You might have seen pictures or read a bit about walking Hadrian’s Wall, but let me tell you, there’s a lot more to this ancient wonder than meets the eye. Yes, you’ll encounter rugged landscapes and fascinating history, but there will also be a few surprises that might change your perception of what this long-distance walk is really like.
From my extensive research and personal experience hiking Hadrian’s Wall, I’ve gathered insights that might just inspire you to lace up your hiking boots and explore this historic path.
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Contents
- Things to Know About Hiking Hadrian’s Wall
- #1 You Don’t Have to Rough It
- #2 You Don’t Have to Carry Everything
- #3 Weather is Unpredictable
- #4 Breakfast and Packed Lunches are Huge
- #5 Opening Hours at Places Can be Limited
- #6 It’s Can be Hard to Find a Balance Between Hydrating and Having to Use the Bathroom
- #7 You Will Want to Take a Lot of Photos and Breaks
- #8 You Won’t Always Be Able to See Hadrian’s Wall
- #9 There are a Lot of Stiles
- #10 You Will Meet Other Hikers From Around the Globe
- #11 It’s Best to Pack More than You Think You Will Need
- #12 You Will See Lots of Animals
- #13 The Terrain You Cover is Diverse
- #14 It’s Not Just Roman History You Will Learn About
- #15 It’s a Mental Challenge Almost as Much as a Physical One
- #16 You Will Walk More Than 84 Miles
- Ready to Walk Hadrian’s Wall?
Things to Know About Hiking Hadrian’s Wall
In this post, I’m not referring to the all impressive facts about Hadrian’s Wall, such as its 73-mile length or the how it was built in just six years. Instead, I’m talking about the unexpected aspects of doing the Hadrian’s Wall Path. It’s not as straightforward as simply walking 84 miles along an ancient ruin. These insights will surprise you, excite you, and better prepare you for the hike.
RELATED READ: Your Hadrian’s Wall Walk Questions Answered
#1 You Don’t Have to Rough It
We are not campers. While we might not always opt for luxury hotels, we do appreciate comfortable beds and good food. During our Hadrian’s Wall walk, every place we stayed was lovely, and we enjoyed excellent meals throughout our journey. Although the walk takes you through some remote areas, you can still find modern conveniences and cozy accommodations along the way.
Of course, many people choose to camp when walking Hadrian’s Wall, and I’ve heard great things about the various campgrounds. Camping can be a fantastic way to save money while still experiencing the beauty of the Wall.
TIP: Our Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory can help you find the best places to stay along the path. Whether you’re looking for B&Bs, pubs, or campsites, this guide has everything you need in one convenient place. Get access to it for free here.
#2 You Don’t Have to Carry Everything
When I’ve seen others doing long-distance walks, they often have huge backpacks filled with everything they need—tent, clothes, food, gear, etc. For me, just doing a long walk is challenging enough, and the idea of carrying so much stuff made it seem almost impossible.
Then I learned about companies that transport your checked bag from your starting location to your finishing location each day. While you still need to carry some essentials (water, food, first aid kit, etc.), it’s a lot less daunting. We used Hadrian’s Haul to move our bags, and everything went smoothly.
Check out our Hadrian’s Wall packing list for tips on what you need to bring.
#3 Weather is Unpredictable
It’s common knowledge that UK weather is unpredictable, and you need to keep that in mind when walking Hadrian’s Wall. Never fully trust the weather forecast—always be prepared with gear for all conditions.
Even if the forecast shows a 0 percent chance of rain, it could still rain. You won’t have the luxury of running to your car for rain gear, and depending on your location on the trail, there might not be any shelter available.
Also, keep in mind that it can be windy. Many people choose to walk Hadrian’s Wall from west to east to align with the prevailing wind direction. We walked from east to west and didn’t find the wind to be a serious issue.
#4 Breakfast and Packed Lunches are Huge
All the places we stayed included breakfast, and they were impressive. I expected full English breakfasts with eggs, sausage, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, black pudding, beans, and toast. What surprised me was the first course of fruit, granola, and yoghurt. No complaints here—we were always well-fueled when we started our day.
We also opted to order packed lunches to take with us each day. This way, we could stop for lunch whenever we were hungry, rather than relying on finding an open eatery along the trail.
I didn’t know what to expect from the packed lunches, but I was pleasantly surprised. We got to choose a sandwich, which came with chips, fruit, a snack like a granola bar, sometimes a dessert, and a drink. Given the hearty breakfasts, we rarely finished the whole lunch, but the leftovers made great snacks.
With all the food provided, we barely touched the snacks we brought along. However, I still recommend bringing a few snacks just in case you do get hungry when you are walking.
#5 Opening Hours at Places Can be Limited
As I mentioned, you’ll be walking through very rural areas. Most restaurants, pubs, shops, and other establishments are small businesses. They typically don’t open very early or stay open very late, and their hours can change last minute due to staff availability. Additionally, these places often have limited capacity. Therefore, it’s important to book in advance (especially for meals) whenever possible to ensure you have a spot.
#6 It’s Can be Hard to Find a Balance Between Hydrating and Having to Use the Bathroom
I can be quite particular about public restrooms and prefer to avoid them unless absolutely necessary. As a woman, I also don’t like the idea of having to go behind a tree.
When walking Hadrian’s Wall, bathrooms can be sparse in some sections. I often found myself in a constant battle between staying hydrated and avoiding the need for a bathroom break. The public restrooms I did use were all very clean, which was a pleasant surprise, but I do wish there were more of them.
One thing that helped us manage with less water was hydration sachets (we used Liquid IV). We were also fortunate that it wasn’t hot during our walk, so we didn’t need to drink water constantly. If you’re a woman concerned about the bathroom situation, you might want to bring a female urinal to make things easier.
