Hadrians Wall - any advice, tips or recommended resources?

[Jensjaunt]

We are from Canada and thinking of walking Hadrians walk in summer of 2025 - have ordered a guidebook but thought I would tap into the experience and wisdom of the forum members to ask any tips, and resources you found helpful? And any stopping places and/or historical places near the trail that you might recommend taking an extra day to visit? Many thanks! Jen

 

[Takahiwai]

I've no special advice for you, but I applaud your decision to walk the most beautiful part of England. I do hope you'll blog your experience here. What I can tell you is that there's nothing extraordinarly strenuous about the Wall walk. I hope you do it, and I hope you enjoy it - it's the very best part of England.

 

[Tincatinker]

We are from Canada and thinking of walking Hadrians walk in summer of 2025 - have ordered a guidebook but thought I would tap into the experience and wisdom of the forum members to ask any tips, and resources you found helpful? And any stopping places and/or historical places near the trail that you might recommend taking an extra day to visit? Many thanks! Jen

Wallsend; Vindolanda (worth at least a day); Hexham; Sycamore Gap (now very aptly named); Housesteads; Once Brewed; Carlisle. You can do it all in a day and there’s plenty of taxi drivers in Newcastle will take the fare.

I’ll chew my cheek at this point and suggest that, unless you’re planning to backpack and camp, you start researching tour companies. Accommodation is scarce, immoderately priced, and difficult to string together into a consecutive walk. Otherwise find a base and use the available public transport to string something together.

It can be a very satisfying walk through a spectacular landscape and will be well worth the effort. Anything like a Camino in Spain it ain’t.
Happy planning

 

[Corned Beef]

If you do it in reverse - Carlisle to Wallsend - you can also visit Durham Cathedral and Holy Isle (Lindisfarne).

The Venerable Bede Durham World Heritage Site

www.durhamworldheritagesite.com

Lindisfarne - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[André Walker]

There is a website that might be helpful. It also has a map with the possibility to use a filter which allows you to visualise where b&b's, hotels, hostels or campings are. Or set the filter to 'attractions'. It also lists a number of other long distance trails in the UK.

Hadrian's Wall Path Map and Information - National Trails

www.nationaltrail.co.uk

 

[Camo]

It also lists a number of other long distance trails in the UK.

Up there I have recently made a Web-App for the Cleveland Way which is a "Turf and Surf" type walk starting with the wonders of Yorkshire heading north then hanging a right to the sea and down past Scarborough (where they have a Fair ). If interested I will check if I actually uploaded it to the Web

 

[Kirkie]

Tongue in cheek. Go more north. Antonine Wall. Whichever, it will cost an arm and a leg. Queation: why? If it is worth it, do a lot if online legwork and you will be rewarded. Report back for others, always a good idea.

 

[Kathor1]

@Jensjaunt: Beware, the B&B's along Hadrian's Wall serve breakfast with black pudding. And that is not a dessert.

 

[Kathor1]

@Jensjaunt: There is a Hadrian's Wall Country Bus. It's probably mentioned in your guidebook and you can google their timetable. We never had to make use of it but it's cool to see the bus with its display that says AD 122.

Spoiler: Why AD 122?

Hadrian visited Britain in the year AD 122. The construction of Hadrian's Wall is assumed to have been inaugurated on this occasion.

 

[peregrino_tom]

I walked the Pennine Way ten years ago. It joins up with Hadrian's Wall at Greenhead and follows it for about nine miles going east, before branching north at Twice Brewed, just before Vindolanda.
Hadrian's Wall is pretty amazing but I think I'd want to expand on it a bit, if I was coming all the way from Canada!
You could pick up the Pennine Way and head north - a bit wild, soggy and lonely at first (compared to the quite touristy Hadrian's Wall) but after Byrness you have the Cheviot Hills, the prettiest part of the whole 286 mile path, particularly if the heather is out. Pennine Way finishes at Kirk Yetholm, which is on the St Cuthbert's Way pilgrimage route. If you turn east here (as I did) it will take you 2-3 days (depending on tides...) to reach Holy Island. At the low tide crossing time you can follow the poles marking the pilgrim's path across the mud/sand to the island. It is a pretty epic experience.
Alternatively, if you are going to be in the area anyway, you could just head north after HW and do the whole St Cuthbert's Way from Melrose (4-6 days), which everyone agrees is a little jewel.

