).
Precisely traced GPX for the Hadrians Wall Path, ready for your GPS or favourite mapping app.
The region surrounding Hadrian's Wall is rich in history and natural beauty. Consider these additions to your itinerary:
Weather Awareness: The primary safety concern on Hadrian's Wall Path is the weather. Northern England is subject to rapid changes in conditions. On the exposed crags of the Whin Sill, wind speeds can be high, and mist can reduce visibility to a few metres. Hypothermia is a risk even in summer if you are caught in a prolonged downpour without adequate waterproofs. Always check the Met Office mountain forecast for the North Pennines/Northumberland before setting out.
Terrain and Footing: The central section involves steep, grassy slopes that become incredibly slippery when wet. Sturdy footwear with good grip is essential. Some sections of the path follow or cross the B6318 Military Road; while there is usually a grass verge, walkers must remain alert to traffic, especially in foggy conditions.
Livestock: Much of the trail passes through active farmland. You will encounter sheep and cattle. Always keep dogs on a lead and give cattle a wide berth, especially if they have calves. If cattle approach you aggressively, release your dog and move calmly to the nearest exit point.
Navigation: While the acorn signs are frequent, they can be missed at field boundaries or in urban areas. Always carry a physical map and compass and know how to use them. Do not rely solely on a smartphone, as battery life and signal can be unreliable in the rural sections of Northumberland.
Emergency Services: In the event of an emergency, dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Police and then Mountain Rescue if you are in a rural area. Be prepared to give your location using a grid reference or a "What3Words" address.
Sycamore Gap: Formerly home to one of the most photographed trees in the UK (made famous by the film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), the tree was tragically felled in late 2023. However, the site remains a significant point of interest. The dramatic "gap" in the Whin Sill crags is a geological marvel, and the National Trust is currently managing the site for natural regeneration. It remains a place of reflection for many walkers.
The Vallum: Often overlooked in favour of the stone wall, the Vallum is a massive earthwork consisting of a ditch between two mounds. It ran to the south of the wall and marked the edge of the military zone. In the western sections where the stone wall is gone, the Vallum is the most visible reminder of the Roman frontier's scale.
Hareshaw Linn: A short detour from the trail near Bellingham (if you are taking a rest day) leads to this spectacular 9-metre waterfall hidden in an ancient woodland. It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its rare ferns and lichens.
The Solway Marshes: The final stretch of the walk offers a completely different ecosystem. The salt marshes are a haven for birdlife, including oystercatchers, curlews, and barnacle geese. The light over the Solway Firth at sunset is a magnificent way to conclude the journey.
Hadrian's Wall Path passes through a fragile landscape where archaeology lies just inches beneath the surface. Following Leave No Trace principles is essential to ensure the wall survives for another 2,000 years.
Protecting the Archaeology: The most important rule is: Never walk on the wall itself. The Roman masonry is fragile, and the weight of thousands of walkers causes stones to dislodge and the core to crumble. Always use the designated gates and stiles rather than climbing over walls or earthworks.
Path Etiquette:
