Hadrian’s Wall
Hadrian’s Wall Path, opened in 2003, was an immediate success with walkers from both the UK and abroad. The route follows the course of northern Europe’s largest surviving Roman monument, built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian between AD122 and AD128 to protect the northern extreme of the Roman Empire.
The path crosses the country coast to coast from Wallsend, near Newcastle, through the rolling border countryside of Northumberland, continuing on to the historic city of Carlisle and finally to the flat plains of the Solway Coast.
Hadrian’s Wall Path was the first National Trail to follow the course of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To ensure that the integrity of the Wall was in no way compromised, an archaeologist was on hand each time a signpost or waymark was driven into the ground. As a consequence, it took ten years to open the path to the public – four years more than it took the 2nd and 6th legions of the Roman Army to build the actual wall. However, anyone who has ever walked the trail will testify, it was well worth the wait.
The most dramatic section of the walk is in the centre, where the landscape is at its most impressive, and large stretches of the wall still remain. Here, you’ll also find some of the best-preserved fortresses. It’s easy to imagine how these windswept moors looked centuries ago, as the Wall, punctuated by forts, milecastles, and turrets, snaked its way through the undulating Northumberland countryside. This wilderness is bookended by the bustling City of Newcastle on the east, and on the west the breathtakingly beautiful plains at Bowness on Solway, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a haven for birdwatchers.
With the Romans long gone, the wall fell into disrepair, and much of the stone became the fabric of the churches, abbeys and priories you see today. The Wall’s legacy lives on in the names of the towns and villages along the route; Wallsend, Wallhouses, Walton and even Oldwall being just a few examples.
Despite a few undulating sections, the path itself is considered one of the easier national trails, a route where you can spend a week on well-trodden paths marvelling at the fascinating remains and the stunning scenery around you.
Our Holidays
We have a range of walking holidays along Hadrian’s Wall, from a 3 day short break on the most dramatic, central section of the wall between Humshaugh and Gilsland, to a 6 to 10 day walk over the entire length of the National Trail.
Please bear in mind that the distances each day are trail distances only. They do not take into account walking to your accommodation. On some days the accommodation might be on or close to the trail but on other days you may need to walk one or two miles to get to your overnight stop.
Which Way to Walk the Wall?
We are happy to arrange the walk in either direction. Most people walk from east to west, as described here. This is the way the official guidebook describes the route, but another guidebook offers a description in either direction. Some people prefer starting in the west, as this is the direction of the prevailing wind. However, we often get easterly winds as well, and we think it’s good to get the urban bit around Newcastle out of the way early. If you’d like to start in the west, please make a note in the comments section on the booking form.
Hadrian's Wall Path
Tynemouth to Bowness on Solway 86 miles/138 km
Walk from coast to coast along one of Britain’s most iconic trails, following the line of the Roman Empire’s northern frontier. Starting at the North Sea and ending by the Solway Firth, the Hadrian’s Wall Path offers a rich mix of Roman history, sweeping views, and varied landscapes, from bustling cityscapes to remote moorland. We offer 5 itineraries covering the whole route. Our 7 and 9 day options can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.
Code | Length | Average per day | Price range | |
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HW7 | 6 days walking (7 nights) | 14 miles/23 km | £778 - £882 | Full Info Book |
HW8 | 7 days walking (8 nights) | 13 miles/21 km | £853 - £975 | Full Info Book |
HW8D | 7 days walking (8 nights) | 13 miles/21 km | £1010 - £1132 | Full Info Book |
HW9 | 8 days walking (9 nights) | 11 miles/18 km | £965 - £1104 | Full Info Book |
HW9D | 8 days walking (9 nights) | 11 miles/18 km | £1089 - £1228 | Full Info Book |
HW10 | 9 days walking (10 nights) | 10 miles/16 km | £1085 - £1242 | Full Info Book |
HW11 | 10 days walking (11 nights) | 9 miles/14 km | £1196 - £1370 | Full Info Book |
Hadrian's Wall Path Highlights: Corbridge to Bowness on Solway
Corbridge to Bowness on Solway 65 miles/105 km
If you’re not set on walking the entire official route, this Highlights option is a great choice. It includes the most scenic and historically rich sections of the trail, while skipping the urban stretches around Newcastle where little of the wall remains. Many walkers choose to start at Corbridge for this reason. Our 5 and 6 day itineraries can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.
