Hadrian's Wall Path: Walking England's Most Historic Trek

When trekking on Hadrian's Wall Path, you are immersing yourself in a significant chapter of British history. It is no surprise that Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Where is Hadrian's Wall?

Hadrian's Wall, also known as Pict's Wall or Roman Wall, runs from Wallsend on the River Tyene in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in the West. The wall covered the entire width of Britain. Hadrian's Wall marked the boundary between Roman Britannia and Caledonia to the North. Don't be mistaken, this wall has never shaped the border between England and Scotland.

When was Hadrian's Wall built?

Construction of Hadrian's Wall started in 122 AD. Hadrian believed in using natural boundaries to protect the Roman Empire. In Britain, however, there wasn't a river that could service this purpose. Hadrian saw a wall as the only feasible option and he ordered the construction after visiting the British territories of the Empire in 122 AD.

Why was Hadrian's Wall built?

It is obvious that Emperor Hadrian wanted to see the British territories of the Roman Empire protected. But protected from what, exactly? When the Romans arrived on the British islands, ancient Britain was inhabited by various tribes, each with their own land. The Caledonii and the Damnonii inhabited Caledonia, the Northern territories. Their battle tactics were ruthless and their weapons brutal. The Romans were never able to defeat them and uprisings flared up regularly. For Hadrian, the wall was the only option.

Hadrian’s Wall Path runs from Wallsend to Bowness-on-Solway. The trail is 84 miles long, which is equal to 135 kilometers and is divided into 8 stages. On the way, the route guides you along the Roman wall. You will also discover fascinating border towns and villages.

Hadrian’s Wall Path is best walked between March and October. In England, famous for its rain, the Gulf Stream provides a mild climate and weather that is heavily influenced by the sea. The warmest months are July and August, with temperatures averaging 16 to 21 degrees Celsius. Those are also the months when the most tourists come to England. Rain falls throughout the year, and the English weather can be very changeable. Average rainfall in the north is over 1600 millimeters, but the central and southern parts of the country record an annual average of less than 800 millimeters. April, May and June are the driest months.

On the Hadrian’s Wall Path, you can either spend the night in a cozy hotel or in a typical English B&B, where you will receive a warm welcome and a typical English breakfast. The accommodation options can be a bit limited at times. The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a popular trek in England and it welcomes thousands of trekkers every year. Arranging the stages and booking the accommodation should not be taken lightly, since the hotels get fully booked months in advance.

Hadrian’s Wall Path is a very popular trek and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Thanks to this popularity, there is always a possibility to have your luggage transported. Your suitcase will be picked up from your hotel each morning and it will be ready for you at your next hotel at the end of the day.

Hadrian’s Wall Path begins in Wallsend and ends in Bowness-on-Solway. The path can be walked in both ways. Both starting point and ending point are reachable by public transport.

Starting Point

To get to Wallsend, you first have to travel to Newcastle Airport or Manchester International Airport. Public transport will bring you to Wallsend in less than an hour. You can also drive to Wallsend by car and pick it up after the hike.

Ending Point

Hadrian’s Wall Path ends in Bowness-on-Solway. The way back to both Newcastle Airport and Manchester International Airport takes you over 3 hours by public transport. In case you came by car, the way back to Wallsend will take you over 3 hours by public transport. There are also possibilities to take a taxi cab.