15 Things to Know Before Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path in England

I lately returned from an eight-day, nine-night journey strolling Hadrian’s Wall Path in Northern England. This 84-mile National Trail follows the stays of Hadrian’s Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an historical Roman wall constructed to guard the Empire’s lands in Britannia from the Caledonians to the north again in 122 AD.

The concept of taking a strolling journey has been a bug in my mind ever since I first examine strolling holidays within the United Kingdom a couple of years again. To me, this appeared like the right strategy to mark a milestone birthday or main life occasion. My journey was first deliberate for my fiftieth birthday “journey” in 2020, however that clearly didn’t work out and my solo strolling vacation ended up happening simply after dropping off my daughter at school in August as a strategy to escape my newly-empty nest.

To be trustworthy, I jetted off to England a bit unprepared as my latest focus had been on getting the whole lot wanted for a dorm room bought and delivered. Yes, I had been upping my strolling mileage in latest weeks, however not likely “training” per se. I used to be making the massive assumption that I used to be as much as the duty of strolling eight to 12 miles a day for eight days straight.

And whereas I had achieved some analysis and browse some guidebooks, I nonetheless couldn’t wrap my head round what it might actually be wish to stroll lengthy distances on daily basis, alone, with out a information. Would I be bored? (Not actually) Would I get misplaced? (A few occasions) Would I be capable to do it? (Yes nevertheless it was laborious) And most of all, would I get pleasure from it? (one hundred pc!)

Things to Know Before Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path

If you’re contemplating taking a strolling vacation alongside the Hadrian’s Wall Path in England, right here are some things you need to know as you’re planning your journey. If you need to see extra particulars about my 8 day stroll, examine my full journey alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path.

1. Where Does Hadrian’s Wall path begin and finish?

Hadrian’s Wall Path runs from coast to coast (or simply about) in Northern England. It runs between Bowness-on-Solway within the west to Wallsend, close to Newcastle, within the east. The path, which is 84 miles lengthy, follows the road of Hadrian’s Wall, many occasions alongside the wall’s historical stays.

The path winds its manner by pastures and fields, alongside nation roads, by villages, traversing the cliff edges of the crags, and on paved paths and streets. Along the best way, you’ll encounter historic sights together with castles, cathedrals, the stays of historical Roman forts and sign towers, and bustling cities comparable to Carlisle and Newcastle.

2. Which is the most effective route to stroll Hadrian’s Wall Path?

If you have got researched Hadrian’s Wall Path you will have observed that many individuals select to stroll the trail from east to west, beginning at Wallsend close to Newcastle and ending within the extra scenic Bowness-on-Solway. I undoubtedly observed on my stroll there have been many extra individuals strolling west than strolling east. 

There are execs and cons to every, however total I’m very glad that I selected to stroll from west to east, starting in Bowness-on-Solway and ending in Wallsend. Here is why:

• Starting in Bowness-on-Solway you begin in a scenic village and spend the primary day strolling by the countryside and small villages. It begins you off with a style of the English countryside, which, particularly if you’re coming from abroad, might be a part of what you have been trying ahead to seeing in your stroll. On the flip facet, if you happen to begin in Wallsend, your first day is city and suburban, all on pavement.
• The winds are likely to blow from west to east, providing you with the wind at your again relatively than in your face. I lucked out with just one small rain bathe however ought to the climate have turned, I’d a lot desire the rain blowing towards my again than in my face.
• The starting of the path in Bowness-on-Solway is only a small gazebo with a passport stamping station. To me, ending there feels a bit anti-climactic. Even although strolling west to east on the final day is a bit brutal on the ft due to the pavement, ending at Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum not less than means there will likely be somebody there to greet you as you end your journey (assuming you end throughout hours when the customer middle is open) to congratulate you. There can also be a small present store if you happen to wished to select up some “I walked Hadrian’s Wall” swag (after strolling 84 miles you deserve it) and, most significantly, a toilet.
• When strolling west to east, you’ll be able to take a day or half of a day in Carlisle earlier than beginning if you’re flying in from abroad and see among the historic sights, as an alternative of creating an extended detour in your stroll. And, on the finish of your stroll, you’ll be able to both backtrack on the Metro to remain in Newcastle for a day or spend a day on the seaside in Whitley Bay. I additionally prolonged my journey by taking the prepare from Newcastle to Edinburgh, which was a brief 1.25-hour categorical prepare trip north.

