So, you’re hiking Hadrian’s Wall Trail in spring? How exciting?! And maybe a little daunting. Don’t worry, I’m here to help you prepare with this Hadrian’s Wall packing list. Let me guide you through the things to consider when packing for your walk along The Wall. We’ll discuss what to wear for maximum comfort on your cross-England hike and other helpful essentials.
Note, this Hadrian’s Wall packing list is specifically for those using a luggage transport service and staying in accommodation, be it a BnB, backpackers or hotel. If you’re camping or carrying all your gear, you’ll need to seek out another source.
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Table of contents
General packing tips for Hadrian’s Wall in spring
Before we dive into an itemized, Hadrian’s Wall packing list, here are some general notes, information and considerations.
Climate
As you know, Hadrian’s Wall spans the breadth of England from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend. It’s great length traverses Northumberland and Cumbria Counties, experiencing changeable weather conditions along the way. Throughout the hiking season, generally May to September, there are also seasonal variations. We’ll focus on the late-spring shoulder season (May) in this guide.
Overall, England has a temperate marine climate, meaning it experiences cool winters and mild summers. Throughout May temperatures are climbing, starting with an average range of 4-11°C at the beginning of the month, to 6-14°C at the end. Imagine my surprise then, when I saw in the forecast 25°C and sunny on our hike! Locals said that only the week before it had been miserable and cold. Preparing for the average and then checking the actual forecast when you are closer to departure is a must.
East versus west
England’s western side generally receives more rain than the eastern side. Rainfall is fairly consistent throughout the year, especially in the north of the country where Hadrian’s Wall is located. In May, Cumbria (west side) receives an average of over 4-cm (1.65-in) of precipitation. While Northumberland (east side), usually receives less than 3-cm (1-in) of rain.
Just as the western side sees more rain, it’s also slightly windier. Throughout Cumbria you can expect average wind speeds of 16-km/h (10-m/h), and in Northumberland, 13-km/h (8-m/h). If you’ve done your research, you’re hiking west to east to avoid travelling into a headwind. Either direction, a strong wind could drop the temperature by several more degrees. Therefore, having a windbreaking layer is essential.
For accurate weather forecasts and climate trends, see The Met Office. I used their UK climate 30-year average chart for initial, long-range planning of my Hadrian’s Wall packing list. The week before departure, I began looking at the actual weather forecast. Here are the links:
Carlisle and Northwest England climate average charts
Newcastle-Upon-Tyne weather forecast
Weather stations closest to the Wall include Carlisle, Brampton No. 3 (54.935, -2.733 between Carlisle and Greenhead), Albemarle (55°01’12.0″N 1°52’48.0″W near Corbridge and Heddon-on-the-Wall), Tynemouth.
NOTE: If the forecast is for sun, be aware that there is very little shade along the trail. You will heat up fast and need sun protection including a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Clothing and comfort
If you’re concerned about what to wear on your Hadrian’s Wall walk, you should be. Clothing plays a crucial role in ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable hiking experience. You should wear clothing that is breathable, insulating and durable, as well as providing sun and rain protection. To achieve this, you’ll need lightweight, layers that allow you to adjust to the conditions and are made out of different fabrics that serve different functions. Here are your three, key layers.
- Base layers need to be warm but moisture-wicking to allow sweat to move away from the body. Wool (particularly Merino wool) is a great fabric for warmth and breathability as your base layer. Meanwhile cotton is not so great. While breathable, cotton is highly absorbent and takes a long time to dry. Imagine sweating while you’re hiking and then cooling down dramatically when you pause for a break and having wet fabric against your skin.
- Middle layers are for added warmth when you need it. Polyester or nylon blend fabrics are lightweight and insulating. Polar fleece is a popular choice. Down is warm but less effective if it becomes wet as the feathers clump together. Therefore, if you have a down layer, ensure it is encased in a water-proof fabric.