 

[HeidiL]

We walked Newcastle-Carlisle several years ago - used a touring company, because some stretches are really not very accessible, and had B&B-keepers pick us up and deliver us back on the walk. Six great days, improbable amounts of rain (we walked in July), and sooo many Roman forts...

 

[Harland2019]

I walked the Pennine Way ten years ago. It joins up with Hadrian's Wall at Greenhead and follows it for about nine miles going east, before branching north at Twice Brewed, just before Vindolanda.
Hadrian's Wall is pretty amazing but I think I'd want to expand on it a bit, if I was coming all the way from Canada!
You could pick up the Pennine Way and head north.

Having walked the Pennine Way a couple of times I would suggest that you brush up on your compass and map reading skills - you won't find too many signposts especially if you go off track following a sheep track in the mist! I agree the "soggy at times", especially immediately after leaving the Hadrian's Wall path.

 

[Thomas Yingst]

Prepare for rain and slippery down hills.

 

[flewitheagles]

My son and I walked it several years ago and enjoyed it very much. A bit expensive but very enjoyable. The main learning we had was that we should have walked from West to East - the wind is a killer!! Lots to enjoy and I suggest you practice simple climbs up stairs to get you over the frequent fences (they did have ladders over the fences - others will help me recall their name)!! While we backpacked we were, with a bit of planning (sometimes at the last minute) able to find lodging. On occasion we had to taxi / bus to a nearby town and return the next day. But it worked out well.

 

[Former member 115125]

We are from Canada and thinking of walking Hadrians walk in summer of 2025 - have ordered a guidebook but thought I would tap into the experience and wisdom of the forum members to ask any tips, and resources you found helpful? And any stopping places and/or historical places near the trail that you might recommend taking an extra day to visit? Many thanks! Jen

Hi, I live here in Newcastle and have walked the route quite a bit. My advice would be the following, just do 3 days on the middle section, otherwise
It takes 5/6 or so days and you will see little on 2 or.3 days just a slog of walking often on hard surfaces.

If you walk from Bowness via Carlisle to say Brampton on day 1 its boring. Bowness is interesting, scenic as is Port Carlisle but thats the first hour, the rest is meh. Until you get to Banks, Lanercost Priory you will see very little of the wall, roman history.
The most interesting part is from Greenhead to Chollerford ( 2 days walking) lots of the wall, forts history. Then from Chollerford to Heddon its a poor walk alot of it behind a hedge on a busy road not alot to see. The final day from Heddon to Wallsend is poor, its alot of road walking and apart from Newcastle quayside nothing to see, you will also be walking through poor, run down areas.

You would be better only doing 3 days then head over to the Northumberland coast and walk on the Costal path from Amble to Bamburgh, its stunning, magical castles. Alnwick is also a great place to stay a couple of days as well after the Coastal path.

Also if you are camping, its.typically around £15 a night. The YMCA at the Sill is very good and cheap £35 for a private room. Newcastle hotels can be had for £70. B and Bs are expensive on the route.

 

[Former member 115125]

Prepare for rain and slippery down hills.

Yes, it rains alot in this part

 

[Drumbo_hiker]

My son and I walked it several years ago and enjoyed it very much. A bit expensive but very enjoyable. The main learning we had was that we should have walked from West to East - the wind is a killer!! Lots to enjoy and I suggest you practice simple climbs up stairs to get you over the frequent fences (they did have ladders over the fences - others will help me recall their name)!! While we backpacked we were, with a bit of planning (sometimes at the last minute) able to find lodging. On occasion we had to taxi / bus to a nearby town and return the next day. But it worked out well.

