If you’re thinking about walking Hadrian’s Wall Path, you’re not alone! Every day, new members join the Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers’ Community on Facebook, eager to ask the same question: “What are your best tips for walking Hadrian’s Wall?”
We walked Hadrian’s Wall in June 2024, and after 84+ miles, we’ve got more tips than we can type into a Facebook comment. From planning your trip to training and gear, this blog post is packed with the kind of advice we wish we had known before setting out.
Now, let me share our top tips to help you have an enjoyable and stress-free journey along Hadrian’s Wall Path!
Note: This post contains affiliate links. Please see disclosure for more information.
Contents
- Tips for Planning Your Hadrian’s Wall Walk
- Book Your Accommodations in Advance (Don’t Wing It!)
- You Don’t Need a Tour Company to Walk Hadrian’s Wall
- Don’t Overthink East vs. West—Just Pick One!
- Plan to Walk Between May and September (If Possible)
- Include a Rest Day if You Can
- Plan Your Meals in Advance
- Consider an English Heritage Membership or Overseas Visitor Pass
- Use a Luggage Transfer Service
- Pack All the Essentials
- Don’t Forget Your ETA (If Applicable)
- Consider Adding Extra Days to Explore the UK
- Tips for Training for Your Hadrian’s Wall Walk
- Tips for Hiking Hadrian’s Wall
- Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions
- Carry Plenty of Water and Snacks
- Don’t Forget Your Phone and a Battery Pack
- Have a First Aid Kit with You
- Bring a Guidebook or Map
- Have Cash, Including Small Change
- Bring a Collapsible Stool for Comfortable Breaks
- Allow Time to Explore the Historic Sites
- Take Lots of Photos!
- Expect to Walk More Than 84 Miles
- Respect the Path
- Protect Your Feet Against Blisters
- Be Cautious Around Cows
- Watch Out for Stinging Nettles
- Final Thoughts and Advice for Walking Hadrian’s Wall
Tips for Planning Your Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Planning ahead can make the difference between a smooth, enjoyable journey and a stressful one. These are our top tips to help you prepare for your Hadrian’s Wall walk.
Book Your Accommodations in Advance (Don’t Wing It!)
Unlike some long-distance trails where you can decide your stops on the go, Hadrian’s Wall Path requires advance planning when it comes to accommodations. Most places along the route are small, with limited rooms, and they book up quickly—especially in peak season. Also, keep in mind that wild camping is not allowed in England, so you’ll need to plan where you’re staying each night.
To make it easier, we’ve put together a free Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory. It includes essential details like which places serve evening meals, how far they are from the path, if they’re dog-friendly, and whether they offer private bathrooms or single rooms.
You Don’t Need a Tour Company to Walk Hadrian’s Wall
Many first-time walkers assume they need a tour company to book their accommodations and organize their route, but the truth is, you can absolutely plan it yourself! Hadrian’s Wall Path is well-marked, and with a little research (our accommodation directory and a good guidebook), it’s easy to arrange your own accommodations and baggage transfers. Planning it yourself gives you more flexibility and saves you money.
That said, if you’d like a pre-planned itinerary without the high cost of a tour package, we offer detailed 7-day Hadrian’s Wall itineraries. It includes a step-by-step walking plan, accommodation recommendations, meal planning tips, and sightseeing suggestions, so you can confidently organize your own walk without the stress of figuring it all out from scratch.
Don’t Overthink East vs. West—Just Pick One!
One of the most common questions from first-time walkers is “Should I walk from west to east or east to west?” The truth is, there’s no wrong choice—both directions offer incredible scenery and historic sites.
If you prefer having the wind at your back, start your walk at Bowness-on-Solway and head east towards Wallsend. You’ll end up in Newcastle, a lively city where you can celebrate your achievement. On the other hand, if you start at Wallsend and head west to Bowness-on-Solway, you’ll be kicking off your journey where the Romans did, and wrapping up along the peaceful Solway coast.
If you’re struggling to decide, just choose whichever direction works best logistically for your travel plans and enjoy the adventure! You can read about why we chose to walk Hadrian’s Wall from East to West.
Plan to Walk Between May and September (If Possible)
The best time to walk Hadrian’s Wall is May through September when the weather is (usually) milder, the days are longer, and accommodations and attractions are fully open. August is the busiest month, so if you prefer quieter trails, consider May, June, July, or September. Keep in mind outside of peak season, many accommodations, attractions, and restaurants have limited hours or close entirely.
Include a Rest Day if You Can
Hadrian’s Wall Path is a long-distance walk, and while it’s doable without a break, a rest day can make a big difference to how you feel. It will also allow you to do more sightseeing!
