The rain has finally let up, though storm clouds still straddle the rolling green nothingness to the north. In front, sheer stone brickwork drops to a lone sycamore tree, then rises again up another slope. Slowly, you pick your way down, and back up, down and back up again. Miles pass, a bird swoops through your vision, another shower drenches you then moves off, and suddenly the lines of a giant Roman fort spread out to your right.
No, you haven’t traveled back in time – this is a typical day on the coast-to-coast walk across England following Hadrian’s Wall. Built by some 15,000 Roman soldiers following the eponymous emperor’s visit to Britain in 122 AD, Hadrian’s Wall served as the northern frontier of the Roman empire for 300 years, separating colonized territories from the land still controlled by the Picts. The original wall was 80 Roman miles (73 modern miles) long, with 80 matching milecastles (small forts) and half-a-dozen giant forts that served as armed cities, which the legions continued to defend for four centuries.
Today, however, Hadrian’s Wall has a milder reputation. In 1987, Hadrian’s Wall was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, though much of the potential archaeological sites around the wall remain unexcavated despite the structure’s high-profile status as the largest Roman artifact in England. Instead of digging for historical clues, visitors appreciate the 84-mile-long (134km) Hadrian’s Wall National Trail as a delightful hike across some of the most beautiful wild scenery in England, alongside its intriguing links to the past.
Walking Logistics
The typical route goes east-to-west, following the direction in which Hadrian’s Wall was constructed over the course of six years. This offers the added thrill of finishing in Bowness-on-Solway for a meal and drink at the King’s Arms, the traditional end point, where pilgrims can be found sharing walking stories almost every evening. If you’re really exhausted, they also rent rooms for the night.
However, our recommendation is to walk west-to-east for more favorable weather conditions, putting the inevitable wind and rain at your back, not to mention the afternoon sun behind you instead of in your eyes. Most walkers complete Hadrian’s Wall in 5–10 days; an additional day is needed for a complete coast-to-coast walk to South Shields. Going at a slightly slower pace allows time to take in the incredible wealth of sightseeing along this trek. This itinerary assumes a leisurely pace of 6–15 miles per day (some days, distances are shorter due to hillier terrain).
The path is well-signposted with the National Trail acorn symbol. While it is very difficult to get lost, much of the walk covers wild land and wilderness, making a good map, compass, and guide necessary. Cicerone Press’ guide describes the route west-to-east in excellent detail, or get British Ordnance Survey (OS) map numbers 315, 316, and OL43.
The National Trail Hadrian’s Wall Passport is a fun addition: order the booklet online and collect stamps at seven stopping stations along the way to earn an achiever’s certificate – and bragging rights at your terminus of choice.
Bowness-on-Solway to Gilsland
Distance: 35.5 miles/3 days
The Cumbrian section of Hadrian’s Wall climbs from the small town of Bowness-on-Solway on the flat firth of the same name into hilly greenery that seems out of a picture book of English countryside. An overnight in the city of Carlisle offers one last gasp of urbanism (head to bohemian Open Mind Cafe for a nice selection of local beers, wines, and tapas). Archaeological remains of the wall through this section are sparse, with the vallum – a huge ditch the Romans dug beside the wall – starting to reveal itself only after Carlisle, and even then glimpses are fleeting.
Best Overnights
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Carlisle: Cumbria’s capital has a choice of accommodations across price ranges.
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Walton: Florrie’s On The Wall is a cheerful, family-run hostel with front-garden views of the Pennines and a fridge full of local craft ales.
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Gilsland: a beautiful village on the Cumbrian/Northumberland border, split by the lovely River Irthing, has several B&Bs and hotels, as well as the remains of Birdoswald, one of the major forts along the wall.
The Crags
Distance: 22 miles/2 days
Both the most difficult and the most stunningly beautiful part of the entire walk, the Crags are a series of dolerite cliffs: a geological phenomenon known as Whin Sill. Millions of years ago, cracks in England’s bedrock allowed lava to leak upwards, forming long igneous walls. Roman planners exploited this natural boundary, building their own wall along the Sill’s north-facing cliff edge.
Halfway along this craggy section is perhaps the most famous Roman fort in Britain – Housesteads, once home to 800 Roman soldiers. You also pass the perfectly placed lone tree at Sycamore Gap, a low point between two crags which was made famous in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.
Best Overnight
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Once Brewed: The Sill is a YHA hostel that was totally renovated in 2017, with a viewing terrace and cafe. The Twice Brewed Inn offers slightly more upmarket accommodation plus a well-regarded restaurant.
Crags to Newcastle
Distance: 35.5 miles/2–3 days
After the Crags, the path evens off into a long march through the grassy wilds of Northumberland before arriving at Brocolitia fort. Be sure to nip into the Temple of Mithras to place an offering to the Roman sun god. Cresting a hill, you descend into the village of Chollerford, where you get your first glimpse of the River Tyne, which becomes a pathmarker for most of the rest of the trek into Newcastle.
Best Overnights
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Chollerford: the Beaumont Hexam is a classic country hotel set on the banks of the River Tyne, with comfy beds and a restaurant/bar with river views.
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East Wallhouses: don’t miss a stay at the Robin Hood Inn, one of the finest and friendliest pub-accommodations along the whole trek, complete with excellent restaurant, fantastic local ales, and a roaring fire.
Newcastle to South Shields
Distance: 23.5 miles/1-2 days
The walk out of Newcastle-upon-Tyne to the seaside town of South Shields takes in mostly urban sprawl. The fort at Segedunum, 3.5mi east of Newcastle centre, represents the final (or first, depending on which direction you’re going) fort along the official Hadrian’s Wall National Path. Completists will want to venture farther east to reach the coast. Beyond Segedunum, you’ll take the only non-foot-based transport of the journey, the seven-minute Shields Ferry across the Tyne. Then it’s a short stroll up the high street to the sandy arc of Sandhaven Beach and the cool waters of the North Sea to soothe your feet upon finishing.
Pick up snacks at Newcastle’s Victorian Grainger Market before heading off for a celebratory beach picnic.
Best Overnight
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Newcastle-upon-Tyne: Keelman’s Lodge is a microbrewery with clean, comfy accommodation only a couple of minutes’ walk from the riverside.
Dining Along Hadrian’s Wall
This part of England boasts some truly outstanding pubs, ensuring you’re never short of a hearty meal: lamb roasts, locally caught fish, and steak-and-ale pies are notable highlights. In addition to substantial breakfasts, most sleeping options can arrange packed lunches for walkers.
There are few dedicated picnic spots along the route apart from at the big forts, so lunch tends to be a wild affair with sweeping views. Just remember to never sit on (or otherwise touch or harm) the wall or its milecastles, and to pack out all rubbish.
What to Wear and Pack for Hadrian’s Wall
One word: waterproofs. You will encounter rain – probably heavy, soaking rain – at some point. Huge trekking boots aren’t necessary but may be helpful in wet conditions. A blister kit in case of the worst is also essential.
Luggage transfer services such as Hadrian’s Haul collect your bags each morning and deliver them to your next accommodation for around £7 per bag, per day, allowing you to walk light with just a daypack rather than your entire kit.
Getting There and Away
Carlisle and Newcastle provide train connections to the rest of the UK. Buses connect Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway, or a taxi (necessary on Sundays) costs £30. The AD122 bus (named for the year Hadrian visited Britain) runs Easter through September, connecting Birdoswald Roman Fort to Hexham, with stops at major sights and towns, including Vinolanda Roman Fort & Museum, Once Brewed, and Housesteads.
This article was first published Nov 17, 2017, and updated Jul 7, 2020.
