Hadrian’s Wall Hike – Your Questions Answered

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Discover the ancient history and breathtaking landscapes that await you on the iconic Hadrian’s Wall hike. Learn about the significance of the ancient Roman wall as you explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site and tread the English countryside. Lace up your boots and get ready to experience the beauty of Britain and its ancient Roman legacy.

Introducing… Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall is a monumental structure that spans northern England, and dates back to the time of Roman occupation. The Wall’s namesake, Hadrian, was Roman emperor from 117 C.E. to 138 C.E. and was responsible for commissioning its construction.

The colossal barrier was built to mark the northernmost boundary of the Roman Empire in Britain, then the Roman province of Britannia. The stone construction stretched approximately 80-Roman miles (that’s 73-modern miles, equivalent of 117-km) from east to west. Each Roman mile was marked with a “milecastle”, a fortlet attached to the wall for defensive purposes. Between each milecastle are two turrets.

Though the Wall was mostly constructed of stone, there was a 48-km (30-mi) stretch in the east that was made of turf. The Wall was completed, or rather construction halted in 122 C.E.. At this time the greater stone part was a maximum of approximately 4.6-m (15-ft) tall and 3-m (10-ft) wide. The turf section was as wide as 6-m (20-ft). A large section of the Wall was built along the top of an escarpment, which is the edge of the Whin Sill. This added height increased the Wall’s formidability and defensibility.

The Wall served as a defensive fortification, aiming to control movement and trade i.e. charge customs duties, as well as to protect the empire from invasions by northern tribes. Located in the picturesque landscapes of northern England, Hadrian’s Wall showcases the engineering prowess and strategic foresight of the Romans.

When the Romans fled Britain, the Wall was abandoned. Over time, locals repurposed the stone building materials to construct houses, churches and the like. It is estimated that 10% of the original wall remains visible today.

Hadrian’s Wall Path

The full-length Hadrian’s Wall Path is a 135-km (84-mi) National Trail. It spans from Wallsend (a suburb of Newcastle-Upon-Tyne) in the east, to Bowness-on-Solway in the west. The path crosses two English counties: Cumbria and Northumberland, and one National Park: Northumberland.

This iconic trail typically takes around 6- to 8-days to complete, depending on your pace and the stops you choose to make along the way. As you traverse England alongside Hadrian’s Wall, you’ll encounter a diverse range of landscapes, from marshes to moorland.

Here are indicative daily hiking distances and elevation gain for some common itineraries. The ascent is a total elevation gain for the day (it’s not one big hill). Also, consider that these are purely the trail hiking distances. Always budget on an extra 2-3-miles per day for getting to sights, food and accommodation locations off-trail.

	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5	Day 6	Day 7	Day 8	Day 9
6-Day Itinerary	23-km (14-mi) 133-m (436-ft)	23-km (14-mi) 277-m (909-ft)	23-km (14-mi) 585-m (1920-ft)	19-km (12-mi) 511-m (1191-ft)	24-km (15 -mi) 378-m (1240-ft)	24-km (15-mi) 213-m (699-ft)
7-Day Itinerary	23-km (14-mi) 133-m (436-ft)	23-km (14-mi) 277-m (909-ft)	8-km (5-mi) 585-m (1,919-ft)	15-km (9-mi) 511-m (1191-ft)	19-km (12-km) 270-m (886-ft)	24-km (15-mi) 108-m (354-ft)	24-km (15-mi) 213-m (699-ft)
8-Day Itinerary	23-km (14-mi) 133-m (436-ft)	21-km (13-mi) 106-m (348-ft)	10-km (6-mi) 314-m (1,030-ft)	15-km (9-mi) 517-m (1696-ft)	20-km (12-mi) 386-m (1267-ft)	17-km (10-mi) 282-m (925-ft)	10-km (6-mi) 108-m (354-ft)	18-km (11-mi) 213-m (699-ft)
9-Day Itinerary	11-km (7-mi) 133-m (436-ft)	11-km (7-mi) 106-m (348-ft)	23-km (14-mi) 314-m (1,030-ft)	8-km (5-mi) 263-m (863-ft)	15-km (9-mi) 459-m (1,508-ft)	19-km (12-mi) 81-m (268-ft)	11-km (7-mi) 270-m (886-ft)	18-km (11-mi) 108-m (354-ft)	19-km (12-mi) 213-m (699-ft)

How much time to walk Hadrian’s Wall?

How long you allow for your Hadrian’s Wall hike is going to depend on a number of factors including your goals for the trip and walking pace. Assess your fitness level honestly, along with your desire to spend time exploring sights, taking extended lunch breaks or carving out a rest day. Based on our Hadrian’s Wall hike and discussions with many other walkers about their experiences along the trail, here’s what I recommend:

Up to 7-days is purely heads-down hiking at a medium to very fast pace. You’ll need packed lunches so you don’t have to leave the trail or wait to be served. There will be no time for afternoon tea and scones, extended photo stops, nor much sightseeing around the forts and museums. Hikers doing the trail in under 7-days were mostly young, very fit (like the ex-triathletes I met) and are primarily in it for the physical challenge.

