Hadrian’s Wall Path

You can hike Hadrian’s Wall Path in either direction. This description follows the trail from east to west, starting at Segedunum Roman Fort in Wallsend and finishing in Bowness-on-Solway. It takes you through Newcastle first, with the hillier sections waiting in the middle of the trail.

The first day follows the River Tyne through Newcastle. Expect riverside paths, bridges and quite a bit of pavement before the surroundings become greener towards Newburn. It’s a different start from the open hills you might associate with Hadrian’s Wall, but a nice way to see the city on foot. The day ends with a climb towards Heddon-on-the-Wall.

From Heddon, the trail heads into farmland, following field edges and sections beside the Military Road. Here, the Roman frontier is sometimes easier to recognise in the shape of the ground than in standing stonework. You finish in Chollerford, beside the River North Tyne.

Beyond Chollerford, the landscape becomes more open and the climbs begin. This is where you reach the central section of the trail, with long stretches of wall running across the hills. Allow time for Housesteads Roman Fort if you want to take a closer look at Roman life along the frontier. The remains include barracks, headquarters and buildings that once served a garrison of around 800 soldiers.

Around Housesteads, Crag Lough and Steel Rigg, the wall follows the rocky Whin Sill escarpment. The path goes up and down with it, so don’t expect a quick day just because the distance looks manageable. There are plenty of places where you’ll want to stop, sit down and look back at the wall crossing the hills behind you.

Once Brewed makes a useful overnight stop near this section. From here, you continue west over the crags before the landscape gradually softens towards Gilsland. The wall, ruined milecastles and open views give you plenty to look at along the way.

After Gilsland, the route passes Birdoswald Roman Fort and continues towards the quieter countryside around Banks and Walton. The steepest hills are behind you now. The following stretch into Carlisle takes you through farmland and small settlements, with a change of pace when you reach the city.

The final day takes you towards the Solway Firth. Fields give way to a flatter, more open landscape, with salt marshes and wide skies as you approach Bowness-on-Solway. It’s a quiet finish after the busier paths around the central wall. Before setting out, check the tide advice for the section around Burgh Marsh, where high tides can affect the route.

The best time to hike Hadrian’s Wall Path is between May and October. Walking during the drier months also helps protect the buried archaeology beneath the path, which is more vulnerable to damage when the ground is wet.

May, June and September are good months to consider when planning your hike. Summer gives you long days for walking and visiting the forts, while autumn brings shorter daylight hours. Whenever you go, pack for rain and wind. A dry forecast is welcome, but it shouldn’t decide whether your rain jacket comes along.

Take care on the central crags, particularly when the stones and grass are wet. Before the final stage, check tide information and local advice for Burgh Marsh. If the route is flooded, wait or follow an advised alternative.

The trail is marked with the National Trail acorn symbol, but download an offline map or GPX as well. Keep a charged phone, power bank and small first aid kit in your backpack.

Carry lunch and snacks rather than depending on finding an open café along the way. Check where you can refill drinking water before leaving your accommodation each morning.

Essential gear

If you’re staying in B&Bs, you can keep your packing fairly simple. Bring comfortable hiking footwear, waterproofs, warm layers and enough food and water for each stage. Test your shoes on longer walks beforehand, as several days of walking can reveal problems you won’t notice on a short afternoon hike.

If you’re camping, bring a tent and sleeping equipment suitable for wet and windy conditions, and plan your overnight stops before setting out.

Hadrian’s Wall Path is a moderately difficult trail. Much of the walking is straightforward, but the central section has repeated steep climbs and descents. The highest point is only 345 meters, although the short hills can make a day feel considerably harder than the distance suggests.

For a first long-distance hike, give yourself enough days and get used to walking with your backpack before setting out. Shorter stages also leave time to visit the forts without having to hurry through the rest of your day.