We took a rest day in the middle of our walk and visited Vindolanda, one of the best-preserved Roman sites along the route. In addition to taking a free guided tour of the ruins, we were also to explore the fascinating museum. Even though we still walked about five miles that day, it felt like a much-needed break, giving our feet time to recover.
TIP: Book your ticket to Vindolanda in advance here to save on admission. They also offer a combo ticket that includes entry to the Roman Army Museum.
Other rest day ideas include exploring Hexham, Corbridge, Housesteads or Carlisle or simply relaxing at your accommodation.
Plan Your Meals in Advance
Food options along the route can be limited, especially in remote areas, so it’s important to plan ahead. Some accommodations offer evening meals, but you’ll often need to book in advance. In smaller villages, pubs and restaurants may have limited hours or require reservations, so checking ahead is a good idea. Many B&Bs and hotels also offer packed lunches if you request one ahead of time.
We had some wonderful meals at the places we stayed, and it was a relief not to have to go out after a long day of walking. The packed lunches we purchased were generous, and we loved the flexibility of stopping for lunch when we were hungry, rather than waiting until we happened to pass a place to eat.
For more details on which accommodations provide meals, check out our accommodation directory.
Consider an English Heritage Membership or Overseas Visitor Pass
Hadrian’s Wall is packed with historical sites, and many of them are managed by English Heritage. If you plan on visiting multiple attractions, an English Heritage membership or Overseas Visitor Pass could save you money.
Sites included with English Heritage:
✅ Chesters Roman Fort
✅ Housesteads Roman Fort
✅ Birdoswald Roman Fort
✅ Lanercost Priory
✅ Carlisle Castle
Not included (you’ll need to pay separately):
❌ Vindolanda
❌ Roman Army Museum
❌ Segedunum Roman Fort
Note: Historic Scotland and CADW members can visit English Heritage sites for free after a year of membership or get 50% off if they have been members for less than a year. National Trust members can visit Housesteads Roman Fort for free.
Use a Luggage Transfer Service
One of the best decisions we made was using a luggage transfer service! Instead of carrying all your gear each day, these companies transport your bag to your next accommodation so you only have to carry a daypack.
We used Hadrian’s Haul and highly recommend them. It made the walk so much more enjoyable, especially on the hillier sections!
Pack All the Essentials
Many of the places you’ll stay along the route are remote, with no nearby shops, so make sure you have everything you need. We’ve put together a Hadrian’s Wall Packing Guide and a free printable packing list (link) to help you prepare.
Don’t Forget Your ETA (If Applicable)
If you’re visiting from outside the UK, check if you need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before you arrive. The application is online, costs £10, and should be done in advance. Find out more about it here.
Consider Adding Extra Days to Explore the UK
Since you’re already making the journey to Hadrian’s Wall, why not add on a few extra days to explore more of the UK? There are plenty of incredible destinations within easy reach, whether you’re looking for more history, vibrant city life, or beautiful landscapes.
Consider a trip to Scotland since Edinburgh is just a short train ride from Newcastle and offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and scenery. Explore Edinburgh Castle, walk the historic Royal Mile, or hike up Arthur’s Seat for panoramic views of the city.
If you’d rather stay in England, there are plenty of fantastic cities to visit. York, with its medieval streets and impressive Minster, is a great option for history lovers. Manchester offers a thriving arts and music scene, while Newcastle has a vibrant waterfront and excellent museums.
Of course, if you have time, London is packed with iconic landmarks like the London Eye, the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace, world-class museums like the British Museum, and endless things to see and do. You could also do day trips to Stonehenge, Windsor Castle, Cambridge, the White Cliffs of Dover, and many more from London.
Tips for Training for Your Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Training properly for Hadrian’s Wall Path will make the experience much more enjoyable and help you avoid unnecessary aches, pains, or injuries. Walking 84+ miles over several consecutive days is a challenge, but with the right preparation, it’s absolutely doable—even if you’re not in peak physical shape when you start.
Start Training Early and Build Up Your Mileage Slowly
One of the most important things you can do is start training well in advance so you can gradually increase your endurance. We trained for about seven months before our walk, slowly building up our mileage over time.
If you’re new to long-distance walking, don’t worry about starting small. Just focus on adding a little more distance each week and you will notice the progress. Even if you’re already an active walker, it’s a good idea to work up to the daily mileage you’ll be covering on the trail. All your hard work will feel so worth it when you are able to complete the Hadrian’s Wall Path.
Train on Consecutive Days
Walking multiple days in a row is very different from doing a single long hike, so it’s essential to train your body for back-to-back walking days. If possible, schedule weekend training walks where you walk on both Saturday and Sunday. You’ll quickly notice that the second day feels much harder, but this is exactly what you need to prepare for Hadrian’s Wall, where you’ll be walking day after day.
