Walking Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian's Wall walking routes

Walk along the wall
Follow in the footsteps of Romans with our walking routes, and see the best parts of Hadrian’s Wall. Visit Birdoswald Roman Fort, the top of Steel Rigg and Housesteads Roman Fort for picture perfect countryside views.

Please read - Sycamore Gap

Northumberland National Park Authority can confirm that sadly, the famous tree at Sycamore Gap has come down over night on Thursday 28th September.

Northumberland National Park Authority would like to ask the public not to visit the site at this time whilst they work with their partners to identify what has happened and to make the site safe.

Read the full news article

Step back in time

Strike out and follow in the footsteps of Romans in Hadrian’s Wall Country. Take a hike on a long distance trail or enjoy a circular stroll linking fascinating historic sites while taking in dramatic landscapes.

The Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail is the famous 84-mile long-distance footpath which follows the Wall as it snakes along ridges and crags. But don’t worry - if 84 miles sounds too long for you, then there are plenty of shorter routes available for people of all abilities so everyone can enjoy this picture-perfect countryside.
Walking to the top of Steel Rigg requires a little more effort, but the views from this dramatic crag are worth the climb. Hike to Housesteads Roman fort ensures stunning scenery passing forests and lakes and extensive roman remains when you reach Housesteads Roman Fort.

Chesters Roman Fort is one of the most northern outposts of the Roman Empire and the most complete Roman cavalry fort in Britain. From Chesters Roman Fort enjoy an easy 2.5 mile circular walk through the village of Humshaugh.

Put your best foot forward on the inspirational Hadrian’s Wall walking routes. These will take you up close to the Wall and include lesser-known stretches of Britain’s top Roman monument.

The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre has a car park perfect for starting a circular walk along past Housesteads and then Vindolanda, a haven for roman archaeology. Return to The Sill after your walk, browse the visitor centre and enjoy refreshments in the café. Alternatively you can park in Steel Rigg car park picking up the circular route from there.

Whilst walking Hadrian's Wall it's worth making sure you have time to visit the roman forts in the central section of the wall. These include Housesteads Fort, Chesters Roman Fort, Corbridge Roman Town and Vindolanda plus numerous turrets and milecastles. For wet weather or rest days visit the Roman Army Museum and immerse yourself in the life of a Roman soldier, learning about Roman Britain and emperor Hadrian.

There’s plenty of walker-friendly accommodation too. Many have boot and clothes drying facilities while several companies offer help with baggage transfers and run organised group walking trips.

Take a break

Tired feet? Give them a break and get onboard the Hadrian’s Wall bus, or snap up a Hadrian's Wall Country Line Day Ranger train ticket and board a train on the Hadrian’s Wall Country Line. Hop on and off all day anywhere between Carlisle and Newcastle and beyond Carlisle along the Cumbrian Coast line to Ravenglass.
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