We call those ladders over fences and walls “stiles”

 

[XtineMac]

I walked the full route from Bowness on the coast to the coast outside Newcastle - west to east - in 2019. No part was boring! There are earthworks/ditches in the early parts and I loved every mile. I used a local walking company to secure my accommodation and they did a wonderful job. As well as the walking I visited 5 different museums and archaeological digs. Read your guidebook and you won’t miss anything. One of the best walks that I’ve ever done!

 

[Johnathon]

If you do it in reverse - Carlisle to Wallsend - you can also visit Durham Cathedral and Holy Isle (Lindisfarne).

The Venerable Bede Durham World Heritage Site

www.durhamworldheritagesite.com

Lindisfarne - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

There is also Alnwick Castle (more or less on the way to Lindisfarne) if you enjoy a Harry Potter set.

 

[Harland2019]

We are from Canada and thinking of walking Hadrians walk in summer of 2025 - have ordered a guidebook but thought I would tap into the experience and wisdom of the forum members to ask any tips, and resources you found helpful? And any stopping places and/or historical places near the trail that you might recommend taking an extra day to visit? Many thanks! Jen

Another thought depending upon your reason for walking/history. The Coast to Coast Path is, in my opinion, a better walk for scenery. See:- https://www.coasttocoast.uk/

 

[Former member 115125]

There is also Alnwick Castle (more or less on the way to Lindisfarne) if you enjoy a Harry Potter set.

Or Bamburgh Castle for Indiana.Jones

 

[Bothydave]

Wallsend; Vindolanda (worth at least a day); Hexham; Sycamore Gap (now very aptly named); Housesteads; Once Brewed; Carlisle. You can do it all in a day and there’s plenty of taxi drivers in Newcastle will take the fare.

I’ll chew my cheek at this point and suggest that, unless you’re planning to backpack and camp, you start researching tour companies. Accommodation is scarce, immoderately priced, and difficult to string together into a consecutive walk. Otherwise find a base and use the available public transport to string something together.

It can be a very satisfying walk through a spectacular landscape and will be well worth the effort. Anything like a Camino in Spain it ain’t.
Happy planning

I agree
Certain sections in the middle are spectacular and the sections at either end less so.
As above must sees include Housesteads fort and Vindolanda.
Vindolanda sits a bit behind the wall but up is fabulous with the most extraordinary museum. It is worth at least half a day.

Other thoughts are the St Cuthberts Way, West Highland Way or Great Glen Way

All have official websites with information on maps and accommodation

 

[Charles Barry]

I booked through Mickledore. They provided gear transport and arranged B&Bs along the way. I'd use them again. Corbridge was the standout for me. The guidebooks talk about the undulating terrain. That's hilarious! Lots of steep climbing. Before I went home, I dropped by The British Museum and checked out the Roman Britain section. Feel free to contact me.

 

[Mr BWE]

@Jensjaunt: Beware, the B&B's along Hadrian's Wall serve breakfast with black pudding. And that is not a dessert.

My local butcher makes pork pies "infused" with black pudding and very tasty they are too ...

 

[HE-J]

I booked through Mickledore. They provided gear transport and arranged B&Bs along the way. I'd use them again. Corbridge was the standout for me. The guidebooks talk about the undulating terrain. That's hilarious! Lots of steep climbing. Before I went home, I dropped by The British Museum and checked out the Roman Britain section. Feel free to contact me.

Second this recommendation for Mickledore - we’ve used them on a number of occasions on various routes and would def recommend them. They’ll work with you to determine how many days you want to take and then sort out the accommodation and bag transfers for you. They take away all the hassles - which could be a godsend if you’re coming to do it from abroad and don’t know the country too well. Good luck, enjoy it - it’s a great walk.

 

[exrayray]

I walked the central section (That coincides with the Penine Way, as mentioned in a previous reply) in 2020 after lockdown. V nice. I would recommend having a rest day to look at Housteads fort and the museum at Vindolanda. Cicerone press is my go to company for walking guides in Europe, they sell paper and electronic versions.

