Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path – More than a march through history

When you think about Hadrian’s Wall you might imagine days long gone when Roman soldiers stood guard over the northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire. Walking alongside this vast structure built 2,000 years ago is an intriguing step back in time but the iconic and much-loved route offers more than a glorious march through history. It leads to spectacular views, idyllic villages and a wonderful immersion in nature.

Beautiful sweeping landscapes

The Northumberland National Park offers wildflowers and windswept solitude as you weave your way across rolling hills and along this much-loved trail.

The 135km Hadrian’s Wall Path across Northern England takes you through rolling hills, rugged moorlands, forests, along quiet country lanes, across fields of cows and sheep and through quaint English villages. The Northumberland National Park offers wildflowers and windswept solitude as you weave your way across rolling hills and along this much-loved trail. It’s easy to see why this location was originally chosen by the Romans – the incredible view from up on the ridgeline over the dramatic plains stretches as far as the eye can see. This walk offers a variety of scenery and changing landscapes which will delight you as you make your way from one side of the country to the other.

Wildlife encounters

This trail is a haven for bird watchers and anyone who has an enthusiastic interest in nature and wildlife. It offers an opportunity to see some lovely animals in their natural habitat. It’s impossible at this point not to mention the cows and sheep as you will cross many cow and sheep dotted fields on your journey. Do keep in mind that cows, while mostly harmless, can be curious so it’s best to quietly move through their field making sure you don’t walk in between a mother and her calf. There is even a project funded by the Northumberland County Council for locals to adopt an Illuminated Sheep and create a trail of these across Hadrian’s Wall in September 2024. The Solway Coastal Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty has many species of birds including oystercatchers, redshank and lapwings. The heart of Hadrian’s Wall is one of the few remaining areas in the UK where you might be lucky enough to spot a rare red squirrel.

The heart of Hadrian’s Wall is one of the few remaining areas in the UK where you might be lucky enough to spot a rare red squirrel!

English pubs and culinary delights

Food has come a long way in the UK and the pubs along the Hadrian’s Wall Path all offer a unique experience. Many use seasonal ingredients and local produce, and serve traditional English food as well as modern classics and food with a twist. Several pubs have panoramic views of beautiful surrounding countryside; others offer courtyards to enjoy sunny afternoons. The George Hotel in Chollerford was one of my favourites. It’s set next to the River North Tyne with its historic bridge and bustling dining room offering delicious food. The Twice Brewed Inn is in the heart of the walk and attracts walkers, locals and weekenders alike. Whether you are admiring the view from your room of the surrounding nature or enjoying the fun atmosphere and delicious menu, this pub is a standout. 

Food has come a long way in the UK and the pubs along the Hadrian’s Wall Path all offer a unique experience.

Gourmet surprises and local treats

It’s not just the local pubs that offer the chance to enjoy a delicious meal; there are many food highlights along this interesting trail. Pubs and B&Bs alike offer a hearty breakfast with the most delicious bacon I have tasted anywhere in the world! Most accommodations will offer you the opportunity to pre order a lunch pack for the day. You may come across a lovely local offering a well-deserved hot coffee from their coffee van along with home baked goods. Or it might be a treat from one of the unique honesty box sheds along the way, serviced by the lovely locals in the village. One of our favourite tea rooms is the House of Meg in Gilsland, which offers delicious treats and has a great gluten-free range as well.

Pubs and B&Bs alike offer a hearty breakfast with the most delicious bacon I have tasted anywhere in the world!

Friendly locals and the camaraderie of walkers

It’s not just the lovely locals who support the walkers but its the lovely walkers you met along the way which make this journey special. Hadrian’s Wall Path is a popular trail among the English and many take on this path each year. The English have known for many years just how wonderful this walk is and we are catching on in Australia too. You might encounter a lovely B&B owner who goes the extra mile making her own jam and homemade scones for your arrival. There is a wonderful camaraderie amongst walkers sharing tips, stories and experiences along the trail. I did this walk as a solo female but I never felt alone, it was a perfect balance between meeting other walkers and solitude when I needed it. Northerners have a reputation of being the friendliest people in the UK and I certainly experienced this while I was walking Hadrians Wall Path.

The English have known for many years just how wonderful this walk is and we are catching on in Australia too!

Walk across an entire country!

Not many walks offer you the unique experience of walking from one side of a country to the other but Hadrian’s Wall Path allows you to do just that! Stretching from coast to coast and spanning two counties, this walk is shorter than its more challenging counterpart the Coast to Coast Path, and its hills won’t challenge you like the Lake District. Our itinerary is typically 10 days from either Newcastle to Carlisle or visa versa. This route has clear and frequent signage and offers many moments of peaceful and serene walking. 