8-9 days allows for on-trail sightseeing stops and pub lunches. Tends to be more middle-aged groups with moderate to good physical fitness, who can keep up a fair pace.

9+ days is a leisurely pace with lots of time to take in your surroundings and possibly a rest day in the middle to really explore off-trail. This timing is good for older walkers with moderate fitness or those who want to make more of a holiday out of the experience. You’ll have time for pub lunches, afternoon teas and exploring the local history sites in depth.

How difficult is Hadrian’s Wall Path?

Hadrian’s Wall Path ranks easy to moderate on most trail grading systems you might be familiar with. Trail conditions vary, with some sections being relatively flat, while others present short but steep inclines or more challenging terrain. The trail is well marked and consists mainly of natural, grass surface with some paved areas and road walking. You are likely to run into unavoidable sections of slippery mud even on dry, sunny days. There are regular stiles and kissing gates along the route.

The above data should give you an idea of what to expect in terms of distance and elevation gain. However, the biggest challenge most hikers face is the cumulative fatigue of hiking day after day. Therefore, to ensure a successful and enjoyable hike along Hadrian’s Wall, I recommend you are of moderate fitness.

Do I need to train for Hadrian’s Wall Path?

The best preparation for the Hadrian’s Wall hike is long-distance walks with hill climbs, wearing a weighted pack to simulatestrail conditions. Practicing with a loaded backpack also allows you to adjust and optimise your gear for maximum comfort and efficiency.

I’m a moderately fit 40-year old who exercises regularly, but I’ve never considered myself athletic. I did 60-min cardio group fitness classes and took 7-10-km walks with my day pack several times per week leading up to my hike. This enabled me to maintain a consistently good, but not super-fast pace throughout and recovered well overnight.

No matter how you choose to ready yourself, the most important thing is to train your body for continuous day-after-day hiking. It isn’t the first or even second day of the trail that gets to you. It’s the subsequent few that become challenging! By investing time and effort beforehand, you can enhance your overall experience on Hadrian’s Wall, minimise the risk of injury, and fully appreciate the historical and natural wonders that await you along the route.

What will you see and experience hiking Hadrian’s Wall?

From marshes to moorland, river valleys to rolling hills, you will encounter a tapestry of landscapes as you trace the Roman Wall across England. The trail is punctuated by quaint villages with historic churches, stalwart pubs and cute cottages. Fields of livestock are divided by stone walls and hedgerows with countless stiles.

In the spring, wildflowers and luminous fields of canola (aka rapeseed) colour the scenery. The peaks of the Whin Sill provide 360-degree views and showcase the miles of Wall behind and ahead of you. Museums and archaeological sites like Birdoswald, Housesteads and Segedunum, provide deeper insight into the lives of the Romans.

Northumberland National Park and surrounds are a Dark Sky Park. Basically from Greenhead to Chollerford you will experience minimal light pollution at night. This means on clear weather nights, there is the potential for some fantastic stargazing. The recent solar storm that resulted in aurora across the globe happened during our time in this area – if only we had known about it! If skygazing is your jam – make sure you stay abreast any astronomical events.

TIP: Check opening hours for forts and museums when planning your hike. Most forts and museums operate 10am-4pm. Thiscan be quite restrictive if you have a lot of walking to do and don’t want to rush. You may need to budget a rest day to allow more time for sightseeing.

How to approach hiking Hadrian’s Wall?

There are a couple of different ways to go about hiking Hadrian’s Wall, depending on your desired experience and comfort level. Each has its pros and cons which follow.

For those planning to hike Hadrian’s Wall, there are various ways to approach the trail. One option is to fully immerse yourself in the experience by hiking and camping with all your gear. This allows you to connect closely with the landscape, spending nights under the stars and waking up to the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Alternatively, and my preferred method, is to break up the Wall into day hikes and overnight in cozy B&Bs in small towns en route. Baggage transportation services are available to transfer your belongings between nightly accommodation. That way, you can enjoy the trail without the burden of carrying heavy gear or having to pitch a tent at the end of a long day. This option is perfect for those who are travelling in shoulder or off-season and are likely to experience more rain and wind.

Which direction to hike Hadrian’s Wall?

Early guide books recommended hiking east to west, the direction the Wall was constructed. However, now most experts advocate a west to east direction. This means you are walking in the same direction as the prevailing winds, rather than fighting a potential gale head-on. You will also be going from higher to lower rainfall areas.

What are the weather and conditions along Hadrian’s Wall?

Weather

When deciding when to hike along Hadrian’s Wall, it’s crucial to consider the weather and other seasonal conditions. The Wall runs through some of the rainiest and windiest parts of England! This means most visitors take advantage of the summer months. Here’s a seasonal breakdown of what to expect.

During the spring months, the weather along Hadrian’s Wall tends to be mild, making it an ideal time for hiking. From May, the landscape comes to life with blooming flowers and young farm animals. You’ll likely encounter a moderate number of fellow hikers. Accommodation prices will start to rise through spring as visitors to the region increase and demand goes up.