- Outer layers need to be wind and rain proof. Rain pants are good to have on standby for putting on over your base layer. Rain-proof materials don’t breathe well, so you don’t want to be wearing them when you don’t have to. Some rain gear (tops and bottoms) come with vents you can open to help regulate your temperature.
TIP: If you find yourself short on a few items for this trip, consider borrowing or buying second-hand. This is especially relevant for more technical items whether its base layers or hiking poles, that you might not have everyday use for.
Currency
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the official currency of the United Kingdom. Withdrawing local currency from an ATM on the ground can be the best option for getting a favourable currency conversion rate. Although, larger cities like Newcastle are card-friendly city, you may need cash for small purchases at local businesses in more remote locations along Hadrian’s Wall.
Two more things to note. One, in Britain an ATM is commonly referred to as a “cashpoint”. Two, you may need to enter your PIN (rather than a signature) when using your credit card.
Electronics
Electricity in England is delivered at 230-V, 50-Hz. Depending on where you are travelling from and what kind of appliances you are bringing, you may need a voltage converter. Generally, modern phones, tablets and laptops are made for both 110-127-V and 220-240-V, but it is best to check.
England uses a Type G plug/socket, so you will almost certainly need an international adaptor. English wall sockets also use an on/off switch which you should turn off when not in use.
Environment
Since you’re embarking on a hiking holiday, I expect you have a healthy appreciation of nature. Minimise packaging and disposables as much as possible when packing for your Hadrian’s Wall walk – these guides will assist: 8 Essential Eco-Friendly Travel Products and 5 Steps to More Sustainable Travel. Remember, whatever you pack in, you have to pack out!
First aid
While you’re rarely too far from a town with a pharmacy, there’s a few basics you should carry on you while hiking starting with the below. There are convenient medical kits you can buy pre-stocked and ready to go online for hiking and travel that are made to be lightweight and packable.
- Blister guards also referred to by the brand name “Compeed” – they are much more effective and longer lasting than bandaids, trust me!
- Band aids/sticking plasters of various sizes.
- Antibiotic ointment.
- Straping tape or elastic bandage with hook and loop closure.
- Ibuprofen.
- Paracetamol aka acetaminophen.
- Antihistamine.
- Imodium or diamode – for diarrhoea.
- Hand sanitizer.
Food and water
You will need to carry plenty of water for each day of the trail. You will also need snacks and even a packed lunch for some stretches. This is a consideration when selecting the size of your day pack and the style of water bottle or bladder.
There are sections of Hadrian’s Wall walk where there are no water refill stations. It is recommended to carry 2-L (4.2-US pints) for these stretches. Therefore, you need to have a water bottles or other containers e.g. bladder style packs, that will carry this amount. I opted for two lightweight water bottles because I already owned them, rather than purchase something new. By using 2 bottles instead of 1, it allowed me to position them on either side of my bag for more even weight distribution.
Footwear
I recommend packing three pairs of shoes:
One primary pair of comfortable, waterproof walking shoes. These could be hiking boots or trail runners, it’s up to you and your feet. If you’re investing in something new or trying to judge if an old pair is worthy, consider these important points:
- Invest in quality shoes by a reputable outdoors brand (not a fashion brand), with soles that are stitched and/or cemented to the upper.
- If you’re taking shoes you already own, inspect them before you pack. Make sure the laces are strong and tread is still effective.
- Used shoes should be cleaned and thoroughly dried (away from high heat). Condition boots and coat the seams to improved water resistance.
- Don’t wear brand new shoes, straight out of the box. Give them a good wearing in over the weeks or months leading up to your Hadrian’s Wall trek.
Two, a pair of alternative hiking shoes. After my Inca Trail mishap, I always have a second pair of shoes on hand, or at least a second pair of shoes that I could hike in if necessary.
Three, a pair of comfortable, flat, lightweight shoes for dinners and transit. Your hiking shoes will get muddy. Really muddy. You don’t want to be washing them every day because they won’t dry in time. Take a separate pair that will stay clean for evenings, travel days and off-trail activities.