RELATED READ: Biggest Mistakes to Avoid When Walking Hadrian’s Wall
Train with Your Gear
Your training walks are the perfect time to test your gear and make sure everything works well for you. If you’re wearing new boots or shoes, break them in well before your walk to help avoid painful blisters.
You’ll also want to train while carrying your backpack with everything you’ll need—water, snacks, extra layers, and any essentials. Carrying even a small amount of weight changes how your body feels over long distances, so getting used to it in advance will help make the real walk feel much easier.
Incorporate Strength Training and Cross Training
While walking should be the main focus of your training, adding in some strength training and cross-training can make a big difference. Strengthening your legs, glutes, and back will help reduce fatigue and lower the risk of injury, especially when climbing over stiles or navigating the steep crags along the central section of the path. Exercises like squats, lunges, and step-ups can be particularly helpful.
Cross-training with activities like cycling, swimming, or stair climbing is also a great way to build endurance while giving your walking muscles a break. If you can, add some stair or hill training into your routine. Your legs will thank you when you reach the hilly sections of the trail!
Listen to Your Body to Avoid Injuries
As much as it’s important to train, it’s equally important to listen to your body and avoid overtraining. Pushing too hard, too fast can lead to injuries that could derail your trip before it even begins. Instead, focus on progressing gradually and taking rest days when needed.
Stretching before and after walks can help keep your muscles flexible and prevent stiffness. Staying hydrated is also key—dehydration can cause fatigue, cramping, and headaches, all of which can make training (and the actual walk) feel much harder. And if you feel any pain beyond normal soreness, take a break and let your body recover before pushing on.
Make Training Fun
Long-distance training doesn’t have to be boring! Finding ways to enjoy the process will keep you motivated and make training feel less like a chore. Walk in scenic areas, explore new trails, or invite friends to join you. Listen to your favorite podcasts, audiobooks, or playlists to keep your mind engaged while walking. Treat yourself to a nice meal or a relaxing evening after a long training walk to make it something you look forward to.
Follow a Structured Training Plan
If you’re unsure where to start with training, having a structured plan can be really helpful. We’ve created Conquer Hadrian’s Wall: A Complete Training Guide, which is designed to take you from not in great shape to being ready to walk Hadrian’s Wall in seven days within six months. Having a clear plan to follow can keep you on track and ensure you’re fully prepared when the time comes.
With the right preparation, walking Hadrian’s Wall will feel like an exciting adventure rather than an exhausting challenge. Train smart, listen to your body, and enjoy the journey!
Tips for Hiking Hadrian’s Wall
Once you’ve done the planning and training, it’s time for the real adventure! Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path is an incredible experience, but there are a few things to keep in mind to make your journey as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Be Prepared for All Weather Conditions
The weather along Hadrian’s Wall is unpredictable, no matter what the forecast says. You can experience sunshine, wind, and rain all within the same hour! The best way to handle this is to dress in layers and always carry a waterproof jacket and rain cover for your backpack or a pancho. Even in summer, temperatures can drop, especially in exposed areas, so packing a lightweight fleece or warm layer is a good idea.
Carry Plenty of Water and Snacks
There are some stretches of the path where you won’t find shops, cafés, or even a place to refill your water bottle, so it’s important to carry enough for the day. It is recommended that you carry 2 liters per person, but on hot days, you may need more. Adding an electrolyte mix like Liquid IV can help with hydration, especially after long days of walking.
For snacks, we brought trail mix and protein bars to keep our energy up between meals. We didn’t eat as many snacks as I thought we would because breakfast and packed lunches were quite filling.
Don’t Forget Your Phone and a Battery Pack
While much of the trail is well-marked, it’s always a good idea to have a fully charged phone with offline maps (apps like OS Maps or AllTrails can be helpful). Keep in mind that phone signal can be non-existent in some areas, especially in the central, more remote sections.
Carrying a portable battery pack is also essential. Since you’ll likely be using your phone for navigation, photos, and emergencies, it’s best to have a backup charge in case you need it.
Have a First Aid Kit with You
Blisters, minor cuts, or muscle aches can happen, so having a small first aid kit is a smart idea. It should include blister bandaids (like Compeed), antiseptic wipes, regular bandages, pain relievers, and any personal medications. A little preparation can save you a lot of discomfort later!
Bring a Guidebook or Map
Even though the trail is well-signposted, having a guidebook or map can be incredibly helpful for navigation and historical context. We highly recommend the Henry Stedman Trailblazer guidebook because its hand-drawn maps were fantastic for keeping us on track.
Have Cash, Including Small Change
Not every place along the route accepts credit cards, and some honesty boxes along the trail (where you can buy drinks, snacks, and more) only take cash and may not provide change. It’s a good idea to carry some small bills and coins just in case.