#7 You Will Want to Take a Lot of Photos and Breaks
This is a walk you don’t want to rush because there is so much to see. From Roman ruins to panoramic views, you’ll want to stop often to take photos and read information boards. Finding the right balance is important to ensure you can still make it to your accommodation at a reasonable time.
With all the miles you’ll be walking, taking breaks is essential. Our collapsible stools came in incredibly handy, allowing us to rest our feet whenever we needed to. Benches are scarce along the trail, and you won’t always want to sit on the ground, particularly if it’s muddy or in a field where animals have been.
I’ll tell you now, you probably won’t have enough time to see everything and explore all the historical sites as thoroughly as you’d like. For instance, on the day we walked from Chollerford to Steel Rigg, we had to rush through Chesters and Housesteads. Hopefully, we can return someday to give them the time they deserve.
#8 You Won’t Always Be Able to See Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall Path generally follows the route of the Wall, but in some sections, like in Newcastle, it runs along the River Tyne instead. Even when you’re on the path of the Wall, it won’t always be visible. In some places, the Wall is buried underground, and in others, its stones have been repurposed for buildings like Lanercost Priory or Carlisle Castle.
Some people claim the trail is easy to follow because you’re walking along the Wall. This isn’t entirely accurate. While the path is well sign-posted for the most part, you won’t be walking right alongside the Wall the entire time. We frequently consulted our trusty guidebook to find our way each day. The path is not difficult to follow, but don’t expect to have the Wall in sight at all times.
#9 There are a Lot of Stiles
A stile is a structure or opening that allows people to pass through walls or fences while keeping livestock out. I was surprised by just how many stiles there were along the path.
I had a bit of a love-hate relationship with the stiles. Some are very photogenic (see photo at the top of this blog post), and the views as you cross over them can be amazing. However, they do slow you down and, after many miles of walking, they can require a lot of energy to get over.
#10 You Will Meet Other Hikers From Around the Globe
One of the joys of walking Hadrian’s Wall is the camaraderie with fellow walkers and the friendliness of the locals. Whether you’re sharing tips with other hikers or chatting with locals at a pub, the sense of community is both uplifting and encouraging.
I was particularly impressed by the range of accents we encountered. We met many Americans and, of course, plenty of Brits. But it didn’t stop there—hikers had traveled from Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and Spain. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect with people from around the world, all sharing in the experience of this remarkable walk.
#11 It’s Best to Pack More than You Think You Will Need
For most of our trips, I don’t worry much about forgetting or running out of things, as it’s typically easy to pick up whatever we need at a store. However, this is not the case when walking Hadrian’s Wall. Between Newcastle and Carlisle, there are very few stores. If you don’t have something or run out of it, you may have to cope without it, which could pose problems for completing your walk.
You will need a first aid kit. Of course, you hope you won’t need it, but you want to be able to handle problems that might arise on the trail. Even something minor like a blister can become quite painful if not treated properly.
Make sure to check out our Hadrian’s Wall packing guide to help you prepare. This is not the time for packing light.
#12 You Will See Lots of Animals
Hadrian’s Wall Path offers some excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. While we saw plenty of birds and a few slugs, there have also been reports of seals in the River Tyne. As you walk through numerous fields, you’re likely to encounter sheep, cows, and horses. While sheep are generally harmless, you should exercise caution around cows and horses to avoid getting trampled.
#13 The Terrain You Cover is Diverse
Over the course of the walk, you will pass through many different types of landscapes. There are numerous fields, sections along roads, stretches through the crags with steep ascents and descents, paths through the woods, and even urban areas.
Be prepared for varied walking conditions, including uneven ground and challenging climbs. You will be thankful for proper footwear and a bit of pre-hike training.
#14 It’s Not Just Roman History You Will Learn About
While the walk is centered around Hadrian’s Wall and features numerous historical sites and museums from Roman times, you will also encounter more recent history along the way. For instance, as you walk out of Newcastle, you’ll find interesting information boards about the history of the shipbuilding industry.
As you continue along the trail, you will pass by several other historic sites from different eras. For example, the site of the Battle of Heavenfield marks a significant victory for the Anglo-Saxons over the Celts in the 7th century. Thirlwall Castle, built in the 14th century, served as protection during the Scottish Raids in medieval times. In Burgh-by-Sands, you’ll find St. Michael’s Church, where Edward I lay in state after he died nearby in 1307.
#15 It’s a Mental Challenge Almost as Much as a Physical One
Walking 84 miles is no easy feat. I knew it would be hard before we started, but I was surprised by just how exhausted I was at the end of each day. I had pictured myself with my feet up, reading a book, but I barely had the energy for anything other than rest.
When you’re tired, everything becomes more challenging, but you need to try to maintain a positive mindset. Your feet will hurt, which can also put you in a bad mood. Focus on the positives, remind yourself of the amazing journey you’re on, and keep moving forward.
#16 You Will Walk More Than 84 Miles
While Hadrian’s Wall Path is officially 84 miles long, you’ll end up walking much more than that. You’ll take detours to explore Roman forts (which are huge), and you’ll need to walk a bit to get to your accommodation each night. According to my Garmin Watch, we walked a total of 118 miles. It was all worth it, though!
Ready to Walk Hadrian’s Wall?
Now that you know what to expect, you’re hopefully feeling inspired and excited to start your own Hadrian’s Wall adventure. Whether it’s the diverse terrain, the rich history, or the camaraderie with fellow walkers, there’s so much to look forward to.
To connect with others who are planning their first walk, share tips, and get support, join our Facebook group: Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers’ Community. We can’t wait to see you there and hear about your journey!
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Last Updated on October 23, 2024