Luggage
Did you know that you don’t have to carry everything with you? There are various luggage transportation services that will cart your main luggage between towns, so you can enjoy your hike with minimal baggage. These bag courier services start at £10 per bag (about USD13), per leg.
Now, just because someone else is hauling your gear, doesn’t mean there aren’t number, size and weight limits. The average service allows for 1-bag of 20-kg (44-lb) or less. They also generally prefer soft-sided bags, rucksacks or backpacks, rather than rigid or hard-sided suitcases.
For your day pack, the best choice would be a lightweight hiking pack that is waterproof. It will need to fit an extra layer of clothing e.g. rain jacket and pants, food, lots of water, guidebook and camera.
Passport and visa
International visitors to the UK will need to ensure your passport has at least 6-months validity. Check whether you require a visa for entry into the UK – it will depend on the country of your passport.
Security
While the Hadrian’s Wall walk is generally safe, it’s always wise to take precautions to ensure your safety and peace of mind. It’s advisable to travel in a group or with a partner, especially if you’re not familiar with the area. If hiking alone, let someone know where you are intending to hike each day so they can raise the alarm if they don’t hear from you. Additionally, it’s important to stay on designated paths and trails, as venturing off can pose safety risks and potentially damage the historical site.
Another aspect to consider is the security of your belongings. Minimise the valuables you bring with you because you’ll need to keep them with you at all times, including passports, money, and electronics. Don’t put valuables in your luggage that will be transported and away from you throughout the day. It’s also a good idea to make copies of important documents and store them separately, or leave electronic copies with a trusted friend or family member, in case of loss or theft.
See this post for more general travel security tips.
Toilet facilities
No matter how good your bladder control is, there’s going to be a point on the trail that you are going to need to answer nature’s call the old-fashioned way. There are a couple of things that can make this process less uncomfortable or intimidating.
First is a female urination device, which allows you to urinate standing up like a male. Simple but so helpful! You can buy reusable funnels or single-use, coated cardboard ones. Second is a reusable cloth to wipe with. You could carry a roll of toilet paper in a zip-clock bag and pack out your waste, or you can use a reusable cloth that can be washed later. Either way, you are going to have to take your choice of wiping product with you and dispose in bins at the next town or end of day.
Personally, I’m a fan of the funnel but don’t like the reusable cloth much—it is a highly personal choice and you may need to experiment to find the right product. Also, remember to take a plastic bag that you can put your waste in. I reused the same plastic bag for a week, emptying it out each evening and then disposing of it at the end of the walk.
Hadrian’s Wall packing list for spring
Clothing and accessories
- Underwear and bras – Pack a week’s worth and if you’re hiking longer, wash what you have in the shower or bathroom sink.
- Socks – Take a pair of socks per day plus a couple of extras for when your feet get wet. Make sure they are well cushioned and warm. I took my regular merino wool hiking socks and they were very comfortable. Warning: Trench foot is a thing! You don’t want your feet wet for a prolonged amount of time. Make sure you pack a spare pair of socks each day – yes even on the sunny days. The mud and surface water linger.
- Base layer – This is a layer you won’t be taking off, so don’t overdo it. Select a thermal base layer in a breathable, sweat-wicking fabric and weight tailored to how hot or cold your personal thermostat tends to run. As a cold body, I opted for a long-sleeve, Merino wool top on the coolest days and a pair of leggings. I also packed full-length thermal base bottoms, but didn’t end up requiring the extra warmth.
- Mid layer – Pack a polar fleece, jumper or sweatshirt that will provide warmth without too much weight or bulk. Take a quick-dry, lightweight pair of hiking pants to wear over your bottom-half, base layer. You’ll need a fresh pair for every 2-days.
- Outer layer – A waterproof jacket and rain pants are ideal outer layers for this time of year on Hadrian’s Wall.
- Smart casual outfit – Take 1-2 smart casual outfits for dinners and/or sightseeing. I took a pair of jeans with a couple of blouses and cashmere sweaters that mixed and matched to rotate through for dinner each evening and travel days. Though most dining along the Wall is casual, it’s nice to get out of your muddy, sweaty hiking gear at the end of the day.
