Before you lace up your boots and pack for your Hadrian’s Wall walk, let me give you 10 convincing reasons why you might want to rethink this whole adventure. Trust me, this walk is totally overrated… right?
My husband Russell and I walked the entire 84-mile Hadrian’s Wall Path in June 2024, and we were way too busy being overwhelmed by the incredible landscapes and fascinating history to actually enjoy ourselves. It was a struggle: the gorgeous views, the adorable sheep, the peaceful countryside… just awful.
If you’re still thinking about walking Hadrian’s Wall, don’t say I didn’t warn you. Just make sure you’re ready to face these terrible hardships. (spoiler: I am being sarcastic, we loved every minute)
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Reasons Why You Definitely Should NOT Walk Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most iconic landmarks in Britain, built nearly 2,000 years ago to protect Roman Britain from the “barbarians” to the north. It stretched 73 miles from coast to coast and also included forts, milecastles, and turrets.
When you take on the challenge of the Hadrian’s Wall Path, you’ll catch glimpses of what’s left of this incredible structure. The surviving ruins are a powerful testament to Roman ingenuity and ambition. Sounds impressive, right? Plus, landmarks like Sycamore Gap have become part of the story of walking Hadrian’s Wall too.
That all sounds wonderfully dramatic, but don’t be fooled. The trail bypasses some of the Wall’s sites and instead takes you along the river in Newcastle. So if you’re expecting ancient stones around every corner, think again.
Curious about what you won’t see on the trail? Check out our guide to the Hadrian’s Wall sites in Newcastle here.
So yes, the Romans were ambitious, the Wall is iconic, and the landscapes are kind of a big deal. But don’t let all that fool you. If you’re still considering walking Hadrian’s Wall, there are some seriously awful things you should be aware of.
Ready? Here are 10 reasons you absolutely, definitely, 100% should NOT do this walk (unless you like breathtaking views, ancient history, and adorable sheep, of course).
#1 Way Too Much Fresh Air
If you’re a fan of air-conditioned rooms or the familiar scent of city smog, Hadrian’s Wall might not be for you. This walk has an annoying habit of leading you through wide open spaces filled with fresh air. You’ll be surrounded by lush green fields, endless skies, and the occasional gentle breeze. Sometimes the gentle breeze might even turn into gale force winds.
Let’s not forget the delightful aroma of sheep and cows that often wafts your way. Honestly, if you enjoy breathing in exhaust fumes, you’re going to be deeply disappointed.
#2 Roman Ruins Everywhere
If ancient Roman architecture and the mysteries of milecastles, forts, and turrets aren’t your thing, you’ll be bored stiff. Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort, and Birdoswald Roman Fort are just a few of the incredibly well-preserved sites you’ll be forced to visit.
These places are packed with history, incredible views, and more information than your brain can handle. If you get an English Heritage Membership/Overseas Pass or Association for Roman Archaeology Membership, you can visit them for free. You’ll have absolutely no excuse not to stop and learn things. Tragic.
Don’t think it’s all dusty textbooks and crumbling walls. We’re talking real artifacts, like a Roman phallus carved into stone for good luck. We missed the one at Chesters Roman Bridge Abutment (devastating), but did find the carving near Birdoswald. It’s a weirdly satisfying little victory.
#3 History Overload
Not a fan of history? Then this walk is your worst nightmare. It’s not just Roman history either. You’ll pass the site of the Battle of Heavenfield which restored Christianity to Northumbria in the 7th century, and St. Michael’s Church in Burgh by Sands, where Edward I lay in state. You’ll walk through areas tied to Britain’s shipbuilding industry.
If that’s not enough, you can visit Carlisle Castle, which has seen centuries of conflict and even held Mary Queen of Scots prisoner. The sheer amount of historical significance packed into this walk is exhausting. Who wants their outdoor adventure to be educational?
It wasn’t easy to narrow down our list of the best places to visit when you walk Hadrian’s Wall! If you want to track all the sites to see along the Hadrian’s Wall Path, you can use our Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall Path: Printable Trail Checklist (also included in our journal).
#4 The Views Are Just Too Spectacular
What’s worse than a jaw-dropping view? Constant jaw-dropping views. From rolling hills to rugged crags, you’ll be forced to gaze at natural beauty for hours on end. You might even find yourself stopping every five minutes just to take it all in.
Let’s be honest, how many times can you say “Wow” before it gets exhausting? You might never appreciate your local park the same way again.
