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Hadrian’s Wall National Trail – Walk Through History
Discover the Hadrians Wall Path
The Hadrian's Wall Path is one of Britain’s most iconic long-distance walking routes. Stretching 84 miles coast to coast across northern England, the trail follows the ancient Roman frontier of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whether you’re looking for a multi-day hiking challenge or short scenic strolls, this historic route offers unforgettable experiences for walkers of all levels. The closest Hadrian's Wall landmark is Cawfields Quarry, just 1 mile from the campsite entrance. The Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail is an 84-mile pathway in the North of England, from Bowness on Solway in Cumbria and finishes in the aptly named Wallsend at the fort of Segedunum. It passes through the counties of Cumbria, Northumberland and Tyne and Wear, as well as the cities of Carlisle and Newcastle Upon Tyne. It is the premier Hadrian's Wall walk and can be walked from end to end or in short circular sections.
Why Walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path?
- Walk beside some of the best preserved sections of Roman wall in Britain
- Explore rolling countryside, rugged moorland, and charming market towns
- Visit world-famous sites such as Housesteads Roman Fort, Vindolanda, Corbridge Roman Town and Chesters
- Enjoy a mix of challenging hikes and gentle sections suitable for day walks
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a National Trail, waymarked and well maintained, making it accessible for both seasoned walkers and first-timers.
Hadrian’s Wall Walks for Every Explorer
Not everyone has time to complete the full 84 miles, but the beauty of this trail is its flexibility. There are countless shorter Hadrian’s Wall walks that allow you to soak up the history and landscapes in just a few hours.
Popular Short Walks Along Hadrian’s Wall include:
- Steel Rigg to Housesteads – A dramatic section with sweeping views and iconic wall remains
- Chollerford to Heavenfield – Gentle riverside walking with rich Roman heritage
- Birdoswald to Gilsland – Perfect for families, with fascinating Roman ruins and easy terrain.
These shorter routes give you a taste of Roman history without committing to the entire trail.
Highlights Along the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail
Some of the most popular sections of the Hadrians Wall Path include:
- Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall – the start of the trail in Newcastle, combining urban history with countryside views
- Housesteads Roman Fort – one of the best-preserved forts with panoramic views of the wall
- Sycamore Gap – famous from Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, a must-see spot on the Hadrian’s Wall walks despite the tree no longer being there
- Chesters Roman Fort & Museum – home to fascinating artefacts from Roman Britain
- Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway – a peaceful finale with coastal scenery and birdwatching opportunities
Planning Your Hadrian’s Wall Path Adventure
When preparing for your journey along the Hadrians Wall Path, consider:
- Distance: 84 miles / 135 km
- Duration: Completing the full route usually takes 6–8 days, averaging 10–15 miles per day
- Direction: Walk west to east (Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend) or east to west. West to east is generally recommended due to the prevailing wind and the gradual increase in dramatic scenery. Both offer unique perspectives
- Best Time to Visit: Spring to early autumn (April–October) offers the best walking conditions, with longer daylight hours.
Summer brings festivals and events along Hadrian's Wall.
Autumn offers dark skies, quieter paths and colourful landscapes but the days are shorter
- Accommodation: From campsites and hostels to cosy B&Bs and hotels, there’s a wide range of options along the trail
- Transport: Good public transport links make it easy to access different sections of the trail. The AD122 Hadrian's Wall bus links all the main sites from Hexham to Haltwhistle and there are good bus and train links running between Carlisle and Newcastle through must visit towns and villages such as Hexham, Haltwhistle, Corbridge and the Tyne Valley
- Navigation: finding your way along the Hadrian's Wall National Trail is easy; you can rely both on the familiar acorn symbol which denotes one of England and Wales 15 National Trails, as well as marking arrows.
Tips for Walking the Hadrians Wall Path
- Wear sturdy boots – some sections are rugged and uneven
- Carry water and snacks, as facilities are spaced out
- Bring waterproofs – northern England weather is unpredictable
- Use guidebooks or GPS to follow the well-marked Hadrian’s Wall Path
- Book accommodation early, especially in peak summer.
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Facebook Group - Hadrian's Wall
Facebook Group - Hadrian's Wall Walk
Hadrian's Wall Length
Wondering what the length of Hadrian's Wall is? It's a question our wardens often get asked here at Herding Hill Farm along with how long it typically takes to walk it. Hadrian's Wall length is an 84-mile pathway across some of the most dramatic countryside in England. It runs in an east-west direction, from Wallsend and Newcastle on the River Tyne in the east, right through to Bowness-on-Solway on Solway Firth.
How long does it take to walk Hadrian's Wall?
If you are looking to walk the entire length of the Hadrian's Wall path, this would typically take between 6-8 days depending on your fitness levels. However, there are a range of different areas of Hadrian's Wall you can explore, with walks taking anywhere from a couple of hours to a few days! The AD122 Hadrian's Wall bus runs between Hexham and Haltwhistle and stops at the major sites along the wall. It also stops at the campsite entrance for Herding Hill Farm.
The Acorn Symbol
The Hadrian's Wall Walk is clearly signed with an acorn symbol and/or the Trail name which you will see on gates and signposts. As you are walking along the Trail you will also see way markers pointing to other paths. You can use the public rights of way network to leave the Trail to explore places of interest and find places to eat and drink.
You will often find coloured arrow on signs which indicates the status of that section of path. The most common are yellow arrows which are footpaths and blue arrows which are bridleways.
In some sections you will be walking the line of Hadrian's Wall itself so hopefully the route should be self-explanatory.
Walk the Highlights of the Wall Experience
If you only want to walk a self-guided section of the wall closest to Herding Hill Farm give us a call on 01434 320175 to discuss our 5-day Walk the Highlights of the Wall Experience.
Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival
Celebrate 1900 years since the building of the 73-mile long Hadrian's Wall with hundreds of events, talks, exhibitions and activities taking place in 2022, a year long festival across the famous Unesco World Heritage landmark. The Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival launches on January 24th 2022 and runs until 23rd December 2022. Find out more here.
The Hadrian's Wall 1900 Festival will connect arts, heritage, history, culture, landscape, natural environment and the famous Northumberland dark skies in a packed year of activities. There are also plenty of family-friendly Hadrian's Wall events.
The Best Time to Walk the Wall
The best time to walk Hadrian's Wall is between May and October when the ground is usually dry. During this time the bus services and Trail transport are operating. Avoid visiting during the School holidays if you want to experience less crowds.
The Hadrian's Wall Trail can be walked from East to West or West to East. The most popular route is from East to West which allows you to pass from city to rural countryside of Northumberland to the Solway coast. It also follows the actual construction of Hadrian's Wall itself. You follow the direction of the sun which can be spectacular as it is setting.
The Perfect Base to Explore Hadrian's Wall
Located just 1 mile from Hadrian's Wall and Cawfields Quarry, our camping and glamping site in Northumberland is the perfect base to explore Hadrian's Wall. You can enjoy wonderful views of the Northumberland countryside directly from your camping pitch, touring pitch, Wigwam cabin or lodge, with our site located in such an advantageous position to the famous landmark. Our Hadrians wall campsiite is dog friendly and there are plenty of local dog walks Northumberland. Our wardens are very knowledgeable when it comes to information on the area so please feel free to head to reception if you have any questions about exploring Hadrian's Wall Path or any of the local walks and Roman Forts. We'd love to see your snaps on the Hadrian's Wall Path so please tag us in your photos on social media. And don't forget to like our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram! To learn more about the famous historical landmarks of Hadrian's Wall read our blog HERE.