3. How lengthy does it take to stroll Hadrian’s Wall Path?

How lengthy it takes to stroll 84 miles is basically as much as you and what you’re feeling snug with. I did an eight-day, nine-night journey with strolling distances of eight to 13 miles per day. During my journey, nearly all of the individuals I met have been strolling Hadrian’s Wall Path in 5 to eight days. Some individuals added a relaxation day within the center and others wished to energy by. I even met somebody strolling your complete 84 miles in 36 hours for charity. 

When planning, I encourage you to be life like about your skills and the cumulative impact of strolling lengthy distances (carrying a daypack) over a number of days. A 5 to eight-day hike of eight to twenty miles a day is NOT the identical as 5 separate hikes of eight to twenty miles every over a extra prolonged time frame. Just as a result of you’ll be able to stroll 15 miles doesn’t imply your physique is able to do it on daily basis in a row for per week.

There isn’t actually a proper reply as to how lengthy it ought to take. There is simply the fitting reply for you.

4. What is the most effective time to stroll Hadrian’s Wall Path?

Hiking season runs from April to September and by the tip of October, many locations of enterprise alongside the trail shut down for the winter. The path is fragile from October by April and hikers are requested to keep away from the trail at the moment. Summer is the busiest time to stroll, particularly on the middle part of the trail on the weekends and holidays, as these are significantly in style with day hikers. Ideally, you need to plan to stroll from Walton to Heddon-on-Wall throughout the week.

Keep in thoughts that Northern England may be wet, so count on to have not less than one or two wet days throughout your stroll. In the spring, you’ll take pleasure in seeing loads of wildflowers and lambs, however it could even be a bit rainier and chances are you’ll want to look at the tide schedule close to Bowness-on-Solway to keep away from flooding.

Early September will likely be a bit quieter and the climate is mostly good. I walked from August 27-September 2nd and located the climate beautiful for strolling. Temperatures have been within the mid-60s to low 70s and I solely had sooner or later of sunshine rain showers. Keep in thoughts that if you’re strolling in the summertime, you need to plan to guide your lodging by the spring, as there are restricted choices with solely a handful of rooms that do get booked up.

5. How do you get to Hadrian’s Wall Path?

If you’re beginning within the west, which is what I’d suggest, you’ll be able to take a prepare from London Euston Station or Glasgow to Carlisle on the Avanti West Coast Railway. There can also be an choice to take a long-distance bus on National Express if finances is a priority. I truly stayed in Carlisle for 2 nights and took a taxi service to Bowness-on-Solway to begin my stroll on the primary day. Alternatively, there are bus providers alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path, simply remember that these don’t run to Bowness on the weekends.

If you favor to begin within the east, you’ll be able to take a prepare to Newcastle from Edinburgh or London Kings Cross on the LNER (London North Eastern Railway.) From Newcastle, it’s simple to take the Metro to Wallsend or all the best way to South Shields on the coast if you wish to make it a real coast-to-coast journey.

6. How do you guide a strolling vacation on Hadrian’s Wall Path?

Booking a strolling vacation is pretty easy when you have a great guidebook to assist establish lodging alongside the route. However, I discovered it a lot simpler to outsource the seek for accessible lodging and baggage transfers by reserving by a strolling vacation firm.

Walking vacation firms will organize transfers, guide lodging, handle baggage transfers, and offer you an itinerary and guidebook/map for a self-guided journey. There are dozens of firms focusing on strolling journeys and provide this service, some particularly for Hadrian’s Wall Path, and others that supply choices in a number of international locations. I determine to guide by Celtic Trails as a result of they supplied the itinerary possibility that I used to be most excited about (8 days, 9 nights) and within the west-to-east route that I most well-liked.

If you favor a bunch journey or a guided strolling tour, there are a couple of choices accessible together with Hadrian’s Wall Ltd, HF Holidays, and Shepherds Walks Holidays. If you determine you need to camp or guide your individual lodging, you’ll be able to nonetheless organize for luggage transfers by a handful of firms together with Hadrian’s Haul and Sherpa Van Project for £7-9 a bag (20 kg weight restrict.)

7. Where do you keep alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path?

Note: This submit could comprise affiliate hyperlinks. If you click on a hyperlink and make a purchase order, I could obtain a small fee. All opinions are my very own.