#5 Only 84 Miles
You call that a challenge? I mean, you’ll be done before you’ve even had the chance to properly complain about blisters. At a mere 84 miles from end to end, you’ll finish the walk just as you’re getting into the rhythm of grumbling. Totally not worth it, right?
Oh, and don’t think those 84 miles are all you’ll walk. You’ll easily clock a few extra each day wandering off-trail to find your B&B, chasing down Roman ruins, or detouring for cake (no judgment). So yeah, “only” 84 miles… give or take.
If the idea of finding a place to stay has you nervous, don’t worry. Our Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory will help you find the perfect B&B, hotel, or guesthouse along the trail. You’ll be relaxing in comfort after a day of walking in no time.
#6 Exercise? Gross.
Walking 15 miles a day? Strengthening your legs and improving your stamina? Who needs all that when you could just binge-watch your favorite show instead? If you’re allergic to fitness and the idea of feeling accomplished fills you with dread, you should probably skip this one.
If you’re even slightly tempted to give it a go (and secretly love the idea of feeling strong and smug), check out our Hadrian’s Wall Training Plan. It’s simple, realistic, and designed for real people who have never done anything like this.
#7 Way Too Much Peace and Quiet
Hadrian’s Wall is known for its peaceful countryside, where you can actually hear your own thoughts. Scary, right? No honking horns, no city buzz. Just the wind in the grass, birds overhead, and the occasional fellow walker in the distance. It’s way too serene. You might even find yourself relaxing. Terrifying.
Don’t worry, the sheep are there to ruin it for you. These woolly menaces are everywhere. Peacefully grazing, photobombing your landscape shots, and generally being too cute for their own good. You’ll waste so much time trying to get the perfect sheep selfie.
We even caught one chewing on a paper trail sign, completely unbothered. Just don’t get too distracted by the views because you need to keep one eye on the path at all times unless you fancy stepping in a fresh, squishy “souvenir.”
#8 No Signal, Seriously?!
How are you supposed to show off your epic views if you can’t instantly post them on Instagram? Sure, you’ll get Wi-Fi once you reach those cozy pubs or B&Bs, and to be fair, there are some spots along the trail where mobile is decent.
But during some of the walk? You might be forced to… unplug. You’ll just have to take in the rolling hills, ancient ruins, and sweeping skies without checking your notifications. Ew. Tragic, I know. You might even end up noticing enough along the way to fill your Hadrian’s Wall journal.
#9 You Don’t Like Good Food
Maybe you came to England hoping for bland, boring British food. If so, Hadrian’s Wall will be a massive disappointment.
I was genuinely surprised by how good the food was along the trail. Most mornings started with a hearty Full English Breakfast (because what’s a 15-mile day without black pudding and sausages?). We enjoyed several gourmet three-course dinners, cozy pub meals, homemade lasagna, and more scones and cakes than I care to admit.
The best part? Thanks to all the walking, we ate a lot and never felt guilty about it. Fuel, after all, is essential for survival… and second helpings are practically a safety measure.
#10 You’ll Probably Get Addicted
If you somehow make it through the 84 miles (which, let’s be real, you will if you prepare properly), don’t be surprised if you find yourself addicted to long-distance walks. There’s something about the sense of achievement, the fresh air, and the unbeatable views that just keeps pulling people back. It’s a slippery slope.
Soon you’ll be thinking about walking it again, checking out other long-distance trails, and re-reading your Hadrian’s Wall Path guidebook just because you’re not quite ready to let the adventure go. Next thing you know, you’ll be planning to walk the Hadrian’s Wall Path in the other direction or you’ll be eyeing up the Pennine Way. Save yourself while you still can.
Okay, But Seriously… Why Wouldn’t You Want to Do This?
We’ve had our fun here, but in all honesty, Hadrian’s Wall Path is an incredible experience, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. Whether it’s your first time tackling a long-distance walk or you’re just looking for a new adventure, make sure to join the Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers’ Community on Facebook. It’s a supportive group full of fellow adventurers, helpful tips, and tons of inspiration.
So, what are you waiting for? The wall’s been here for 2,000 years, and it’s calling your name. It was definitely one of our best trips ever, so don’t let these “reasons not to” stop you. Absolutely go for it.
When you do finish, don’t forget to claim your Hadrian’s Wall completion certificate as proof that you survived all that fresh air, history, and scenic suffering.
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Last Updated on March 25, 2026