So, you’re thinking about walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path? Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for a new adventure, Hadrian’s Wall Path offers an unforgettable experience. We are here to answer all the frequently asked questions to help you decide if the Hadrian’s Wall Walk is right for you and plan your adventure.
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Hadrian’s Wall Walk FAQs
Tackling the Hadrian’s Wall Path can seem like a overwhelming task and you probably have a lot of questions if it’s your first time doing a lone distance walk. We did the entire Hadrian’s Wall Path in June 2024 and are excited to share our experience with you.
If you have a question that isn’t covered here, please leave it in the comments and we will add it to the post. Alternatively, you can join our Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers’ Community on Facebook and ask it there.
About the Walk
How long is the Hadrian’s Wall Path?
The trail stretches 84 miles (135 kilometers), running from Bowness-on-Solway in the west to Wallsend in the east. For the most part, it follows the line of the ancient Roman Wall, giving you a perfect mix of history, nature, and adventure​. You won’t always see the wall as in some places it is underground and in others people have stolen the stones over the years for other buildings.
How many days does it take to walk the trail?
The average walker completes the trail in 6 to 8 days, depending on their pace and the itinerary they’ve chosen. We did our walk in 7 days plus a rest day to visit Vindolanda. The more days you have the more you will be able to see, this is not a race.
How difficult is the Hadrian’s Wall Path?
Seasoned walkers won’t find it difficult. For others like us, there were definitely some steep up and down sections and it is a lot of miles. Overall, it was the most challenging walk I have ever done, although some short day hikes may have had steeper sections.
When is the best time to walk Hadrian’s Wall?
The most popular time to walk is between May and September when the weather is warmer and the days are longer. However, be prepared for some rain – this is northern England, after all! For a quieter experience, try walking in spring or early autumn​. Keep in mind that during the offseason many business and historic attractions will have shorter opening hours or even close.
What kind of terrain can I expect?
The path is a mix of grassy fields, wooded areas, rugged hilltops, and some tarmac roads. The middle section, between Greenhead and Chollerford, is the most challenging but also the most scenic, offering amazing views over the countryside​.
Is the Hadrian’s Wall Path easy to follow?
Acorns signs mark the path as that is the symbol for National Trail. Still, there were times we were a bit unsure which direction to go, so we had to consult our guidebook. We highly recommend the Trailblazers Hadrian’s Wall Path Guidebook because it has hand-drawn maps that are very detailed.
Get the Trailblazers Guide on Amazon US here.
Get the Trailblazers Guide on Amazon UK here.
Should you do the walk east to west or west to east?
Either way will work, so don’t stress about this too much. You can read our blog post about why we walked Hadrian’s Wall from East to West to find out more.
Is it necessary to walk the entire route?
No. While many walkers plan to complete the entire 84 miles, you can walk as little or as much as you like. It’s easy to take a day trip to visit Hadrian’s Wall from Newcastle or Carlisle on public transportation. If you’re driving, you can park at Steel Rigg and do a shorter walk.
If you can walk the entire path, you won’t regret it. Not only do you get a huge sense of accomplishment by finishing it all but we enjoyed even some parts of the trail that others call “boring.”
RELATED READ: 16 Surprising Insights Into Walking Hadrian’s Wall That You Need to Know!
Preparation and Gear
What level of fitness is required?
You don’t need to be an Olympic athlete to walk Hadrian’s Wall, but a moderate level of fitness helps. Some sections are flat and easy, while others (especially around the Whin Sill) are more hilly and rugged. If you’re a beginner, it’s important to train a little before starting​​. It took us about seven months of training to prepare for our Hadrian’s Wall walk.
If you want to learn from our training experience, I have put together a complete training plan complete with a tracker. It outlines step by step what you need to do to get ready for the Hadrian’s Wall walk and is full of tips to make it easier and more enjoyable. You can get our Hadrian’s Wall training plan here.
Do I need special equipment?
At the very least, you’ll need sturdy walking boots, waterproof gear (trust us on this one!), and a daypack for essentials like water and snacks. We’ve written a full blog post about What to Pack for Walking Hadrian’s Wall that goes into more details. You should plan on buying your gear in advance so you can break it in and practice using it before you get to Hadrian’s Wall.
Grab a free printable version of our packing list here.
Do you need walking poles?
This really is a personal preference. For me, I only really used the poles for potential self-defense when walking through fields with cows. Some people say they wouldn’t have been able to complete the walk without them while others hate them.
The poles do provide stability and can be helpful when navigating the crags especially if it is raining. You can also use them to measure puddle/mud depth. Unless you are sure you won’t need them, it is probably best to bring them along just in case.
Accommodations on Hadrian’s Wall
Where can I stay along the trail?
There are plenty of places to stay along the route, from cozy B&Bs to campsites. Check out our free Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory to find the perfect spot to rest after a day of walking. We’ve listed everything from budget-friendly hostels to charming guesthouses​.
Do you need to book accommodation in advance when you walk Hadrian’s Wall?
Yes. Most of the places where you can stay when you do Hadrian’s Wall are small so that book up in advance and since it is a rural area options are limited.
