Hadrian's Wall Path

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 on Hadrian's Wall
• Practical planning information, such as accommodation listings in key centres like Carlisle, Newton and Hexham, alternative walking schedules and route options, helps you adapt the walk to your own pace
• Public transport options are listed for every stage, including trail diversions to Haltwhistle, Bardon Mill and Corbridge stations, 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.

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.

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