If I was coming a long way to walk in the UK I would look at the Coast to Coast walk in England and the West Highland Way in Scotland

For any long distance path in the UK walk south to north or west to east to the prevailing southwesterly wind (and in upland Britain, rain) is behind you

 

[Former member 115125]

Hadrian's Wall National Trail - Newcastle to Heddon On The Wall

www.walkingenglishman.com

Have a look at this blog, covers all stages, its a good read, full of useful information.

Ps.. you do.not need a tour company to assist with planning accomodation. Plus.walk west to East

If you start at Wallsend stay in Newcastle, the Metro train gets you to the start in 15 mins,.Segedunum is across the road from the station. Alternatively stay in Tynemouth, its loverly, i live.there, visit the Prior and Beaches. The Grand Hotel is good.



If you need any other recommendations let me know.

 

[G_the_D]

@Jensjaunt: Beware, the B&B's along Hadrian's Wall serve breakfast with black pudding. And that is not a dessert.

But it is delicious!

 

[Camino Chrissy]

@Jensjaunt: Beware, the B&B's along Hadrian's Wall serve breakfast with black pudding. And that is not a dessert.

I had my first black (and white) puddings in Ireland. I kinda liked them, but a little goes a long way.

 

[TaijiPilgrim]

My husband and I walked the Hardians Wall National Path in June 2016. Most guidebooks recommend walking west to east from Bowness to Wallsend to have the wind at your back. However, we did the reverse because we walked the trail after volunteering on an archaeology project at the Roman fort in South Shields at the eastern end.This project was affiliated with Segundum as well, and our leaders provided us with a pamphlet guide for the wall that they had produced. Their historical, archaeological point of view added to the details provided by the standard guide books. We had a local company called Hadrians Wall Ltd arrange our accommodations and transport our luggage. I chose them because they were local; because they offered lodgings at a range of prices for every budget; and because we could customize our trip as to daily distance and number of days. We wanted to have enough time to explore the museums and archeological sites along the way, and, at the time, I had a leg issue that necessitated limiting my mileage per day. As others have said the middle section of the wall is the most spectacular, but I enjoyed the entire trail and am glad I walked all of it.

 

[NJohn]

I’ll echo what someone said earlier- walk West to East. It’s true about the wind, but also we found that’s what most people were doing. We walked East to West and didn’t meet a lot of other fellow walkers going our direction. We walked the end of June, 2023. And yes Bowness into Carlisle as well as the Newcastle walk to Wallsend aren’t the most scenic; at least in Newcastle there’s more opportunities for food and drink. If you’re not familiar with walking in The UK, be prepared for stiles, kissing gates, cows and sheep. This was our 3rd long distance walk in England, but the first where we were chased by cows and it was a little frightening. Be appropriately cautious.

 

[Sue127]

The Coast to Coast is certainly interesting. You don't need a company but do need to do a little planning. Several options covering YHA, private rents (Air BNB and others) small hotels. I walked this around 10 years ago with a bunch of friends and loved it.

 

[Camo]

And that is not a dessert.

But is yummy with bacon and eggs (skip the beans)

 

[XtineMac]

I walked the full route from Bowness on the coast to the coast outside Newcastle - west to east - in 2019. No part was boring! There are earthworks/ditches in the early parts and I loved every mile. I used a local walking company to secure my accommodation and they did a wonderful job. As well as the walking I visited 5 different museums and archaeological digs. Read your guidebook and you won’t miss anything. One of the best walks that I’ve ever done!

PS I have looked up the name of the local company who helped me with planning and who booked my accommodation….
www.walkthewall.uk

 

[Corned Beef]

PS I have looked up the name of the local company who helped me with planning and who booked my accommodation….
www.walkthewall.uk

I see they haven't updated their website for the (non-) Sycamore gap. Some may be disappointed.

Sycamore Gap tree: The story so far

A look at the history of the Sycamore Gap tree and why it became such a popular landmark.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Pelegrin]

I wonder if " Vindolanda" could mean Land of Wind, because I read on internet that "Landa" means wasteland in Italian and "Vindo" is not far from Italian "Vento".

