Top 10 tips for walking Hadrian’s Wall Path

There are so many reasons why we love the Hadrian’s Wall Path. It offers a unique combination of history, stunning landscapes, diverse terrain, local communities, cute English towns, inquisitive sheep and cows, and some truly delightful hiking through the Northumberland National Park. Here are some of our top tips to help you have the most successful hike possible while soaking up the history of this 2,000 year old landmark.

1. Preparation and training

Like any long distance multi day walk, you do need to make sure you have put in the time to do the training.The more you prepare and train, the more you will get out of this beautiful walk. This trail is 84 miles long (135km) and the varied terrain includes flat sections, rolling hills and some steep climbs. There are sections which are rougher and more uneven underfoot so you do need to be sure of your footing. It is important you enjoy a wide variety of training to ensure you have the fitness to complete a multi-day walk and have the stamina to walk up to 23km in one day. This walk is not as arduous as other areas in the UK but does still require the right preparation and training. Don’t forget to utilise our trek training guides for the UK.

2. What to wear

It’s the UK so it’s important to plan for all climates and all weather. You might get sunshine, you might get rain, you might get anything in between. The climate in the UK is very well suited to hiking but it’s important to invest in key pieces so you are as comfortable as possible when out enjoying these open plains. We do recommend buying the best quality raincoat you can afford. Footwear is also very important, we recommend wearing well worn in hiking boots for the ankle support and better water resistant qualities. The trail can get muddy in places if there has been recent rainfall and it’s easier to get through mud in a good quality pair of hiking boots.

3. Navigation

Along the Hadrian’s Wall Path you will see the National Trail acorn symbols. The signage along this path is pretty good, fairly frequent and easy to and easy to follow. It is featured on gates as you cross from one paddock to the next along with multiple sign posts. We recommend using a combination of navigation tools to successfully find your way. Your personalised itinerary via our hiking app is a helpful portal which also features a navigation function so you can see your location along the trail. Make sure you have watched our video and followed our detailed instructions before departure so it’s set up correctly. Your guidebook is another excellent tool offering great historical information along with maps and important things to look out for. Some walkers prefer to use other purely navigational apps such as AllTrails and the like.

4. Finding toilets

Finding toilets along the way is easy in some sections of the walk and a little harder during other sections. For example I found plenty of bathrooms between Carlisle and Bowness-on-Solway but in the middle sections of the walk, not so many. Toilets are often located at places such as visitor centres, pubs, cafes, honestly sheds or other businesses along the way. In the more remote part of the walk between Chollerford, Twice Brewed and Walton, there is more limited infrastructure. Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage site with significant historical and archaeological value so construction around this ancient landscape has been consciously minimised. Like all rural walks, please remember to follow the no trace principal such as carrying a small pee-cloth if you prefer. It can be tricky finding a tree to hide behind when you are soaking up the glorious expanse of the Northumberland National Park but this is part of the adventure. Read more about simple ways to pee on a hiking trail.

5. Honesty sheds

There are many charming honesty sheds along this path which add to the unique experience of walking this historical path. These small sheds are stocked by lovely locals with a variety of goods for sale to local walkers. Make sure you carry some pound coins in case you want to purchase a flapjack, chocolate bar, crisps, homemade cakes, drinks or even a fresh pair of socks along the way!

6. Curious cows (and sheep)

Walking through fields of cows can be a bit daunting at first, but it is fairly easily navigated with a few tips up your sleeve. There are a lot of very delightful cows along this trail who are largely disinterested in the humans visiting their fields. In spring and summer, you will see more calves in the field. It is worth noting this as you should never walk between a calf and her mother. Cows are curious creatures and may cautiously approach you but will often retreat if you move in their direction. I preferred to take a wide berth around a larger group of cows and always had an escape route up my sleeve, just in case. Generally if you avoid eye contact, don’t make loud noises and move quietly away, the cows will ignore you. Also avoid running, the cows may think it’s time for a game and may chase you!

7. Carlisle Castle

In the city centre of Carlisle lies this historic fortress which has a rich history dating back 900 years. This has been a significant military site since Roman times but the current structure was founded in 1092. This castle played a vital part of England’s defence against Scottish invasion during the medieval period. Mary Queen of Scots was one of its most famous prisoners and was held here in 1568. It was even used by the British Army during WWI and WWII. Its an interesting visit, you can also buy 20% discounted entry tickets if you show you arrived by bus, train or bicycle (with your bike helmet in tow!)

8. Vindolanda Fort

Close to the village of Once Brewed, Roman Vindolanda Fort holds thousands of objects which highlight the daily life of the Roman community who lived on this site nearly 2,000 years ago. It is the home of Britain’s top treasure, the Vindolanda Writing Tablets. Some hikers like to add an additional night in this area so they can take in all the history of Vindolanda on their rest day. The Vindolanda Fort site is 1 mile from the Twice Brewed Inn, which is also one of our favourite pubs along the way with their delicious food and brew house next door. There is also an additional site 7 miles down the road, the Roman Army Museum where you can immerse yourself in the life of a Roman Army Soldier.

9. Getting from Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle

If you are enjoying walking Hadrian’s Wall Path from east to west then your last walking day takes you all the way to the coast, from Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway. This day is flat and enjoyable, passing through a multitude of small towns and villages, all with their own charm. Bowness is a very quaint seaside town where you can celebrate the end of your walk with a drink at the charming local inn. We find it more convenient to return to Carlisle for your overnight stay, then you are ready to depart the next day for your onward travel. You can return to Carlisle by taxi or bus but we recommend planning in advance if you are using the bus as it is not a frequent service and does not run on a Sunday. Taxis can be worth pre-booking as well at your preferred time.

10. Choosing which direction to walk

You can choose which direction you travel, either west to east (Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend) or east to west (Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway). The direction you choose may shape your experience – from shifting landscapes to the unfolding historical narrative and the overall rhythm of your walk. 

If you start in the east at Segedunum Museum and head west towards Bowness-on-Solway the trail gradually unveils the wall’s history with the landscape slowly becoming wilder and the horizon broader, until you find yourself surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Northumberland countryside. This route allows you to end your journey with the quiet views over the Solway Firth, which is a perfect spot to reflect on your adventure.

Walking west to east offers a different pace. You start in the solitude of nature, with the wind at your back, guiding you toward the industrial heart of Newcastle. The reward is finishing in a vibrant city, where you can celebrate your achievement with all the conveniences at your fingertips.

Whether you choose east to west or west to east, Hadrian’s Wall Path will reveal its secrets in a way that feels truly fulfilling and joyful.

Why walk Hadrian’s Wall Path with RAW Travel?

We are Australia’s leading specialist for self-guided walking trips and one of the most experienced operators you can choose. Our Destination Experts deliver a level of advice and experience that comes from being 100% focused on our chosen walks, rather than hundreds of different trips, as is often the case with bigger companies. We pride ourselves on our intimate knowledge of our chosen walking destinations. We really do know because we go!
Our staff take these walks each year and share their insider insights with you to help create exciting journeys where you can experience the best of your chosen destination, while being reassured that all the details are taken care of.