Our itinerary is typically 10 days from either Newcastle to Carlisle or vice versa. The route has clear and frequent signage and offers many moments of peaceful and serene walking. 

Getting to Hadrian’s Wall Path is easy

If you are walking the wall from east to west then Newcastle International Airport might be your gateway. If you choose to walk this path from west to east, then you might fly into Manchester. The frequently serviced train journey from Manchester to Carlisle is direct and will only take you around 2 hours. Both Newcastle and Carlisle are well linked by rail. The Metro will easily take you from central Newcastle to Wallsend which is the official start of the walk and only a 1-minute walk to the Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum. The notably named AD122 bus is the main bus route serving this walking path and runs from Good Friday and the 1st October each year. This walk is easy to get to and even though its through a remote area, has enough support of alternative transport providers should you need them.

This walk is easy to get to and even though its through a remote area, has enough support of alternative transport providers should you need them.

The physical challenge

There are some more challenging days along this trail but this trail is achievable for walkers of most levels of abilities. The walking days are flatter at either end of this trail as you walk closer to the sea but there are some hilly sections towards the middle of this trail. Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of the easier National Trails in Britain and almost everyone who starts this walk finishes it. There are certainly some ups and downs around Steel Rigg but the breathtaking panoramic views in every direction makes the climbing worthwhile and were among my favourite part of this trail. The total accent along this trail is 1,600m with the highest point of Windshield Crags being just 345m. This trail is a great alternative to the 20-day Coast to Coast Path. You might be working your way up to the Wainwright’s iconic trail or prefer something a little shorter at 10 days. There are some short climbs and descents and like any multi day walk. We recommend doing the required training so you can get the most out of this walk and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Find out more by reading our Top 10 Tips for Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path

Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of the easier National Trails in Britain and almost everyone who starts this walk finishes it.

Towns and villages along the route

As well as the English villages to enjoy along the way, all offering their own blend of history, beauty and charm, the infrastructure along Hadrian’s Wall Path is well developed. Scenic Gilsland village is pretty and unique – it sits on the border of two counties. Half the village is in Northumberland and the other half is in Cumbria. Brampton is just south of Hadrian’s Wall and is a picturesque market town surrounded by gorgeous landscapes. Chollerford is close to the impressive Chesters Roman Fort and a small village, set against a backdrop of rolling hills with a serene atmosphere. Picturesque Corbridge has a riverside setting and a strong Roman history. Lanercost is famous for its beautiful 12th-century priory, which was partially built with stones from Hadrian’s Wall. Bowness-on-Solway is a peaceful coastal village with friendly locals and stunning views across the Solway Firth all the way to Scotland. Carlisle is also rich in history and culture. Carlisle Castle, one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, has stood for 900 years and played a crucial role in defending England from Scottish invasions. 

Bowness-on-Solway is a peaceful coastal village with friendly locals and stunning views across the Solway Firth all the way to Scotland

The cool bits of history

While this walk offers much more than history, there is some really cool history that its worth mentioning. It took around 15,000 men approximately 6 years to build the Wall back in the day. Hadrian was the first Roman emperor to wear a full beard! Hadrian’s Wall is the only Roman frontier built largely of stone as there was an abundant supply locally at this time. There is plenty of evidence that people continued to live along Hadrian’s Wall after Britain was no longer part of the Roman Empire. Until 1929, one family actually owned nearly 20 miles of the Wall and five significant forts, including Housesteads and Vindolanda. Much of Hadrian’s Wall is still under private ownership of hundreds of land owning locals and several well-known sections are cared for by English charities like English Heritage and National Trust. While history was not the attraction for me to this walk, its hard not to be impressed by it when you have the privilege of walking along side of it.

Until 1929, one family actually owned nearly 20 miles of the Wall and five significant forts, including Housesteads and Vindolanda.

Our self-guided walks on Hadrian’s Wall Path

Whether you choose to walk Hadrian’s Wall Path from west to east or east to west (our UK destination specialists can talk you through this decision) we can customise your itinerary using our favourite B&Bs, pubs and friendly hotels, supported by daily baggage transfers. We have Australian and UK based staff and we know and love this walk, so we can easily and happily design a trip that suits you. Many of our travellers choose to add this walk onto another UK walk or head a few hours north to Scotland and enjoy the dramatic contrast of walking self-guided along the stunning Arran Coastal Way. 

• View all our self-guided walking itineraries on Hadrian’s Wall Path