 

[Former member 115125]

vindolanda meaning - Google Search

See the above re.Vindolanda

 

[Pelegrin]

See the above re.Vindolanda

Yes, according to that, " landa" must mean field in Gaelic ?.

 

[TrvlDad1]

I did it years ago without camping or reservations, but that sounds infeasible, or at least difficult now. My advice: don’t stay in rooms sbove pubs if you intend to sleep, spend extra days in Carlisle, Vindolanda and Newcastle (I walked Carlisle east), go slow & savor the beautiful views. It’s a beautiful walk.

 

[Corned Beef]

I wonder if " Vindolanda" could mean Land of Wind, because I read on internet that "Landa" means wasteland in Italian and "Vindo" is not far from Italian "Vento".

A view from the other side of the wall. Calgacus a reported by Tacitus.

These plunderers of the world [the Romans], after exhausting the land by their devastations, are rifling the ocean: stimulated by avarice, if their enemy be rich; by ambition, if poor; unsatiated by the East and by the West: the only people who behold wealth and indigence with equal avidity. To ravage, to slaughter, to usurp under false titles, they call empire; and where they make a desert [wasteland?], they call it peace.

 

[Pelegrin]

I wonder if " Vindolanda" could mean Land of Wind, because I read on internet that "Landa" means wasteland in Italian and "Vindo" is not far from Italian "Vento".

Sorry to continue with this, but in second thoughts. Vindolanda can be a latination of Windland, created by Roman soldiers of Germanic origin as a joke because obviously they didn' t wamt to go there.

 

[OTH86]

@Jensjaunt: There is a Hadrian's Wall Country Bus. It's probably mentioned in your guidebook and you can google their timetable. We never had to make use of it but it's cool to see the bus with its display that says AD 122.

In 2018, I stayed in Airbnb's a few times using this bus service to get back and forth to start & stop spots... The driver became a good friend. I started on the west coast and loved the museum in Wallsend ...

 

[TrvlDad1]

A view from the other side of the wall. Calgacus a reported by Tacitus.

An "excerpt...from...a speech attributed to Calgacus by Tacitus in the Agricola, but most historians note that since Calcagus was fighting Tacitus father-in-law [G. J. Agricola] in this battle, the reader should assume some bias." Wikipaedia
And the Romans had endless tales of and contempt for the Caledonians as well.
About the only clear conclusion can be that nationalism and politics never change.

 

[Corned Beef]

About the only clear conclusion can be that nationalism and politics never change.

Viewed through the prism of politics, was it an American-type wall to keep people out. Or a German-type wall to keep people from escaping to a nirvana on the other side?

Perhaps those walking it next year could come back with an answer?

 

[Former member 115125]

It was a wall to protect the Roman Empire from the Scottish cuisine of Haggis and Deep fried Mars Bars.

 

[TrvlDad1]

It was a wall to protect the Roman Empire from the Scottish cuisine of Haggis and Deep fried Mars Bars.

Great comments, but I'm probably beyond the Moderator's tolerance at this point, so I'll stick to the emoji'ing your comments.

 

[Wandershot]

We did a 4-day stroll through the best bits. I made our own accom reservations, but used Sherpa Van for portaging because the walk was part of a larger trip and we had wheeled luggage. The Stedman guidebook was very helpful for planning. Here's what we did:

1. Hexham - Walwick, 13/k. Train from Newcastle to Hexham, walked up to St. Oswalds, then got on the proper trail. Stayed in Walwick at Green Carts Farm, a little bit off train, kinda near Chesters fort.

2. Walwick to Steel Rigg, 22.5/k . Passes the Brocolitia site and Housesteads Fort. Vindolanda is a few /k from Steel Rigg, but we ran out of energy and daylight to see it. Stayed at the Twice Brewed Inn. Restaurant, laundry, pub vibe.

3. Steel Rigg to Gilsland, 14.5/k. Stayed at the Brookside Villa B&B, awesome food!

4. Gilsland to Banks, then back to Newcastle, 11/k. Birdoswald Fort and Lanercost Priory. We called a taxi from Banks which took us to the nearest train station, then back to Newcastle, where we did some sight seeing.

