Hadrian’s Wall Path vs Coast to Coast Path – A Walker’s Comparison

For walkers seeking to immerse themselves in England’s landscapes and history, Hadrian’s Wall Path and the Coast to Coast Path offer unforgettable experiences. Both routes traverse England and offer a splendid multi-day walking experience. However, these two iconic trails differ significantly in terms of terrain, difficulty, atmosphere, and the kind of rewards they deliver. If you’re considering one – or both – here’s how they compare.

Overview of the routes and the distances

Hadrian’s Wall Path covers a distance of 135km from Newcastle-upon-Tyne to Carlisle – or vice versa. This path can be walked in either direction (west to east or east to west). Our most popular itinerary covers this trail over 10 days (including 8 walking days). Hadrian’s Wall is a National Trail and it is well marked and well maintained.

The Coast to Coast Path stretches for 305km from St Bees on the Irish Sea over to Robin Hoods Bay on the North Sea. This much-loved long-distance path is typically walked self-guided over 20 days when you book with RAW Travel (which includes a couple of rest days and your arrival and departure days). Our itinerary is designed to give you presence on the trail, time to soak up the villages, stop in for a cream tea, admire the landscape, appreciate this gorgeous landscape and fully absorb the atmosphere along this path. We also have a fully guided option with an expert mountain leader. The Coast to Coast has recently gained its National Trail status and there are currently many improvements along the trail including improved signage, waymarking replacing gates, new footpaths and path resurfacing.

Terrain and challenge

Hadrian’s Wall Path is an overall less challenging walk for much of its length. The walking at either end of this trail is fairly flat and less demanding. The most dramatic and hillier section runs between Chollerford and Gilsland where you will explore the up and down of undulating crags, ancient forts and the beauty of the panoramic views across the landscape. Elsewhere, the trail flattens out through pastoral countryside and towns. It’s ideal for first-time long-distance walkers or those looking for a more moderate challenge. You will still walk up and down, but the ups and downs are shorter than you find on the Coast to Coast Path.

The Coast to Coast is considerably more challenging, especially in the Lake District and as you cross the Cleveland Hills. Hikers here can enjoy steep ascents, more remote moorland crossings and longer uphill sections as you wind your way up and over the dramatic scenery of the Lake District. The challenges of the hills are certainly met with vast rewards – stunning views, sweeping landscapes and breathtaking scenery.

The scenery here reminded me of the European Alps and offered me that wonderful feeling I had when I completed the Tour du Mont Blanc. I can certainly see why hikers seek out these incredible landscapes. Through the Lake District you will face steep ascents, remote moorland crossings, and changeable weather. However, these challenges are met with vast rewards – panoramic views, varied ecosystems, and a real sense of journeying across a nation.

Scenery and highlights

The Hadrian’s Wall Path offers a unique blend of Roman heritage and lovely English rolling countryside. There are historic roman forts to visit along the way, Sycamore Gap (sadly the tree has gone but the setting is still beautiful and iconic), peaceful farmland and expansive views all the way to Scotland. As you move away from the urban start of the walk, you will enjoy leafy lanes, village greens, gentle undulating farmland, stone-walled fields and traditional farmhouses dotted across the landscape. The scenery around Steel Rigg is wild, open and dramatic. I enjoyed chatting to the sheep and cows along this trail, there was no shortage of furry friends.

The Coast to Coast Path crosses over three national parks and each day feels different. Many walkers describe this path as a physical and emotional journey through the heart of England. The Lake District is the most challenging section with its craggy peaks but stunning lakes. The Yorkshire Dales offer a peaceful and timeless quality. They are lush and lined with limestone villages, stone cottages, quiet lanes and some delicious cream tea shops. The North York Moors are defined by their sweeping moorland plateaus and covered in the lovely purple carpet of the August heather. The views are far reaching and offer a real sense of remoteness.The edge of the Moors meets the coastline offering steep cliffs and headland views.

Navigation and waymarking

Hadrian’s Wall Path was designated as a National Trail in 2003, the 15th national trail in England and Wales. This means more signage and navigation is pretty straightforward. The route follows the wall’s line pretty consistently and it’s pretty impossible to get lost on this path.