Waiting to book your accommodation can be a big mistake as you may end up staying farther away from the trail. Ideally, you want to have your accommodation confirmed at least six months in advance.
Can you camp along Hadrian’s Wall?
Wild camping is not allowed in England, but there are campsites along the trail where you can pitch your tent. These are included in our free Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory.
Logistics For Doing the Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Do you need a company to organize your Hadrian’s Wall walk?
Some people prefer the convenience of using a company to plan their Hadrian’s Wall walk, but it is definitely something you can do on your own. Planning the trip yourself will give you more flexibility and save you money.
We have resources to help you including our Hadrian’s Wall Accommodation Directory and comprehensive itineraries. There are also experienced walkers in our Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers’ Community on Facebook who are happy to answer any questions you have.
Is there public transport along the route?
Yes! Public transport connects various parts of the trail, especially around major towns like Carlisle, Newcastle, and Hexham. This makes it easy to hop on a bus or train if you need to take a break or shorten your walk​.
There is a train that runs from Newcastle to Carlisle, with stops in Hexham and Haltwhistle. The AD122 Bus runs between Hexham and Haltwhistle and stops at several places along the Hadrian’s Wall Path. There is also the 93 Bus that runs between Bowness-on-Solway and Carlisle.
Do you have to carry all your luggage when you walk Hadrian’s Wall?
No. There are baggage transfer companies that will pick up your bags in the morning and drop them off at your next stop. We used Hadrian’s Haul for this and it was a smooth process.
Misc Questions About the Hadrian’s Wall Walk
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Yes, dogs are welcome on the Hadrian’s Wall Path, but it can make your walk more challenging. Keep in mind that some sections pass through farmland with livestock, and it’s important to keep your dog on a leash in these areas​. You should also be aware that there are a lot of ladder stiles that you will need to go over and some dogs struggle with these and need to be carried.
Be sure to check and make sure places that you are planning on staying at are dog-friendly. You also need to make sure that the places you plan are eating are dog-friendly.
Is it safe to walk Hadrian’s Wall alone?
Yes, it’s a rural area so you don’t have to worry about crime. You will have to navigate and problem solve on the trail on your own though which can be challenging. There are people that do it and the ones I have spoken to enjoyed it.
Is there cell service on the Hadrian’s Wall path?
For the most part, we did have cell service on our Hadrian’s Wall but there were areas we didn’t. Your coverage will depend on your carrier, but expect to be without service in some places. This is another reason it is important to have a guidebook and/or download offline maps.
What do you do for food when you are walking Hadrian’s Wall?
Many of the accommodations along Hadrian’s Wall will offer a packed lunch. We did this most days as there are not many places to eat in certain sections. The packed lunches were very generous so we barely ate the snacks that we had brought along.
There are also some honesty boxes where you can get snacks on the western half of the trail. You will need to bring small change for this.
You should also be sure to bring plenty of water with you as there are not always places to refill your water bottles. Two liters per day is recommended.
In the evenings, we ate well. I was impressed by the quality of the food we were served. Our favorite dinners were at David’s Restaurant in Carlisle and the Greenhead Hotel. Be sure to book all meals and packed lunches in advance.
Do you have to worry about bugs when doing Hadrian’s Wall?
There can be bugs mostly midges depending on when you do your walk and the weather. If it is windy, the midges stay away. It’s best to be prepared with bug spray. During our walk, the midges were definitely annoying but we didn’t get bitten.
Is it expensive to walk Hadrian’s Wall?
It can be, but there are also plenty of budget options when it comes to accommodation.
Are there toilets along Hadrian’s Wall?
Yes there are some public toilets and you can also use the bathroom when you stop at a pub/tearoom for a snack. Some of the historical sites also have toilets you can use.
Are the historical sites along Hadrian’s Wall free to visit?
Some of the historical sites along Hadrian’s Wall are free to visit. Chesters Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort, Birdoswald Roman Fort, Lanercost Priory, and Carlisle Castle are free for English Heritage Members. For those coming from abroad, you could purchase the English Heritage Overseas visitor pass to get the same benefit. National Trust members can visit Housesteads for free.
If you want to visit Segedunum Roman Fort, Vindolanda, or the Roman Army Museum, there will be an admission charge. You can save money by purchasing a combined ticket for Vindolanda and the Roman Army Museum here.
Can you walk on Hadrian’s Wall?
No, you should not walk on or climb Hadrian’s Wall. This helps protect what is left of the Wall for future generations. The only exception is where you cross to the other side of the Wall at Sycamore Gap.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Walking Hadrian’s Wall is an experience you won’t forget. Whether you’re doing a section or tackling the whole path, the combination of Roman history, rolling landscapes, and people you meet will make this a journey like no other.
If you have more questions or just want to learn more about walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path, please join our Facebook Group, the Hadrian’s Wall First Time Walkers’ Community, to continue the discussion. You might also want to read our blog post with Essential Tips for Walking Hadrian’s Wall.
-Anisa
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Last Updated on March 13, 2025