Hadrian's Wall Path: 8-Day Gentle Hike

DAY 1: Arrival in Heddon-on-the Wall

From your point of arrival, use the public transport information we provide to make the journey to Heddon-on-the Wall.

DAY 2: Heddon-on-the Wall to Portgate

Distance 16km • Approximate Walking Time 4 - 6 hours • Ascent (↑) 100m

Through a rolling countryside of meadows and pastures the trail follows the old Military Road and the earthen defenses on either side of Hadrian’s Wall. After passing through the sites of two Roman Forts you soon arrive at the Port Gate, where the main Roman road into the North of Britain used to pass through Hadrian’s Wall.

DAY 3: Corbridge to Chollerford

17km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 100m

Turrets and milecastles soon become part of the landscape as you follow the gentle curves of the defensive Roman earthworks. The trail passes Heavenfield battle site, where Oswald, king of Northumbria, won a famous victory in 734. The day comes to an exciting conclusion at the fascinating Roman fort of Chesters.

DAY 4: Chollerford to Housesteads

14km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 400m

Through the Northumberland National Park you reach a Roman temple at the Fort of Brocolitia. After passing more castles and turrets you suddenly find yourself walking along some of the most spectacular and best-preserved sections of Hadrian’s Wall, which snake up and down along the top of the Northumberland Crags. You end your day at the superbly preserved Fort at Housesteads.

DAY 5: Housesteads to Greenhead

14km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 400m

Today starts with more exciting sections of the Wall along steep cliffs and the highest point of the walk at Green Slacks. See the 'Robin Hood Tree' at Sycamore Gap and Great Chesters Fort with its original Roman altar before you return to the top of the Crags for some more exciting and well-preserved Wall sections. Imposing Thirlwall castle marks the end of today’s walk.

DAY 6: Greenhead to Lanercost

13km • 3 - 5 hours • (↑) 200m

The Wall guides you to the remains of a Roman bridge across the River Irthing, past a Roman Milecastle and on towards the Fort of Birdoswald, which was inhabited for 2,000 years. From there we follow the Wall through a much gentler landscape and stop at Lanercost Priory, once the capital of England for six months.

DAY 7: Lanercost to Carlisle

20km • 4 - 6 hours • (↑) 150m

Follow the Wall through fields and old bridleways until you join the River Eden at the charming village of Crosby-on-Eden. You follow the quiet river for a while on your way to the 2,000 year old, historic city of Carlisle. There is much to see in Carlisle, such as the famous castle or the Tully Museum, with its Roman artefacts.

DAY 8: Departure from Carlisle

There are regular train and bus services from Carlisle to Newcastle, Manchester and London. Full details provided upon booking.