The Coast to Coast Path has only recently been declared a National Trail. It is well-trodden but does require some solid navigation skills, especially through the Lake District. Many walkers embrace this as part of the adventure and when you organise your trip with RAW Travel, you will receive your unique itinerary via our navigation App Some sections especially through The Lakes are more remote, and poor weather and / or low fog will add to the challenge. This is why this walk is not a beginners challenge and some good walking experience prior is recommended.

Accommodation and services

Both paths will pass through villages and market towns. Along the Hadrian’s Wall path there are more pop up coffee vans, cafes and little places to restock and refuel. There are also plenty of the wonderful honesty boxes, where lovely locals leave home made flapjacks and slices, or even some dry socks for walkers to purchase. These refuelling stops offer a chance to make a cuppa and are a delightful addition to the trail. Accommodation is quite limited in some of the villages with one or two places to stay, although this path doesn’t seem to book out as far ahead as the Coast to Coast Path.

The Coast to Coast Path is immensely popular and is often a trip on peoples bucket lists. Accommodation can fill up 12–18 months in advance and by booking in advance, you are more likely to be able to walk into your accommodation each night. The awareness of this glorious trail is growing each year and the recent status of a National Trail is certainly fuelling the future popularity of this path. On some days you will be delighted by the option for a delicious cream tea, on other days you are out in the national park with limited food opportunities. Lunch packs are recommended and can be easily organised with your accommodation providers.

Both paths will offer you the chance to chat with friendly locals and converse with other walkers.

Transport services

The Hadrian’s Wall Path has more transport options nearby, making it a bit easier to shorten a day of walking or seek out an alternative should the need arise. The AD122 bus runs primarily between Hexham and Haltwhistle and stops at many of the main attractions along Hadrian’s Wall. This bus operates from late March through to early November, covering the walking season. There are also taxis relatively close by if required.

Transport options along the Coast to Coast Path are a little harder to find, given that this walk crosses through 3 national parks. If a walker is seeking respite from a day’s walking, generally it would require a taxi from one village to the next. There are a few days where a local bus will link up villages, but generally once you start walking on a particular day you need to complete the day or consider u-turning back.

Both walks are well supported with baggage transfer services, so you only need to carry your daypack.

Atmosphere and experience

Hadrian’s Wall has been described as feeling like a walk through time, it offers contemplation, quiet and an abundance of Roman history. This unique blend of ancient history, wild landscapes, sweeping countryside and peaceful solitude makes this walk unique and very special. You can walk for miles seeing many sheep, a few walkers, and plenty of open sky offering you a chance for reflection and appreciation of nature. The local pubs are warm and welcoming and often geared towards hikers.This walk offers a rich and soulful journey across the country.

The Coast to Coast Path is at times described as more of a personal pilgrimage. You begin at the sea, walk across 3 national parks and end on the opposite coastline, enjoying a journey through vastly different landscapes. The camaraderie with other walkers is strong, many describe their experience out on this trail as life changing. This walk offers contrast, challenge and quiet beauty, alongside a connection to nature and your fellow walkers. Everyday brings something new, different terrain, unique views, remote villages and changing moods along the trail.

Given the length of the trail, you are likely to experience the full range of English weather, sometimes in a single day. The mood along the trail changes with the light, stormy skies over the moors feel mysterious, while golden light over the Dales feels serene. The solidarity found in the remote countryside with just the sheep for company at times, can offer a wonderful break from the rush of life.

Feature	Hadrian’s Wall Path	Coast to Coast Path
Distance	135km	305km
Time required	10 days	18–20 days
Difficulty	Moderate	Challenging
Best for	History lovers, beginners	Experienced walkers, adventurers
Scenery type	Roman ruins, farmland	Mountains, dales, moors coast
Waymarking	Excellent	Variable (improving)
Historical interest	Very high	Moderate
Sense of journey	Linear and focused	Epic and varied

Final thoughts

If you’re after a shorter walk steeped in history with gentle pacing, the Hadrian’s Wall Path is a fantastic choice. For those seeking a bigger challenge with stunning variety, the Coast to Coast Path delivers in every way.

Whichever you choose, both offer a unique window into the English landscape – and the quiet joy of putting one foot in front of the other, day after day.