Hadrian's Wall Walk

Suitable for most regular hikers, though some long-distance hiking experience is recommended if you’re tackling the full trail.

The route follows a mix of footpaths, tracks, quiet country roads and some stretches of sidewalk through towns. Each main section has around 650–1,900 ft (200–580 m) of elevation gain, with the biggest climbs and descents in the central section, where the wall runs along high ridges. After heavy rain, some trails can get very muddy and boggy, so expect slower progress.

This route ranges from easy-to-moderate to moderate, depending on which itinerary you choose. Daily difficulty can vary within each tour, so some days may feel a little easier or tougher than the overall rating suggests.

Hike the full trail

For the purists, there’s nothing quite like hiking every step of the wall. Follow all 84 miles between Wallsend and Bowness-on-Solway, and cross England from coast to coast.

• Easy to moderate (10 days): More days mean more manageable daily distances, with plenty of time to explore the Roman forts and museums along the way. It also includes a stop in Corbridge, a charming market town with its own Roman ruins to discover.
• Moderate (8 and 9 days): The 8-day trip is our most popular itinerary. Keep in mind that fewer days mean longer stretches on the trail, with several days of 13 to 16 miles.

Hike the best bits

Our Best of itineraries do exactly what they say. They skip the urban stretch through Newcastle and the remote final miles to Bowness-on-Solway, and focus instead on the central section, where the wall is at its most intact and Roman forts sit high on sweeping ridges.

• Best of Hadrian’s Wall Path (7 days): Easy to moderate. Hike 53 miles through the heart of the trail, with shorter days and time to explore.
• Best of Hadrian’s Wall Path (6 days): Easy to moderate. Cover 42 miles of the central section in five hiking days.

Short on time?

Our Short Break lets you experience the wall’s highlights in just a few days. It’s also easy to add to a wider trip around England.

• Hadrian’s Wall Path Short Break (5 days): Moderate. A 27-mile sampler of the wall’s highlights, perfect if you only have a few days. It’s graded moderate, as it covers three of the more challenging sections of the trail.

There’s no right or wrong way to hike Hadrian’s Wall Path. It really comes down to personal preference, though it’s often a hot topic among hikers.

East to west: Still our most popular way to hike the trail, as it follows in the footsteps of the Romans, who built the wall in this direction almost 2,000 years ago. Many hikers love leaving the city behind and heading into the wild, open countryside of Northumberland, saving the peaceful Solway coast at Bowness-on-Solway for a quiet, reflective finish.

West to east: The wind in this part of England usually blows from the west, so hiking this way means it’s more likely to be at your back, giving you a gentle push rather than blowing in your face. The trail is also a little less steep in this direction, making it slightly easier going.

You'll stay overnight in a mix of B&Bs, small hotels and guesthouses, chosen to give you a warm welcome and a genuine taste of local hospitality. We always try to accommodate you at the locations in your itinerary, but because some of the smaller villages along the Wall have very limited accommodation, we may occasionally need to place you in a nearby town of the same or better standard.

Yes, solo travelers are very welcome. There will be a supplement because some costs, like transfers, aren't shared. Or if you'd like to book a single room, just ask. These are available for a supplement.

Please note it is not generally possible to secure more than three single rooms within one party.

Breakfast is included each morning, while lunch and dinner aren't included, so you're free to choose from the available options. Your accommodation may be able to provide a packed lunch on request, bookable and payable on arrival, and our app also points out recommended lunch spots along the way. Dinner is available either at your accommodation or at nearby pubs and restaurants.

You can hike Hadrian’s Wall Path from March through October. May, June and September are traditionally the most popular months. July and August are usually the warmest, while the shoulder months of March, April and October are quieter, but be prepared for cooler temperatures, wind, rain and muddy trails.

A few dates are worth knowing about when you plan your trip:

• September: The Great North Run, one of the world’s biggest half marathons, takes over Newcastle in September, making accommodations in the city very hard to book.
• Summer concerts and events: Newcastle hosts large concerts and events throughout the year, especially in summer, which can also fill up accommodations quickly. If you’re traveling at these times, our Best of itineraries or Short Break, which skip Newcastle, are a great alternative.

Your bags will be collected from your accommodation each day and moved onto your overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg/44lbs per person.

It's vital that you adhere to these limits. Heavier bags, or additional items might not be transferred, and you may be charged locally. Airlines may have different allowances, but our luggage handlers do not have the same capacity or equipment, and their health and safety is our priority.

The Hadrian’s Wall is well waymarked and easy to follow, with the National Trail acorn symbol guiding you along the way.

Navigation is straightforward using our app which has maps, tracks and daily route info. Simply download the information and tracks for offline use and follow the route on your phone. Once on the trail you do not need signal for the app to work and follow your progress.

