When planning a long-distance walk like the Hadrian’s Wall Path, toilets might not be the first thing on your mind. Still, at some point along those 84 miles, you will wish you knew exactly where the next restroom was.
Since the Hadrian’s Wall Path goes through some remote countryside, toilet stops can be few and far between. While there are facilities at major forts, visitor centres, and some villages, there are also long stretches without any public restrooms. Unless you want to make an emergency detour to the nearest pub or find yourself searching for a hidden spot behind a tree, it pays to plan ahead.
This guide provides a complete list of toilets along Hadrian’s Wall Path, along with tips for staying comfortable on the trail. Whether you are wondering where the public restrooms are located or want to avoid unnecessary detours, this post will help you prepare.
Now, let’s get into the details.
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Contents
Toilet Options Along the Hadrian’s Wall Path
One of my biggest worries when I was walking Hadrian’s Wall Path was if I would find clean toilets when I needed them. While some public facilities are available, many of the best options are in pubs, cafés, and visitor centres. Not only do these places provide a much-needed restroom break, but they also offer food, drinks, and a sheltered place to rest.
When we did our Hadrian’s Wall walk, I was especially thankful for the local businesses that kept their restrooms clean and available for walkers. If you stop at a pub or café to use the facilities, please consider buying something as a thank you. A coffee, snack, or even just a bottle of water helps support these businesses and keeps them open for future walkers.
Keep in mind that hours may be limited, especially in smaller villages. Plan ahead and take advantage of facilities whenever you see them. To make that easier, I have included a list of toilets along the trail, moving from east to west below.
If you would like a printable version for either walking east or west, you can get that here.
List of Toilets From East to West
Note: Some locations appear in multiple sections since walkers may need facilities both in the evening and the following morning before setting out.
Wallsend – Heddon
📍 Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum
📍 The Merchant’s Tavern (Pub)
📍 The Tyne Bar (Pub)
📍 Various options in Newcastle city centre – Plenty of cafés, pubs, and restaurants
📍 Quayside Pub (Pub)
📍 Liosi’s Sicilian Cafe Bar (Café/Bar)
📍 Kelly’s (Café)
📍 Maximo’s Deli (Café)
📍 Tyne Rowing Club & Bar (Café/Bar)
📍 Hedley’s Riverside Coffee Shop (Café)
📍 Keelman Pub (Pub)
📍 The Swan Heddon (Pub)
📍 Shell Heddon (Gas station)
📍 Three Tuns (Pub)
Heddon – Chollerford
📍 Three Tuns (Pub)
📍 Shell Heddon (Gas station)
📍 The Swan Heddon (Pub)
📍 Robin Hood Inn (Pub)
📍 Errington Coffee House (Café)
📍 Riverside Kitchen (Café)
Chollerford – Once Brewed/Steel Rigg
📍 Riverside Kitchen (Café)
📍 Chesters Roman Fort
📍 Housesteads Roman Fort – The visitor centre has a portaloo, and the café (a 10-minute walk down the hill) has regular toilets.
📍 The Sill – (The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre 0.5 miles off the trail)
📍 Twice Brewed Inn (Pub) – 0.5 miles off the trail.
Once-Brewed/Steel Rigg – Greenhead
📍 The Sill – (The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre 0.5 miles off the trail)
📍 Twice Brewed Inn (Pub) – 0.5 miles off the trail
📍 Cawfields Quarry Toilets – Public toilet at a scenic picnic area
📍 Walltown Visitor Centre Toilets – In Walltown Country Park
📍 Roman Army Museum Toilets – Located inside the museum
📍 Samson Inn (Pub)
Greenhead – Walton
📍 Gilsland Public Toilets – A small public restroom in the village
📍 Birdoswald Roman Fort
📍 Haytongate Hut (honesty box) – 200 meters off the trail
📍 Lanercost Priory Tearoom – 0.5 miles off the trail
Walton – Carlisle (this is the toughest section for toilets)
📍 Stag Inn (Pub, Crosby-on-Eden)
📍 Various options in Carlisle – Plenty of cafés, pubs, and restaurants with facilities.
