Hadrian's Wall Path

Hadrian's Wall Path
Crag Lough, near Steel Rigg on the Path. Photo taken from Hotbank Crags.
Length	84 mi (135 km)
Location	England: Tyne and Wear, Northumberland, Cumbria
Designation	National Trail
Trailheads	Wallsend Bowness-on-Solway
Use	Hiking
Elevation
Highest point	345 m (1,132 ft), Whinshields Crags
Hiking details
Sights	Hadrian's Wall World Heritage Site

The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a long distance footpath in the north of England, which became the 15th National Trail in 2003. It runs for 135 km (84 mi), from Wallsend on the east coast of England to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. For most of its length it is close to the remains of Hadrian's Wall, the defensive wall built by the Romans on the northern border of their empire. This is now recognised as a World Heritage Site.

Though muddy in places, the walking is relatively easy, as the highest point on the path is only 345 m (1130 ft) high and for much of its length the path is more or less flat. Most of the Wall runs through remote countryside but there are sections that pass through the cities and suburbs of Newcastle and Carlisle. The path is well signposted. For most of the walk there are many signs of human activity, and many other walkers in summer. Though there are villages and farms near to the path, there are not many places to buy food and drink, especially in the middle sections. The section between Chollerford and Walton is the highest and wildest part of the path; it is also where the Wall is most visible, and includes several important Roman forts.

This itinerary breaks the 84-mile (135 km) walk into six reasonable stages, and is presented from east to west (against the prevailing wind).

The path starts by the Swan Hunter shipyard. Before starting the walk it is worth visiting the nearby site of the Roman fort of Segedunum. Most of this section runs through urban areas, including through the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, and along the banks of the Tyne. Only the last part, leading to Heddon-on-the-Wall, is in open countryside. There are occasional glimpses of the Wall.