If you’re on a decent finances, there are campsites, bunkhouses, and hostels alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path. Wild tenting shouldn’t be allowed, though I did meet one one that was wild tenting, nevertheless he did say somebody got here out to see what he was doing of their subject within the morning.

If you’re like me and like a bit extra privateness and luxury, there are also mattress and breakfasts, inns, pubs, and even a few luxurious inns. If you’re on the lookout for a relaxation day in the midst of the journey, I walked previous Walwick Hall boutique lodge close to Chester’s Fort and it seemed beautiful!

Most inns and mattress and breakfasts embrace a hearty English breakfast and lots of provide packed lunches for a further payment. If they aren’t conveniently positioned inside strolling distance to a city, most may also provide dinner or have a full restaurant/pub.

Keep in thoughts that if you’re touring by yourself and desire a non-public room, you’ll doubtless have to pay a bit further for a single complement. However, I truly discovered room charges to be fairly reasonably priced, even with a single complement, particularly when in comparison with massive cities like London or Edinburgh.

Also remember that many inns and mattress and breakfasts in Northern England shouldn’t have air-con, as it’s usually not often wanted. But given the latest warmth waves in Europe in late June/early July, that’s one thing to remember when reserving your journey.

This is the place I stayed and my fast ideas:

• Carlisle: Warwick Lodge: snug and handy mattress and breakfast, there was fairly a little bit of road noise although so I’d suggest ear plugs or my must-have journey merchandise, Sleep Buds by Bose. Walkable to the prepare station and loads of eating places.
• Brampton: Oakwood Park Hotel: a stunning property residence on a farm with welcoming hosts, additionally provides a big menu of homecooked meals for dinner.
• Gilsland: The Samson Inn: positioned above a pub/restaurant, this was my least favourite lodging and worst burger I’ve ever had, however the comfort is tough to beat.
• Hexham/Once Brewed: The Twice Brewed Inn: positioned above a craft brewery and pub, this has a enjoyable vibe and one among my favourite facilities — a bath! Trust me after I say that after strolling the crags a shower will really feel so good. They supplied an enormous breakfast and good meals within the restaurant for dinner.
• Simonburn: Simonburn Tea Rooms & Bed and Breakfast: such a stunning mattress and breakfast within the countryside, you will have them to select you up and drop you off on the path however the hospitality is terrific, as are the do-it-yourself dinner choices. If you arrive early you’ll be able to get pleasure from tea or a glass of wine within the stunning backyard.
• Corbridge: Fellcroft Bed & Breakfast: very gracious host, this B&B is extra like a house than an inn. Walkable to eating places on the town. You might want to get a switch to/from the trail. I type of want I had continued on to Heddon-on-Wall that day however maybe it’s higher that I didn’t because it was one other two hours of strolling to get there.
• Tyne and Wear: The Keelman’s Lodge: this restaurant/brewery has a separate constructing for lodging however with out a lot attraction or many facilities. It is a good location and the meals received’t depart you hungry.
• Whitley Bay: The Metropolitan: as an alternative of staying in Newcastle, I continued on to the coast (through Metro from Wallsend) and stayed in Whitley Bay, only a few minutes stroll to the seashore on the North Sea. This trendy B&B was essentially the most trendy of my journey, with welcoming hosts and scrumptious breakfast alternate options to the standard English breakfast. Walkable to the Metro station, coastal promenade, and loads of eating places.

8. How match do it is advisable be to stroll Hadrian’s Wall Path?

You will see walkers of all ages alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path. You don’t must be an skilled hiker, however you do must be in respectable form. The stroll total is rated simple to reasonable. Much of it’s flat however the middle portion of the stroll alongside the crags is a collection of undulating hills. During these days my health monitoring app stated that I climbed the equal of 120-130 flooring every day.

Celtic Trails advised that I stroll 4 to seven miles a day for 4 days per week within the weeks main as much as my stroll. In addition, it is suggested to do not less than one stroll so long as your longest stroll day. I wasn’t fairly ready to do that, however I used to be persistently strolling three to 6 miles a day for a couple of days per week within the couple of months prior, and did one nine-mile stroll.

However, the error that I made was not doing these follow walks with a day pack. While my ft and legs harm, my again and core harm extra from carrying my pack. I’d extremely suggest taking some hikes or walks with a loaded daypack.