📍 Sands Centre Toilets (Carlisle)
Carlisle – Bowness-on-Solway
📍 Various options in Carlisle – Plenty of cafés, pubs, and restaurants with facilities.
📍 Sands Centre Toilets (Carlisle)
📍 Beaumont Parish Hall Toilets – Public restroom.
📍 The Greyhound Inn (Pub, Burgh-by-Sands)
📍 Laal Bite (Drumburgh) – Honesty box
📍 Port Carlisle Methodist Church – Honesty box
📍 Bowness-on-Solway Village Hall
📍 King’s Arms (Pub, Bowness-on-Solway)
Pro Tips for Managing Without Frequent Toilets
Even with careful planning, there will be times when restrooms are not available exactly when you need them. Here are a few strategies to help you stay comfortable and prepared while following the rules of the trail.
Use a toilet when you can, even if you don’t think you need to
I hate using public toilets, but if there is one thing worse, it is having to go outside. Privacy can be a real challenge on certain stretches of Hadrian’s Wall Path. There are long, open sections with nowhere to hide, so if you skip a restroom thinking you can wait, you might regret it later. Take advantage of every opportunity, whether at a visitor centre, café, or pub, because it could be a while before the next one.
Carry wipes and hand sanitizer
Public restrooms are not always stocked with soap or paper towels, and if you need to go outside, you will want a way to clean your hands properly. Bring both hand sanitizer and wipes so you can stay hygienic no matter the situation. Wipes can also be helpful for freshening up after a long day of walking. Just remember that even biodegradable wipes should be taken with you and not left on the trail.
Pack out all trash and follow Leave No Trace principles
If you have no choice but to go outside, be responsible about it. Digging is forbidden anywhere near Hadrian’s Wall, so do not attempt to bury anything. If you use toilet paper or wipes, pack them in a sealed bag and take it with you. No one wants to see litter left behind on the trail.
Consider a “female urinal” device for emergencies
In recent years, the female urinal has become more popular for woman. Devices like these allow you to go standing up, which can be especially helpful when privacy is limited. They are also useful in cold or wet weather when you might not want to expose too much skin.
This is something I am definitely considering for the future, as I think it might make going to the bathroom outside more comfortable for me. Based on my research, I think I will try a hard plastic one rather than a flexible one, as I have been told it is easier to use. If you are thinking about getting one, check out the options on Amazon here, and be sure to practice using it before your walk so you feel confident with how it works.
Stay hydrated
It can be tempting to drink less water to avoid frequent stops, but this can be a costly mistake. Dehydration leads to fatigue, headaches, and muscle cramps, all of which make walking much harder. Instead, drink small amounts consistently throughout the day and plan restroom breaks as needed.
For more advice on preparing for the walk, be sure to read our blog post Essential Tips for Walking Hadrian’s Wall.
Managing Toilets on Hadrian’s Wall Path
Before I walked Hadrian’s Wall Path, finding toilets was one of my biggest concerns. I knew facilities existed, but I also knew there would be long stretches without them. While I was able to manage it, it wasn’t always easy. For my next walk (which is TBD), I’ll definitely be looking into a female urinal to make things a little less stressful.
The good news? With some planning, you can make it work. There are toilets along the trail, but they’re not always where you need them, so knowing your options ahead of time is key. This is why our itineraries include toilet locations (and lots of other helpful details). You won’t have to wonder where the next restroom will be.
Whether you’re feeling confident about your plans or still sorting out the details, I highly recommend joining our Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers’ Community group on Facebook. It’s a great place to ask questions, get planning tips, and hear from other walkers who have tackled the route.
Toilets might not be the most glamorous part of planning a long-distance walk, but knowing what to expect can make your journey much smoother. Hopefully, this guide helps you feel more prepared and ready to take on Hadrian’s Wall Path with confidence!
-Anisa
PS Be sure to grab our printable list of toilets along Hadrian’s Wall here.
Last Updated on April 13, 2025