Walk through history on the Hadrian’s Wall Path, a remarkable 135km (84-mile) National Trail following the line of the ancient Roman frontier across northern England, from Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to Wallsend, Newcastle. Accessible to first-time long-distance walkers yet equally rewarding for seasoned hikers, the trail winds through rolling farmland, wild moorland, and remarkable Roman sites, including ancient forts, milecastles, and exposed stretches of the Wall itself. 

Designed to help you get the most from every mile, this Cicerone guidebook features detailed route descriptions covering the entire trail in both directions, west to east or east to west, plus an optional extension to South Shields to complete the coast-to-coast. An accompanying OS 1:25,000 map booklet, with full route line clearly marked, enables easy and accurate navigation throughout your journey. 

• The route is divided into 10 manageable stages, each supported by detailed mapping, distance information and route description, so you're always prepared for what lies ahead
• Practical planning information, such as accommodation listings, alternative walking schedules and route options, helps you adapt the walk along Hadrian's Wall to your own pace
• Public transport options are listed for every stage, making it easy for section hikers to devise an itinerary that suits their needs
• Downloadable GPX files provide a simple digital navigation option for use on smartphone apps
• Alongside navigation, the guide enriches your journey with authoritative context on world-class archaeological sites, including Birdoswald, Housesteads, Vindolanda, and the dramatic crags of Steel Rigg, helping you understand the significance of this historic landscape as you walk

The Hadrian’s Wall Path invites a quieter kind of adventure — one of steady footsteps, open views, and moments of connection with the landscape’s long history. With this guidebook, you can explore Britain's Roman frontier at your own pace, supported by clear guidance and a complete set of navigational tools. 

Author Top Tip

"The common itinerary for the Trail is for a seven-day traverse (which can be done in many different ways), but I would be falling short of my praise of this historic and scenic corridor if I were to recommend anything less than nine to ten days as the most rewarding plan. Throughout the walk, you will encounter intriguing ‘born-again’ Roman names on modern road signs for various sites, such as Segedunum and Vindolanda. One magical window into the past has been revealed in the Vindolanda ‘Writing Tablets’, which alone make this site an absolute must-visit."

- Mark Richards, author of Hadrian's Wall Path

Map key 
Overview map and profile 
Route summary table

INTRODUCTION 
Hadrian’s Wall: inspired and inspiring 
National Trail 
Preserving the heritage 
Taking care of the Trail 
Tackling a coast-to-coast walk 
Start and finish points 
Accommodation 
Choosing an itinerary 
Day-walking the Trail 
When to go 
Be prepared 
Maps 
Using this guide

ALL ABOUT THE WALL 
Building the Wall 
Divide and rule 
Pilfering and preservation 
The Wall today

HADRIAN’S WALL PATH 
Stage 1 Bowness-on-Solway to Burgh-by-Sands 
Stage 2 Burgh-by-Sands to Carlisle 
Stage 3 Carlisle to Newtown 
Stage 4 Newtown to Birdoswald 
Stage 5 Birdoswald to Steel Rigg 
Stage 6 Steel Rigg to Brocolitia 
Stage 7 Brocolitia to Portgate 
Stage 8 Portgate to Heddon-on-the-Wall 
Stage 9 Heddon-on-the-Wall to Newcastle Quayside 
Stage 10 Newcastle Quayside to Segedunum 
Extensions 
Stage 11 Segedunum to South Shields (Hadrian’s Cycleway) 
Stage 12 Heddon-on-the-Wall to Segedunum (Hadrian’s Toon Trail)

Appendix A Stamping stations 
Appendix B Accommodation 
Appendix C Walking links to the Path from nearby railway stations 
Appendix D Bus and taxi services 
Appendix E Useful contacts 
Appendix F Further reading

Seasons

April to October.

Centres

Carlisle, Brampton, Gilsland, Haltwhistle, Hexham, Corbridge and Newcastle

Difficulty

Easy walking. But adequate fitness for a multi-day trek is required for the entire length.

Must See

Carlisle Cathedral, Castle and Tullie House, Lanercost Priory, Birdoswald Roman Fort and connected Roman Wall through to Gilsland, on Walltown Crags, Cawfields Crags over Winshields Crags and from Steel Rigg through to Sewingshields Crags via Housesteads Roman Fort, Vindolanda and Chesters Roman Forts, the historic heart of Newcastle, Wallsend (Segedunum) and South Shields (Arbeia) Roman Forts.

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