Travel back in time to the Roman occupation
Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path
Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path
About Hadrian's Wall Path
Hadrian’s Wall Path is an 84 mile (135 Km) long National Trail stretching coast to coast across northern England, from Wallsend, Newcastle upon Tyne in the east to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. It follows the line of Hadrian’s Wall, passing through some of the most beautiful parts of England - from rolling fields and rugged moorland to the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. You don’t have to do the Trail in one go to enjoy the best it has to offer. There are lots of circular walks based on the Trail for everyone to enjoy.
Hadrian’s Wall Path is the only coast-to-coast Trail to follow a World Heritage Site, itself a protected landscape. No other heritage access site in the UK offers public access to such an amazing variety of archaeological remains. Archaeological highlights include the Roman Forts of Segedunum at Wallsend, Chesters, Housesteads, Birdoswald. Other notable points of interest include the River Tyne bridges, Whin Sill escarpment; s and the Solway salt marshes with their amazing wildlife.
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Walking the Cleveland Way doesn’t have to be completed in one go to enjoy the best it has to offer. You can find maps and merchandise, along with books that include short walks on the Cleveland Way here:
How long does walking Hadrian's Wall Path take, end to end?
If you are an experienced walker then you should be able to complete the trail in 6-7 days, although you might want to allow some extra time to visit some of the Roman sites that you pass. They all have museums with interpretive displays and they also provide refreshments.
Is walking Hadrian's Wall Path hard?
Anyone who is reasonably fit should be able to walk Hadrian’s Wall Path although it is not an easy walk. Some guidebook and magazine articles have described the Trail as "not a challenging walk" but it is more difficult than many people imagine it to be.
The 23 mile (37 Km) section between Chollerford and Birdoswald is a switchback with lots of short climbs and descents; it is a bit like walking along the coast. The majority of the path has a natural grass surface; only the Newcastle, Tyneside section is tarmac.
When walking Hadrian’s Wall Path, which direction should I go?
When deciding which way to go when walking Hadrian’s Wall Path, you may wish to consider the season and the prevailing wind. Heading west from Wallsend you will be walking into it but in the summer months it is unlikely to be a concern.
It's also worth considering whether you want to finish your walk in the city, or on the quiet Solway estuary which is a great place to reflect on your achievement. Look carefully into the transport arrangements at the end of your walk; if you find that time is short, then it might be easier to continue on the journey home from Newcastle.
There are guidebooks written in both directions, the Aurum guidebook is written from East (Wallsend) to West (Bowness) whilst the Rucksack Readers book is written in the opposite direction (although does contain concise directions for East to West).
Both the Cicerone book and Trailblazer book contain route descriptions written in both directions.
Who can enjoy walking Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail?
Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail was designated and designed for walkers only. Away from the urban centres the route follows the historic line of Hadrian’s Wall, which is a Scheduled Monument. The Trail is managed to the high standards expected of National Trails with additional safeguards in place because of the archaeological value. Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail covers a lot of rough and uneven ground, some of it steep, and there are also a lot of stone and timber steps to be negotiated.
Can I bring my dog while walking Hadrian’s Wall Path?
Hadrian’s Wall Path is not promoted as a dog friendly Trail. Much of the Trail passes through farmland where stock may be grazing. We urge dog owners to respect farmers and their animals by keeping your dog on a lead when near livestock. Cows with calves are very protective and can be aggressive towards dogs, so try to avoid walking close to cows with calves. If you encounter any aggression, release your dog, do not try to pick it up. There are also stiles which dogs may need to be lifted over.
What is the best time of year for walking Hadrian's Wall Path?
It is best to walk Hadrian's Wall Path between May and October when the ground is normally dry, so damage is not caused to the fragile landscape. During this period, accommodation is open and bus services are running. The National Trail and Hadrian's Wall itself are very popular; if you want to avoid the crowds we recommend walking Hadrian’s Wall Path outside of the main school holidays.
Can I buy Hadrian's Wall Path merchandise?
We sell a range of Hadrian's Wall Path merchandise including enamel badges, sew on badges, mugs and other merchandise.
Can I get a Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail completion certificate?
Our personalised Hadrian's Wall Path completion certificate is a great momento for anyone that has completed the trail.
Guidebooks for Hadrian's Wall Path
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£ 14.99
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£ 11.99
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£ 14.99
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£ 10.99
Maps for Hadrian's Wall Path
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Hadrian's Wall Path Harvey map
£ 14.50
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£ 14.95
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£ 19.95
Hadrian's Wall Path Merchandise
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£ 10.50
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£ 45.00
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Mini National Trail Fingerpost
£ 65.00
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£ 24.00
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£ 19.95
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£ 39.95
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I chose Hadrian's Wall Path because the history really interested me. I had learnt about the Roman occupation of the North at school, many years ago and it was amazing to follow that history along the National Trail. There was still so much to see, it brought history to life. I loved starting in Newcastle and walking towards the rugged landscape of Northumberland. Leaving the city behind was like travelling back in time! Some of my best memories are of the Roman Forts of Segedunum , Chesters, and Housesteads. It's a very green trail with lots of steep, short, ups and downs!
Kevin Barrett