Walking Hadrian’s Wall is a journey through history and amazing landscapes, and you will get a huge sense of accomplishment when you complete the 84-mile trail. Most people choose to walk this historic path from west to east, but we decided to change things up and go east to west instead.
Why, you ask? Well, we had our reasons and looking back we were happy with our choice. In this blog post, we will share why we chose this less common route. We hope this information will help you decide which direction to take for your own Hadrian’s Wall adventure.
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Overview of Hadrian’s Wall Walk
The Hadrian’s Wall Walk is an 84-mile-long National Trail that runs between Bowness-on-Solway in the west and Wallsend in the east. This historic path follows the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall, taking hikers through the beautiful landscapes of Northumberland and Cumbria, and offering a unique journey through ancient Roman history.
**If you are thinking about walking Hadrian’s Wall, then join the Facebook group Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers Community here to learn more about what to expect.
Reasons to Walk Hadrian’s Wall East to West
Which direction should you walk Hadrian’s Wall? That’s one of the most frequently asked questions about the Hadrian’s Wall path. Just because most people walk Hadrian’s Wall from west to east doesn’t mean you have to follow the crowd! We chose to walk it from east to west, and here are the reasons why this direction was the best choice for us.
RELATED READ: 16 Surprising Insights Into Walking Hadrian’s Wall That You Need to Know!
#1 We Preferred to Start in a City and End in the Countryside
If you start your walk from the eastern end, you’ll kick things off in Newcastle, a bustling and vibrant city. It’s actually the fourth largest city in England by population, following London, Birmingham, and Manchester. We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Newcastle, and I was particularly impressed with the lively Quayside area.
Before we started our walk, we found it helpful to visit the Segedunum Roman Fort and Museum, located at the eastern end of the trail, to learn more about the history of Hadrian’s Wall. Also, in Newcastle there are plenty of opportunities to pick up any items you might have forgotten. (Be sure to check out our Hadrian’s Wall Packing list to make sure you bring all the necessities!)
The walk’s western end is Bowness-on-Solway, a small yet scenic village. The terminus is marked by a modest hut, offering lovely views over the estuary. When we finished our walk, we were able to sit in the shelter (out of the rain) and soak in the serenity of the area. We could enjoy a glass of wine to celebrate our accomplishment of completing our 84-mile journey in peace.
For those who prefer a more lively celebration at the end of their walk, starting from the west and walking towards the east might be a better option. Finishing in Newcastle means you can celebrate your achievement in a bustling city with plenty of restaurants, bars, and cultural attractions.
#2 We Wanted to Walk along the Wall in the Direction it was Built
Back in AD 122, when Hadrian’s Wall was constructed, the work started in the east and moved westward. So, it seemed fitting to me to walk the wall in the same direction. It’s impressive to think that it took them only six years to build most of it.
Initially, the plan was for the wall to be over 9 feet wide, but they made some changes likely due to resource constraints, so the wall would be narrower. You can still see places where there’s a narrow wall on wide foundations.
#3 We Hoped The Wind Would be That Bad
In this part of England, the prevailing winds usually blow from west to east. So, in theory, walking from east to west means you might be heading into the wind. But let’s be real, it’s not always windy, and sometimes the wind changes direction.
There are pros and cons to walking against the wind. Sure, it might be a bit more effort, but I’d rather face the breeze than have it push me down a steep section. Plus, there’s the added bonus of keeping my hair out of my face while I walk!
#4 We Would Cross Paths with More Hikers
One of the unexpected perks of walking Hadrian’s Wall from east to west was that we got a chance to meet a lot of hikers going in the opposite direction. This gave us plenty of opportunities to stop for a quick chat. It was fun to find out where people were from and how the walk was going for them, and they often provided helpful information about the path ahead. For example, we were warned about a particularly muddy section and even a dead sheep we should look out for.
#5 Logistically it was Easier for Us
The main reason we decided to walk Hadrian’s Wall from east to west was that it was simply easier for us to get to Newcastle. It was a shorter train ride from Norwich, and adding another 1.5 hours to reach Carlisle, plus a bus ride to Bowness, just didn’t appeal to us. Newcastle is also on the main East Coast train line, so you can travel directly from London. Of course, your logistics might be different depending on where you’re coming from and where you want to head afterward.
Note: You can use Trainline to check train schedules. It can also help you save money on train tickets with their split ticket options.
We planned to head to the Borders in Scotland after we finished the walk. For the last two nights of our journey, we stayed in Carlisle, which has a convenient bus service to the Borders. Carlisle also boasts excellent train links to Edinburgh, Manchester, Birmingham, and York, making it a great jumping-off point for further adventures.
**As you’re planning your own walk along Hadrian’s Wall, don’t forget to sort out your accommodations! Our FREE Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory will help you find the perfect places to stay, whether you’re going east to west or the other way around. Get access here.
Choosing Your Path: East to West or West to East?
Walking Hadrian’s Wall from east to west was an unforgettable experience for us. We learned more about Roman history in Britain, enjoyed the scenery, and met fellow hikers along the way. Whether you choose to start in Newcastle or Bowness-on-Solway, each direction offers its own unique set of adventures and challenges.
We hope our reasons for choosing the east-to-west route help you figure out the best option for you. We’d love to hear your thoughts on the best direction to walk the wall—share your opinions and experiences in the comments below!
Ready to walk Hadrian’s Wall your way? Whether you’re heading East or West, our comprehensive itineraries have everything you need for a perfectly planned adventure. Discover all the details here!
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Last Updated on October 30, 2024