Summer brings warmer temperatures, more sunlight and longer daylight hours. However, this is also the busiest season, with a higher number of hikers and day visitors flocking to the area. Early summer tends to be the most popular, with a drop during the hottest months, July through August. It’s important to note that most of the trail is unshaded, making it somewhat uncomfortable on the hottest and sunniest days of the year.

As autumn sets in, the weather starts to cool down, and the crowds thin out along the trail. The changing colours of the season create a picturesque backdrop for your hike, and you can expect a moderate number of hikers. Prices begin to drop again, along with the number of daylight hours.

Winter along Hadrian’s Wall can be challenging, with colder temperatures and the possibility of snowfall. National Trails request that Hadrian’s Wall not be attempted during the winter months when the ecosystem is most fragile and unearthed archaeological remains are prone to damage.

Tides

The marshes of the Solway River coast at the west end of the trail, are prone to flooding on extreme tides. When planning your itinerary, be sure to check the high tide times and height before tackling the section between Bowness-on-Solway and Dykesfield.  To do this, check the high tide times for the port of Silloth. Pay attention to the following:

1. Look at the high tide height on the day of your hike. If it’s 9-metres or under, you’re good to go. Skip the next part. If the tide is over 9-metres, proceed to step 2.
2. A tide over 9-metres may start to impact on your journey, we need to calculate exactly when high tide will reach the trail location because Silloth (where the tide is measured) is a little distance away. During Greenwich Mean Time (GMT), add 1-hour to get the high tide time on the trail. If it’s summer, and British Summer Time (BST) is in play, you need to add 2-hours to the Silloth high tide time.
3. Now that you have the high tide time, add an hour either side and this is the time you should avoid being on the marsh section of trail. Consider this in your hike scheduling.

What kind of accommodation is there?

From campsites to bed and breakfasts, there is a range of accommodation styles to suit different preferences and budgets along the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Booking your accommodation well ahead of time is crucial, especially during peak season. You need to secure the best options, closest to the walking route nice and early—more than 6-months ahead of time in peak season.

Comfort travellers have their pick of cabins, cottages, guesthouses and inns. They offer snug rooms and warm hospitality. Some provide meals including packed lunches and dinners when booked in advance. Prices for guesthouses and inns can vary depending on the location, level of luxury and services offered.

Campers can pitch a tent in designated camping areas for an average of £5 per night – it is illegal to wild camp in England. Camping costs can vary depending on the location and facilities provided. There are hostels and bunkhouses along the Wall if you’re looking for a budget friendly stay or tent-alternative.

NOTE: The closer you stay to the trail (on-trail accommodation), the more you’ll pay. This must be weighed up with the cost and time of transferring to off-trail accommodation. See more under Transport along the Wall.

What transport is available?

Transport to the Wall

If you’re arriving from abroad, you’ll fly directly into Newcastle International Airport (NCL) or transfer through London. If you’re in England or Scotland already, you can get a train to Newcastle or Carlisle. The last leg from Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway (or vice versa) requires a taxi or private transfer.

Transport along the Wall

Public transport

The appropriately named, AD122 bus, is your go-to for public transport along Hadrian’s Wall between Walltown Quarry and Hexham. This is an efficient and affordable way to get between some of the key sites along the middle and most popular section of Wall. Frustratingly, the service starts quite late in the morning so beware if you plan on an early start—see the timetable here.

Taxis

Taxis are the other main transport option along Hadrian’s Wall (this is not rideshare territory). If you need a transfer to and from off-trail accommodation, for instance, you’ll need to book a taxi service. It is advisable to do so as far in advance as possible. Many of the local taxis are contracted to make school runs (in place of a school bus), so you need to give them some advance warning for mornings and afternoons.

Drivers generally only use phone or text message for bookings, no messaging apps. Lastly, note that taxis are expensive. If you’re weighing up the extra cost of staying on-trail, consider what you’ll pay for a cab and ask about accommodation-provided transfers.

Accommodation transfers

Some off-trail accommodations provide transfer services to their guests. They usually run one pick up and drop off per day. If you think you’re going to miss your pick-up time, let them know well in advance (if you can). This is another reason why booking early and paying the bit extra for on-trail lodging is ideal.

What to wear for hiking Hadrian’s Wall?

Generally, it’s most important to have comfortable, sturdy, pre-worn-in shoes with thick socks. Dress in breathable layers, and carry a windbreaking, waterproof outer layer. Wear sunscreen and a hat when it’s sunny – remember what I said about the lack of shade along the trail. In the cooler seasons, ensure you have a warm hat, scarf and gloves.

A comfortable backpack is a must-have. Hiking poles are advisable but not essential. You will need to carry water with you, sometimes up to 2L (about 2.1qt) per day in sections where there are no refill stations. Bathroom facilities are basic to non-existent, so consider what will make you most at ease with relieving yourself in nature.

REMEMBER: What you bring in, you pack out. That means everything!

For a more comprehensive packing guide, get this checklist for spring hiking.

If you’re looking for an active holiday, one with nature and history in equal measure, Hadrian’s Wall hike is a great option. If you have any questions, please drop them in the comments below.

Peace, love and warm scones after a long hike,

Madam ZoZo