From Tyne to Solway, some 84 miles long, Hadrian's Wall Path and its eponymous World Heritage Site WLTM careful walkers with GSOH to respect, protect and enjoy this fragile international treasure

FAQs

Carlise at Night
  • How long is the trail ?
    The Trail is 84 miles, or 135 kilometres, long.
  • East or west – which is the best way to walk ?
    Eastbound walkers start on the quiet Solway estuary and finish in the bustling city, westbound walkers do it the other way around. We are often asked about the prevailing wind and whether it is better to walk with it on your back (west to east) instead of in your face.  Well, in the peak summer months (June to September) the wind is usually fairly benign so it normally shouldn’t make that much difference.
  • How many days should we take ?
    If you are an experienced walker, used to walking for several days at a time, then six days should be enough for you to walk the Trail.  If, however, you are less experienced you should allow much more time or you will find it difficult to visit any of the Roman Wall sites.
  • Is it easy to follow ?
    The Trail is clearly signed, and waymarked with the standard National Trail acorn symbol and waymark arrows. For more details see Signing on the Trail
  • On Tyneside, why is it called Hadrian’s Way ?
    This is the local name for what was originally a city cycleway.  The name simply stuck so the Trail project decided to leave things the way they were.  It is, however, still signed with the acorn symbol.
  • What are the best publications ?
    Please refer to the Publications section of the website
  • Is there much road walking and should the Military Road (B6318) be used as an alternative to avoid the crags ?

    There isn't much road walking, but do take care at the road crossings. There are several crossings along the section between Heddon-on-the-Wall and Chollerford.

    For the section between Housesteads and Steel Rigg (near the Once Brewed visitor centre), you can use the Military Way - not to be confused with the Military Road B6318 which has a lot of fast traffic and is not recommended as the alternative route.  The Military Way is situated a short distance to the south of Hadrian's Wall.  This is much less hilly and still provides access to the main view points, milecastles and stretches of Hadrian's Wall.

  • Are there any walking operators ?

    There are several companies that arrange accommodation, guided and self-guided itineraries along the Trail.  See our Holiday Packages, Luggage Transfer, Accommodation Booking section.

  • Is there a baggage handling service ?

    Some of the walking operators will arrange to move your bags for you each day.  For Luggage Transfer only -

    Walkers' Baggage Transfer Company or Sherpa Van (see Holiday Packages, Luggage Transfer, Accommodation Booking).

  • Are there enough campsites ?
    At the moment it is difficult to rely upon campsites only, so many walkers use the camping barns and youth hostels for the occasional night.  We do ask you, however, not to wild camp, it causes problems for both Trail staff and farmers.  At the moment on our list of accommodation there are approx. 10 Campsites, 5 Camping Barns, 14 Caravan & Camping Parks, 5 Bunk Houses and 8 YHA Youth Hostels.  See Accommodation.