- Sleepwear – Along with your pjs, include a sleep mask and earplugs. You’ll likely stay in a historic pub somewhere along the way, and they can be noisy old buildings that aren’t well sound insulated.
- Shoes –2-3 pairs of shoes as discussed in the Footwear section above.
- Scarf or buff, gloves – A pair of waterproof or at least water-resistant gloves are ideal.
- Hat – Depending on the weather prediction, be prepared to pack either or both of the following: a cosy hat that won’t blow off and fits under the hood of your rain jacket and/or a brimmed sun hat that also won’t blow off, like my favourite one here.
Toiletries and laundry
- Deodorant
- Toothpaste and toothbrush
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Face wash
- Body wash
- Moisturizer – The wind can be quite drying.
- Hair brush or comb and accessories (ties and pins) – If you have long hair, remember it is going to be windy. You may want to opt for a bun if you’re not wearing a hat—remember wind is likely.
- Menstrual products
- Laundry soap – a cake of laundry soap is great for washing your smalls in the hotel basin or bath and doesn’t add to your liquid/powder count if you’re travelling carry-on only.
- A rigid brush – Your shoes are going to get muddy. It’s practically a guarantee. We wished we’d had a solid brush to help get rid of caked, dried mud each day.
- Gadgets
- Camera – along with accessories such as charger, spare batteries; and SD cards.
- Phone – including accessories such as a charger.
- International adaptor and voltage convertor – if required
Day bag
- Refillable water bottle/s or bladder
- Hand sanitizer
- Headphones
- Medications and prescriptions
- Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF 15+ or higher
- Guidebook, maps and other vital information
- Female urination device and/or pee cloth and plastic bag
- First aid kit
- Torch or headlamp
- Passport and valuables
- Reading glasses
- Sunglasses
- Spare pair of socks – trust me!
Miscellaneous and optional extras
- Camping cutlery
- Travel towel
- Book
- Sketch pad and pencils/paint
- Notebook or diary
- Tablet device or Kindle
- Collapsible hiking poles
- Swimsuit (summer hikers)
- Travel-sized myofascial release roller or massager
- Light makeup and perfume
- Portable battery pack
- Binoculars – there is great birdlife along the Wall!
- Souvenir Hadrian’s Wall passport to collect stamps along the trail
Inside my suitcase
The following items made up the core clothing and accessories on my Hadrian’s Wall packing list. You’ll note there are some big-ticket brands and items. They are mostly the technical clothing that needs to be high quality and reliably effective e.g. rain gear. But they are also items I use constantly throughout my travels so I’m happy to invest in them.
As I mentioned earlier, consider borrowing or even renting high price items if you’re not going to get longterm, repeated use from them. Otherwise invest in the best you can afford, do your research and shop the sales. I talk more about my travel clothing essentials and shopping strategies here.
- Beyond Yoga spacedye leggings
- Kathmandu merino wool base layers – I’ve had these for 13-years and they are still going strong. Proof that investing in quality pays off.
- Smartwool light v-neck t-shirt in merino wool for the warm days.
- Arc’teryx Kyanite Hoodie
- Arc’teryx Beta rain jacket
- Outdoor Research Aspire rain pants
- Levi’s 314 Shaping Straight – My most comfortable, go-to jeans. I wore these on the plane and in the evenings with the following item.
- Everlane cashmere crew neck sweater
- Smartwool Classic hiking socks
- Arc’Teryx Aerios FL 2 Gortex trail runners
- Coach sunglasses with these sunglasses straps – great for keeping your glasses safe during your adventures.
- Small belt bag (crossbody)
- North Face Recon Everyday Laptop Backpack (specifically the men’s size) with LAMA waterproof rain cover.
I hope this guide has simplified packing for your hike – let me know in the comments below. Also, see this international travel checklist for additional pre-departure considerations.
Peace, love & inspiring travel,
Madam ZoZo
