The UK’s 84-mile walking trail with beautiful scenery that follows a Roman wall | UK | Travel
The stunning, albeit lengthy, walking trail follows the route of Hadrian’s Wall through towns, farmlands, and hillsides.
The Roman Wall was built on the orders of Emperor Hadrian following his visit to Britain in 122AD and served as the Northernmost frontier of the Roman Empire, separating the conquered Britons from the Scots.
Hadrian’s Wall is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the world.
And it’s not just history buffs who can enjoy a trip to the wall as its long length makes it the perfect route for anyone planning a walking holiday.
One route, recommended by AllTrails, takes an estimated 32 hours and 43 minutes – and that’s without stopping.
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is separated into six sections, with hotels, B&Bs and more being found at the end of each part of the path.
The first section starts at Segedunum Fort, Wallsend, and ends in Heddon-on-the-Wall. This part takes an average of five hours and 44 minutes to complete and will take you along the banks of the River Tyne and through the various neighbourhoods of Newcastle.
Next up is the six-hour walk from Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford, of which AllTrails states: “While not much of the wall remains along this section, you will still be able to see some parts of it as well as some of the forts that were built along its length.”
You will start off at Heddon-on-the-Wall before leaving town and joining Military Road, where you will remain for much of this section before reaching Chollerford.
The next part of the route is the five-hour journey between Chollerford and Steel Rigg, which will take you via the former Sycamore Gap.
During this part, you will also pass by the Roman sites of Brocolitia Fort, the Temple of Mithras, and Vercovicium (Housesteads Fort).
Leaving Steel Rigg you’ll make a start on the six-hour walk to Lanercost, here you’ll see breathtaking views of the Roman ruins, while winding through farmland and pockets of woodland.
After Lancercost, you’ll start to see more post-Roman history as you head along the five-hour and 19-minute walk to Carlisle. Here, you can make a beeline to Lancercost Priory, a 13th-century Augustinian Priory, that for five months was the resting place of King Edward I after his death while on campaign in Scotland.
There is also a campsite located along this stretch of the route, perfect if you need some budget-friendly accommodation, or just want to enjoy a night under the stars.
After reaching Carlisle, you’ll begin on the final stretch of the path, the five-hour walk to Bowness-on-Solway, where you’ll walk through the towns of Kirkandrews-on-Eden, Beaumont, and Burgh by Sands until you reach the end of this stunning, but exhausting hike.
Those who have walked the Hadrian’s Wall Path have left their thoughts on AllTrails, with one writing: “Hardest thing i’ve ever done but was incredibly rewarding by the end. 10/10 thank you Hadrian.”
“A couple of detours along the way but overall a beautiful trail. We were lucky with the weather; misty mornings and sunny days. Stunning views,” added another.
While a third penned: “My first long distance hike and I thought it was great. Well sign posted – easy to navigate. Some fantastic views in Northumberland national park, and obviously some really interesting and well preserved historical roman ruins along the way.”