9. Are there locations to eat on Hadrian’s Wall Path?

While there are some cafes, tea rooms, and pubs on, or simply off, Hadrian’s Wall Path, you will need to plan forward. There are a couple of stretches with none handy eating choices on path, outdoors of espresso or snacks at a customer middle. If you don’t need to add any further mileage to your stroll, it could be finest to carry alongside a packed lunch on nowadays. Most lodging will provide a packed lunch if you happen to request it the night earlier than.

The lunch choices at pubs en route can also be restricted to snacks comparable to crisps or easy rolls or sandwiches. I like to recommend at all times carrying some snacks comparable to power bars, salty snacks, and hydration tablets. You may also run throughout some honor snack cupboards/sheds that promote snacks and drinks for about £1 every, so you should definitely carry some change.

I ended up selecting to not request packed lunches as a result of I didn’t need something extra to hold and two days I made a lunch of my snacks. After a hearty breakfast that was sufficient to hold me by.

All lodging present a full English breakfast which incorporates: eggs, bacon, toast, mushrooms, tomato, and black pudding, together with a number of cereals and fruits. Most lodging may also present dinner or are inside strolling distance of eating places.

Since that is the English countryside, you’ll be able to count on to see a spread of conventional dishes comparable to steak pie, fish and chips, mince and dumplings (floor beef in a gravy with biscuit-like dumplings), bacon rolls (grilled bacon sandwich on a roll), prawn salad (small shrimp in a mayonnaise-based sauce), and roast beef or pork. Be positive to avoid wasting room for the “pudding” (aka dessert) menu. I as soon as tried sticky toffee pudding and it was sufficient to feed a household.

Just a few locations price stopping at embrace:

• Carlisle – Carlisle Cathedral Cafe – nice sandwiches and a stunning courtyard setting
• Carlisle – Penny Blue Bar & Restaurant – hip upscale eating and lounge
• Brampton – Lanercost Priory Tea Room – off-path however a worthwhile detour to see the Priory from the 1100s, glorious sandwiches and desserts
• Once Brewed – Twice Brewed – good beer choice and yummy pizza
• Corbridge – The Black Bull – actually good fish and chips in a basic, historic pub setting
• Port Gate – The Errington Coffee House – espresso home/pub providing sandwiches, quiche, soup, tea, and desserts
• East Wallhouses – Robin Hood Inn – I didn’t eat right here however I did cease in for a drink and to make use of the restroom and walkers who have been leaving raved concerning the meals
• Heddon-on-Wall – Three Tuns – this can be a handy pathside pub with surprisingly good nachos
• Newcastle – JD Wetherspoon Quayside – the meals wasn’t something particular however I cherished the placement on the river within the Quayside district, nice for individuals watching and getting off your ft for a bit
• Whitley Bay – Trenchers – voted the most effective fish and chips within the UK so I needed to test it out and it is rather good and a surprisingly beautiful setting (with reside piano music on Fridays)

10. Do it is advisable backpack on Hadrian’s Wall Path? 

Many campers backpack alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path, however the majority of walkers keep in inns, B&Bs, and bunkhouses. Instead of backpacking, it’s attainable to make use of a baggage switch service to maneuver your bag from place to position. As I discussed above, baggage transfers can be found by a handful of firms together with Hadrian’s Haul and Sherpa Van Project for £7-9 a bag with a 20 kg weight restrict.

When you organize for this service, luggage must be downstairs and prepared for decide up by 9 am and they are going to be dropped off at your subsequent lodging by 4 or 5 pm. Even after I arrived earlier, I by no means bought to a lodging earlier than my bag had arrived.

11. Is it laborious to comply with Hadrian’s Wall Path?

Hadrian’s Wall Path is mostly properly marked with clear signposts displaying route and marked with the white acorn image of the National Trails. That stated, you will need to keep alert and be aware of the final route you’re taking every day. It isn’t laborious to stroll previous a gate or miss a signpost that could be lined by a bigger signal.

There are a number of guidebooks accessible with written directions and maps. During my stroll I used the Hadrian’s Wall Cicerone information provided by Celtic Trails as a part of my stroll pack. I additionally beforehand had bought Hadrian’s Wall Path by Henry Stedman, and I discovered his descriptions a bit clearer to learn however I didn’t carry that one with me on the path.