You could speed up parts of this, but we weren't in a hurry and wanted time to explore the many forts and mile castles.

 

[WGroleau]

@Jensjaunt: Beware, the B&B's along Hadrian's Wall serve breakfast with black pudding. And that is not a dessert.

Known as morcilla in Burgos, where some of the locals will insist you can't get it anywhere else in the world.

 

[SEB2]

Enjoy your adventure into the world of wild wind and sheep.
While never having walked the full stretch of Hadrian's Wall, together with my later partner we explored and enjoyed the route in several shorter sections with several diversions into towns connected to the Roman occupation.. As you are travelling from Canada, it is worth visiting Lanercost Priory, and also the the ancient Abbey Church in the the pretty town of Hexham. If you are walking west to east, then Carlisle is a good place to stay with a beautiful, although truncated cathedral owing to the frequent wrecking incursions by Scottish military in centuries past - Border relationships are a lot more amicable nowadays.
Good accommodation (and restaurants) in Carlisle and the Crown Hotel at Wetheral is in a pretty village with a train station connecting to Carlisle and Newcastle. Church of St Martins in Brampton is worth a visit to see the fine Edward Burne-Jones stained glass windows made by Morris & Co.
Alistair Moffat is a writer who was born and lives in the Borders and wrote The Wall - Romes Greatest Frontier plus he has a new book published this year https://alistairmoffat.wordpress.com/ that may be of interest. The pub at Greenhead never disappointed with excellent beer and food - they also offer accommodation.
English Heritage have the responsibility for most of the sites on the Wall see:

Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall is an epic World Heritage Site, marching 73 miles from sea to sea across some of the wildest and most dramatic country in England.

www.english-heritage.org.uk

In Newcastle I recommend staying at the Quayside Travelodge, it is a budget hotel with rooms that have panoramic views over the River Tyne and the many bridges. I have stayed there many times.

 

[Camo]

Known as morcilla in Burgos

I can only imagine enjoying it as part of a Full House English breakfast which is not something I ever found in Europe

 

[Tincatinker]

I can only imagine enjoying it as part of a Full House English breakfast which is not something I ever found in Europe

I appreciate where you’re coming from in that but despite the determinations of some the Full English Breakfast is served in Europe. Even if the full English think it’s something only available in Southend, Malaga and Magaluf

 

[JillGat]

The Coast to Coast is certainly interesting. You don't need a company but do need to do a little planning. Several options covering YHA, private rents (Air BNB and others) small hotels. I walked this around 10 years ago with a bunch of friends and loved it.

Where can I find more information about this walk? And/or can I pester you with questions via PM?

 

[Harland2019]

This is a good place to start for an overview:-

Planning a Coast to Coast walk

Planning a Coast to Coast walk requires careful reflection. It is 192 miles long and includes much rugged terrain and high fells.

www.coasttocoast.uk

Happy to give you any help you need if you PM me.

The Cicerone Guidebooks are my normal "go to" guidebooks in the UK although I used the Henry Stedman guide for this one.

The Coast to Coast Walk Guidebook

The route is described from west to east, with a summary for walkers travelling in the opposite direction. Includes a separate OS 1:25K map book, and…

www.cicerone.co.uk

Trailblazer Guide Books – Coast to Coast Path: St Bees to Robin Hood's Bay

trailblazer-guides.com

The one above will give you a good idea as you can scan down the pages.

 

[Harland2019]

A further thought if you decide to walk the C2C. 2 Ordnance Survey maps can be obtained through search sites although they are I think they are no longer published by OS. However, I expect that those who are more technically able than me can probably sort it all out on their phone!

 

[Corned Beef]

There is a possible variation to the C2C called the Lyke Wake Walk. It's the end section if going West to East.

Lyke Wake Walk - British Pilgrimage Trust

www.britishpilgrimage.org

There is a local tradition that attempts the walk overnight, 40 miles in one go. Tried twice. Succeeded once. It can get very, very muddy with 'clarts' as does a lot of the C2C. These routes are best attempted in a dry summer.