Bring a Collapsible Stool for Comfortable Breaks
One of the best things we packed for our Hadrian’s Wall walk was a lightweight collapsible stool, and we were so thankful to have it! While there are a few benches along the path, they are not always where you need them. When you are ready for a break, you do not want to walk another mile just to find somewhere to sit.
Sitting on the ground is not always a great option either. The trail can be muddy, damp, or covered in animal droppings, especially in fields with cows and sheep. Having a portable stool meant we could take breaks whenever and wherever we wanted, whether it was to enjoy the views, eat lunch, or just rest our feet. We were not the only ones who appreciated it. Many fellow walkers saw us using ours and said they wished they had brought one too.
Allow Time to Explore the Historic Sites
One of the things that makes Hadrian’s Wall different from other long distance trails is the history! Along the way, you’ll pass incredible Roman sites like Chesters, Birdoswald, and Housesteads, as well as Lanercost Priory and Carlisle Castle.
You may not have time to visit every site, but planning ahead can help you decide which ones are must-sees for you. Be sure to check opening hours to avoid disappointment.
When we did our walk, we didn’t have enough time (or energy) to explore Housesteads like I wanted to, so we ended up visiting it on another trip. It was easy enough to do a day trip from Newcastle to Hadrian’s Wall.
Take Lots of Photos!
The landscapes along Hadrian’s Wall Path are incredible, from rolling farmland to rugged crags. You’ll definitely want to capture the experience, so take plenty of photos! Some of the most scenic spots include Sycamore Gap, Steel Rigg, and Cawfield Quarry.
Expect to Walk More Than 84 Miles
Hadrian’s Wall Path is officially 84 miles long, but in reality, you’ll walk more than that. Detours to accommodations, stops at historic sites, and the occasional wrong turn all add up! Be mentally and physically prepared for the extra mileage.
Respect the Path
Hadrian’s Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and preserving it is important for future generations. Follow Leave No Trace principles by taking all rubbish with you, respecting wildlife, and avoiding any damage to the Wall or surrounding landscape. Remember, wild camping is not allowed, and digging near the Wall is strictly prohibited.
Stick to the marked paths and try to walk side by side on healthy grass to prevent further erosion. Keeping the trail in good condition helps protect both the landscape and the history that makes this walk so special.
Protect Your Feet Against Blisters
Blisters are the #1 reason people fail to complete Hadrian’s Wall Path, so taking care of your feet is essential. Wearing quality moisture-wicking socks and properly broken-in walking shoes or boots can make a huge difference.
It’s also smart to apply blister prevention products like a blister stick, liquid bandage, or blister bandaids before you even feel a hotspot. Taking a few extra minutes each morning to prep your feet can save you a lot of pain later in the walk.
Be Cautious Around Cows
Hadrian’s Wall Path crosses farmland, which means you’ll likely encounter cows at some point. While they are usually calm, it’s best to approach them with caution, especially if they have calves. Move slowly and calmly, give them plenty of space, and never get between a cow and its calf. If a cow approaches you, don’t panic, stand your ground and move away slowly.
Watch Out for Stinging Nettles
If you’re visiting from outside the UK, you might not be familiar with stinging nettles. These plants have tiny hairs that can cause a stinging, itchy sensation if you brush against them. They grow along paths and hedgerows, so it’s a good idea to wear long pants to protect your legs.
If you do get stung, try to avoid scratching the area, as it can make the irritation worse. The discomfort usually fades after a few minutes, but some people find it helpful to use dock leaves (which often grow nearby) to soothe the sting.
Final Thoughts and Advice for Walking Hadrian’s Wall
Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path is an unforgettable experience, but like any long-distance walk, it comes with challenges. Some days will feel harder than others, and the weather might not always cooperate. The key is to embrace the adventure and go with the flow. When you hit a tough moment, remind yourself why you are doing this. Take in the incredible scenery, appreciate the history beneath your feet, and enjoy every step of the journey.
With the right planning and mindset, this walk is absolutely achievable and incredibly rewarding. Completing Hadrian’s Wall Path is a huge accomplishment, and every mile is part of the story you will tell for years to come.
If you are still in the early stages of planning, be sure to check out our Hadrian’s Wall FAQs for answers to common questions like, “Which direction should I walk?” and “How hard is the trail?” You might also want to read our blog post about the surprising insights you should know before walking Hadrian’s Wall.
No matter how you choose to walk it, Hadrian’s Wall Path is more than just a trail—it is an experience filled with history, gorgeous landscapes, and moments you will never forget. Enjoy the journey!
-Anisa
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Last Updated on March 13, 2025