It can also be advisable to obtain or purchase printed copies of Ordnance Survey maps. In a pinch, I referred to Google Maps, however I didn’t need to depart that operating for lengthy because it drains your cellphone battery so rapidly. I did additionally carry a Garmin InAttain GPS and a compass. I made a couple of improper turns however solely as soon as did I actually get far off observe and needed to loop round by highway to regain the trail.

12. Are there bathrooms alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path?

This is such an vital query and the reply is…not sufficient. Access to bathrooms varies day-to-day and generally it’s price planning an tour off path to have prepared entry to a rest room (for instance, visiting Lanercost Priory or Carlisle Castle.) Other occasions, you will have to cease right into a pub or tea room, go to the welcome middle at one of many Roman Forts, or make use of port-a-loos.

Sadly some days chances are you’ll solely run throughout one or two of those choices all through the course of a day. Beyond that, there are occasional clusters of woods or hedges, however not at all times a lot privateness. Many occasions I used to be standing in a subject lined in poop from the cows and sheep however nowhere for me to go. Just do not forget that if you happen to make use of the good open air to comply with the ideas of Leave No Trace.

13. How a lot does a strolling vacation on Hadrian’s Wall Path value?

A strolling vacation on Hadrian’s Wall Path is surprisingly reasonably priced. My 8 day, 9 night time “classic” journey value £875, plus £41 per night time as a single complement. Most meals have been £10-20 every and breakfasts are included in your keep. The prepare from London to Carlisle begins at round £35 and the prepare from Newcastle to Edinburgh begins at about £15.

Flights to London can typically be discovered for a great value or there are numerous choices for utilizing frequent flyer factors. Of course, you may make a strolling vacation much more reasonably priced by tenting or staying in hostels or bunkhouses. There are additionally extra upscale lodging in some locations if you happen to desire a extra luxurious journey.

14. What will you see alongside Hadrian’s Wall Path?

The advantage of the Hadrian’s Wall Path above another strolling holidays is that along with seeing the attractive English countryside, additionally, you will get to stroll within the footsteps of historical past and go to many Roman ruins. Of course, additionally, you will spend a whole lot of time strolling by fields of sheep or cows (and all they depart behind.)

I cherished strolling by small villages and exploring among the cities (Carlisle and Newcastle). I used to be awed by the great thing about the rolling hills of the crags. There are some stretches which are a bit boring or tedious, significantly these alongside paved paths close to cities. My least favourite a part of the stroll was from Newcastle to Wallsend (however a part of that was additionally that it was the final stretch that felt infinite.)

There are additionally alternatives to take some detours to see historic sights off the trail, however I realized early on that I solely preferred making detours in direction of the tip of the day as there isn’t something worse than getting again on path and realizing you have got eight extra miles to go that day.

Some of my highlights embrace:

• Carlisle Castle
• Carlisle Cathedral
• Lanercost Priory
• Birdoswald Fort
• Walltown Quarry
• The Sill Discovery Center
• Housesteads
• Newcastle Castle & Cathedral

15. Is Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path solo protected?

Since I used to be strolling Hadrian’s Wall Path alone, many individuals requested me if I felt protected and the reply is sure. The solely occasions I felt uncomfortable was after I needed to stroll previous cows and their calves. In these situations I normally took the circuitous route round. Some stretches of the stroll have been busier than others however I not often went longer than half-hour with out seeing somebody strolling within the different route or forward of me.

The panorama could be very open and I didn’t really feel uncomfortable the best way I’d if I used to be mountaineering within the woods alone. And the terrain didn’t current any harmful obstacles or wildlife (outdoors of the cows or the occasional horse — the sheep have been simply shooed away.)

The solely different part that I didn’t really feel fully snug, and I wouldn’t need to stroll after darkish, was from Newcastle to Wallsend. Because most individuals stroll east to west, I ran throughout only a few individuals alongside this stretch as that they had all left Wallsend within the morning and I used to be arriving within the afternoon. This part goes alongside the river previous some deserted warehouses alongside unappealing footpaths.

Every day is longer than you suppose.

One final level to remember is that on daily basis is longer than you suppose will probably be. If the mileage from one cease to the subsequent is twelve miles, don’t be shocked if you happen to clock 13.5 after you make some detours, excursions, and attainable improper turns.

I do know you most likely even have some questions on what to put on and what to pack in your daybag, however I’m going to work on a packing listing submit quickly!

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