Code | Length | Average per day | Price range | |
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HWH6 | 5 days walking (6 nights) | 13 miles/21 km | £674 - £761 | Full Info Book |
HWH6D | 5 days walking (6 nights) | 13 miles/21 km | £812 - £899 | Full Info Book |
HWH7 | 6 days walking (7 nights) | 11 miles/18 km | £778 - £882 | Full Info Book |
HWH7D | 6 days walking (7 nights) | 11 miles/18 km | £911 - £1015 | Full Info Book |
HWH8 | 7 days walking (8 nights) | 9 miles/14 km | £853 - £975 | Full Info Book |
Hadrian's Wall Path Highlights: Corbridge to Carlisle
Corbridge to Carlisle 51 miles/82 km
Similar to the option above, this version avoids the busier Newcastle section and finishes in the historic city of Carlisle. While the Wall continues beyond here, its remains become more elusive, although the Solway estuary does have a peaceful charm of its own. Each of these itineraries can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.
Code | Length | Average per day | Price range | |
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HWC5 | 4 days walking (5 nights) | 13 miles/21 km | £572 - £641 | Full Info Book |
HWC5D | 4 days walking (5 nights) | 13 miles/21 km | £712 - £781 | Full Info Book |
HWC6 | 5 days walking (6 nights) | 10 miles/16 km | £674 - £761 | Full Info Book |
HWC6D | 5 days walking (6 nights) | 10 miles/16 km | £812 - £899 | Full Info Book |
HWC7 | 6 days walking (7 nights) | 8 miles/13 km | £778 - £882 | Full Info Book |
HWC7D | 6 days walking (7 nights) | 8 miles/13 km | £911 - £1015 | Full Info Book |
Best of Hadrian's Wall Path: Corbridge to Brampton
Corbridge to Brampton 40 miles/64 km
Perfect for those with limited time or looking to focus on the most dramatic part of the trail, this ‘Best of’ route covers the central section where the Wall is at its most impressive. It begins in the attractive market town of Corbridge, home to one of the most significant Roman sites in the region.
Code | Length | Average per day | Price range | |
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HWB5 | 4 days walking (5 nights) | 10 miles/16 km | £572 - £641 | Full Info Book |
Best of Hadrian's Wall Path: Corbridge to Gilsland
Corbridge to Gilsland 30 miles/48 km
This shorter version of the route above finishes a day earlier in Gilsland but still includes the most iconic stretches of the Wall. Ideal for those wanting to explore the best-preserved sections without tackling the full trail. This holiday can also be booked with dog-friendly accommodation. Please select the code ending D if you would like to bring your dog with you.
Code | Length | Average per day | Price range | |
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HWB4A | 3 days walking (4 nights) | 10 miles/16 km | £490 - £542 | Full Info Book |
HWB4AD | 3 days walking (4 nights) | 10 miles/16 km | £560 - £612 | Full Info Book |
Best of Hadrian's Wall Path: Humshaugh to Gilsland
Humshaugh to Gilsland 24 miles/39 km
Our shortest Hadrian’s Wall holiday, focusing solely on the most scenic and well-preserved central section. With shorter daily distances, there’s plenty of time to explore the many forts, milecastles and fascinating Roman remains along the way.
Code | Length | Average per day | Price range | |
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HWB4B | 3 days walking (4 nights) | 8 miles/13 km | £490 - £542 | Full Info Book |