Recommended Reading
Although not essential, if you'd like more information on the route, we recommend:

• Guidebook (East to West): Trailblazers Hadrian's Wall Path
• Guidebook (West to East): Cicerone Hadrian's Wall Path
• Map: Hadrian's Wall Path Harvey Map

Getting to the start

For east-to-west itineraries (starting in Newcastle or Corbridge)

Newcastle is a major transport hub, so getting there is easy. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Get to Newcastle. Direct trains run on the East Coast Main Line from London King’s Cross (about 3 hours) and Edinburgh (about 1 hour 30 minutes).
2. Head to your starting location. On full itineraries, you’ll stay in or near Newcastle on your first night, ready to start walking the next morning. On Best of itineraries, take the scenic Tyne Valley line train from Newcastle to Corbridge, which takes 30 minutes to an hour.

For west-to-east itineraries (starting in Bowness-on-Solway, Carlisle, Brampton or Gilsland)

Your starting point depends on your itinerary. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Get to Carlisle. Carlisle is well connected by train to Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.
2. Connect to your starting point. If you’re starting in Brampton or Gilsland, take a connecting train or bus from Carlisle. Services are less frequent on Sundays and bank holidays.

Arriving by plane?

• London airports: Make your way to London King’s Cross for direct trains to Newcastle (about 3 hours), or to London Euston for trains to Carlisle.
• Newcastle International Airport (NCL): Direct flights from across the UK and Europe, including regular flights from London. Take the Metro into the city centre.
• Manchester Airport (MAN): Well connected by train to both Newcastle and Carlisle.

Getting from the end

For east-to-west itineraries (finishing in Bowness-on-Solway, Carlisle or Brampton)

Where you finish depends on your itinerary. Full itineraries end in Bowness-on-Solway, while our Best of itineraries finish in Carlisle or Brampton.

Finishing in Bowness-on-Solway

Bowness-on-Solway is a small, remote village with limited accommodation and transport. Most trips follow two simple steps:

1. Take the bus to Carlisle. The local bus runs only a few times a day, with no service on Sundays or bank holidays. Some of the accommodation we work with also offers a transfer service.
2. Connect to your onward journey. From Carlisle, trains run to Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.

Finishing in Carlisle or Brampton

• Carlisle: You’re already at a major rail hub. Trains run to Newcastle, Glasgow, Edinburgh and London.
• Brampton: Take a short taxi or bus ride to Brampton station, just outside town, then catch a train to Carlisle or Newcastle for your onward journey.

For west-to-east itineraries (finishing in Corbridge or Newcastle)

Where you finish depends on your itinerary. Full west-to-east itineraries finish in Newcastle, while our Best of itineraries finish in Corbridge.

1. Get to Newcastle. If you’re finishing in Newcastle, you’re already there. From Corbridge, take the Tyne Valley line train to Newcastle, which takes 30 minutes to an hour.
2. Connect to your onward journey. From Newcastle, direct trains run to London, Edinburgh and beyond.

Flying home?

• London airports: Take the train from Newcastle to London King’s Cross, or from Carlisle to London Euston, then connect to your departure airport.
• Newcastle International Airport (NCL): Take the Metro from the city center to the airport.
• Manchester Airport (MAN): Take the train from Newcastle or Carlisle.

You'll need good hiking shoes or boots, comfortable hiking clothes, waterproofs, a daypack, and we recommend hiking poles. A portable charger for your cell phone is essential. On booking, our Tour Info will give you a complete packing list.

On certain days you can shorten the route or skip it entirely by using a taxi or public transport.

If you want to take advantage of the AD122, the Hadrian's Wall bus, to see other sights or have a non-walking day, check the information on the Hadrian's Wall website, where you can download a timetable to carry with you.

We highly recommend that you have travel insurance when you book with Macs Adventure. Your policy should cover medical treatment (including repatriation and emergency evacuation by air ambulance or helicopter), injury, death, third-party liability, and trip cancellation

Get your Roman bearings in Newcastle

Hiking east to west? Before you set off, spend a few hours at the Great North Museum: Hancock and Segedunum Roman Fort. They bring the wall’s story to life, so you’ll know exactly what you’re looking at once you’re out on the trail.

Get a head start in Newcastle

Arriving in Newcastle early? Drop your bags at your accommodations and hike the first few miles that afternoon. Catch the Metro (the local light rail) back for the night, then pick up where you left off the next morning. Your first full day will feel a lot shorter for it.

Collect stamps with the Hadrian’s Wall Path Passport

Want a souvenir? The Hadrian’s Wall Path Passport lets you collect stamps at points along the route, building a little record of your journey as you go.

Hop on the AD122 bus

The AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus runs along the central section, stopping at the main forts and museums. It’s perfect for skipping a stretch when your legs need a rest. And there’s a bonus: show your bus ticket at Vindolanda, the Roman Army Museum, Housesteads, Chesters and Birdoswald for discounted admission.

Pause at Sycamore Gap

For generations, the lone sycamore standing in a dip in the wall was one of the most photographed sights in England. Sadly, it was illegally cut down in 2023. But there’s hope. The stump is now sprouting a healthy ring of new shoots, so the tree may one day stand tall again. It’s still a special place to stop and take in the view along the ridges. To give the shoots the best chance, please stay outside the fence and don’t touch the stump or leave tributes.