Full Self Guided Itinerary

Section 1: Wallsend/Newcastle to Newburn – 11 miles – 17 km – 5-6 hours

Note: This day is mainly on hard surfaces so you may prefer to wear running shoes/trainers rather than walking boots. The Segedunum Roman Fort and museum is the official start point and a worthwhile and comprehensive museum which will get you into the swing of things. The path follows the River Tyne for most of the section and gives a real insight into the industrial history of Newcastle and the ongoing regeneration of this vibrant city. Suggestion: The first day’s walk to Heddon (or beyond) is one of the longer walks so many of our walkers choose to arrive early in Newcastle, drop their bags at their accommodation in Wallsend/Newcastle and then enjoy the 5 mile (2.5 hour) walk to Tyne Bridge that afternoon, returning by metro to Wallsend and starting again from Tyne Bridge in the morning.

Section 2: Newburn to Heddon-on-the-wall – 4 miles – 6 km – 2-3 hours

This is really where the city begins to fall behind you and after leaving the river the path climbs gently past the golf course and up the hill to Heddon. This small town has a couple of local pubs and both the Swan Hotel and Three Tuns do meals. Facilities include a post office and small shop. Overnight Accommodation: Heddon has limited overnight accommodation so you may be staying in Wylam or slightly outside the village.

Section 3: Heddon-on-the-wall to East Wallhouses – 6 miles – 9 km – 3-4 hours

From Heddon you join the Roman Road and begin to see ever more frequent signs of the actual wall. After a couple of miles you pass the Vindovala Roman Fort and then the Ironsign Country Restaurant (sometimes used as overnight stop). There are a few small climbs but on the whole the gradients are relatively gentle. Harlow hill is a small hamlet and two miles further on is East Wallhouses. Home to Robin Hood’s Inn, a fantastic old pub.

Section 4: East Wallhouses to Chollerford/Wall – 9 miles – 14 km – 4-6 hours

From East Wallhouses the path follows the old military road (now B6318) and the wall for most of the way to Chollerford, passing through the beautiful rolling countryside of Northumberland. The Errington Arms close to the Portgate is a great pub and a pleasant stop for an early lunch. After Portgate you climb to the highpoint of Whittington Fell 268m and continue to follow the military road down to Brunton and then Wall and Chollerford, which is home to a lovely bridge and the extensive Chesters Fort.

Section 5: Chollerford/Wall to Once Brewed – 12 miles – 19 km – 6-7 hours

You start the day by passing Chesters Museum, an important site on the wall and then ascending to Tower Tye, again following the roman road. You will soon be entering the most spectacular sections of the wall and walk so keep that camera handy. After parting company with the wall after Shield on the wall you will enjoy a lovely journey through rugged countryside and a host of roman ruins and forts. Housesteads Fort has an interesting museum and a tea shop at the car park if you are feeling peckish. The section ends at Steel Rigg Peel Crags, a short walk from the hamlet of Once Brewed. The Twice Brewed Inn in Once Brewed is a lively pub which does good hearty food. There is an information centre next door and the Vindolanda Fort complex a couple of miles SE is a large and interesting complex. (Also accessible by Hadrian’s Wall Bus).

Section 6: Once Brewed to Gilsland – 9 miles – 13 km – 4-5 hours

The section starts with a climb to the top of Winshields Crags and the highest point of the trail, rewarded by stunning views in every direction. This is one of the most strenuous sections of the walk but is equally rewarding due to the quality of the wall and the views in every direction. Should you be staying in Greenhead turn left after Thirlwall Castle, alternatively continue on to Gilsland. Both small towns have local pubs which serve a well earned pint and dinner.

Section 7: Gilsland to Walton – 8 miles – 12 km – 4-5 hours

From Gilsland the path follows a fantastic section of consolidated wall to Birdoswald and then continues up the hill to Banks and through farmland to Walton. This is a very pleasant section of walking after the rigours of the past few sections. There is limited accommodation in Walton so we may have to accommodate you in Brampton which is the neighbouring town.

Section 8: Walton to Crosby-on Eden – 6 miles – 9 km – 3-4 hours

As the wall was predominantly dirt and turf in this section there is very little evidence on the wall remaining but this is still a lovely section of rural countryside and gives you time to reflect before entering the hustle and bustle of Carlisle. The Stag Inn does lunches and dinners and is a good option for lunch if going on to Carlisle.

Section 9: Crosby-on-Eden to Carlisle – 5 miles – 8 km – 2-3 hours

This is a relaxed section of the walk as you follow the banks of the River Eden into Carlisle. The walking is generally flat and the going good so enjoy it. Carlisle is a large town and has all the facilities you may have been missing over the past couple of days. The magnificent Castle, cathedral and the Tullie House Museum are all well worth a visit if you have any spare time. Numerous pubs and restaurants of every description will tempt you in.

Section 10: Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway – 14 miles – 22 km – 7-8 hours

This is the final stretch on your adventure. This section is occasionally affected by very high tides but this is very rare and the tourist info centre in Carlisle will let you know times that this may be a problem. After following the River Eden out of Carlisle the route passes through Burgh by Sands (good lunch stop) and then follows the quiet road to Port Carlisle and Bowness-on-Solway. This area is regarded as an area of outstanding natural beauty and the birdlife is prolific. The Kings Arms in Bowness is a great location for a celebratory drink and contemplation of your achievement. The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is a fantastic achievement and an experience I am sure you will treasure forever. I hope that we will be able to welcome to another walking adventure in future.