how long to walk hadrians wall

How long does it take to walk Hadrian’s Wall?

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Walking the entire 84‑mile (135 km) length of Hadrian’s Wall National Trail is a real achievement – most “through‑walkers” take 5–7 days, averaging about 12–16 miles (19–26 km) per day. If you’re fitter or want to fast‑track, it can be done in 4 days; at a more leisurely pace, allow a week plus to stop off at all the forts, museums and scenic detours. Pro tip: Walk west to east so not against the prevailing westerly wind instead it propels you to your destination. Start at Lanercost Priory (just outside Brampton), as there’s no need to tackle every inch: a popular shorter route is Brampton → Chollerford (31 miles/50 km). For the full experience you can go Carlisle → Heddon‑on‑the‑Wall, but many finish early at Heddon – once you hit Newcastle, the route becomes quite urban and less scenic. We’re centrally located in Twice Brewed, midway between Brampton & Chollerford, making us the perfect central base to rest during your walk.

Can you camp on the Hadrian’s Wall Walk?

Absolutely! There are several campsites dotted along the Trail:

  • Winshield Campsite (in Twice Brewed near Vindolanda)
    A friendly, family‑run site with grass pitches, a kitchenette and evening pub just a short stroll away.
  • Herding Hill Farm Campsite (near Cawfields and Roman Army Museum)
    Peaceful farm setting, excellent facilities and stunning views over the Eden Valley.
  • YHA The Sill – National Landscape Discovery Centre
    Modern bunkrooms, private rooms and an on‑site café right next to the Visitor Centre at Twice Brewed.

Looking to sleep under cover? We also recommend these lovely B&Bs:

  • Vallum Lodge (Twice Brewed) – cosy rooms, hearty breakfast and just a stone’s throw from the wall.
  • Bridge House B&B (Chollerford) – family run with great pub meals nearby and comfy beds.
  • The George at Chollerford – (Chollerford) – riverside charm with individually styled rooms.

Hadrian’s Wall Huts (HWH) – for a truly unique glamping experience in shepherd’s huts right on the Wall path.

What English town is near Hadrian’s Wall?

Hexham

Just 12 miles south of Hadrian’s Wall, Hexham is a picturesque market town full of history and charm. Its centrepiece is Hexham Abbey, originally founded in AD 674 and rebuilt in the 12th century. You can explore its stunning Gothic architecture, Saxon crypt, and even see the Roman tombstone of a cavalry officer, Flavinus.

The town’s Market Place is home to the Shambles, a historic covered market from 1766, and nearby you’ll find the Moot Hall, a rare medieval gatehouse, and Hexham Old Gaol – England’s oldest purpose-built prison, now a museum of Border Reiver history.

For arts and culture, the Queen’s Hall Arts Centre offers theatre, live music and exhibitions year-round, all in a beautifully restored town building.

What city is Hadrian’s Wall in?

Hadrian’s Wall isn’t located in just one city—it stretches coast-to-coast across Northern England, from the Irish Sea to the North Sea, covering around 84 miles (135 km) of dramatic countryside, moorland, and rolling hills.

The Eastern end of the Wall terminates at Segedunum Roman Fort, located in Wallsend, which is now part of Newcastle upon Tyne. Segedunum is a major archaeological site with a reconstructed Roman bathhouse and a museum offering a great introduction to life on the Wall’s eastern frontier. While the trail continues slightly through urban areas toward the River Tyne, the scenery here becomes much more built-up and city-like compared to the rural stretches further West.

The Western end is at Bowness-on-Solway, a quiet village on the Solway Firth, just outside Carlisle, where you can enjoy views over to Scotland. Carlisle itself is steeped in Roman history, with Tullie House Museum and Carlisle Castle offering a fascinating look into the city’s military past, both Roman and medieval.

If you’re after lively city energy either before or after your walk, both Newcastle and Carlisle serve as excellent gateways to the Wall:

  • Newcastle upon Tyne offers vibrant nightlife, modern museums, Roman heritage at its doorstep, and excellent public transport links.
  • Carlisle, often called the “Great Border City,” has Roman origins and makes a brilliant start or end point for your walk, with rich local history and easy access to the western Wall.

That said, the real magic of Hadrian’s Wall lies in the central rural stretch—rolling landscapes, open skies, and some of the most spectacular Roman remains. Staying at Hadrian’s Wall Huts, right in the middle at Twice Brewed, lets you immerse yourself in this scenic heartland, so close you can walk to the infamous Sycamore Gap in minutes via the local brew house.

Shepards Hut through the plants

Where is the most central place to stay along Hadrian’s wall?

Whether you’re waking up to birdsong in a cosy shepherd’s hut, watching the stars from your private firepit, or stepping straight out onto the trail with your boots laced, staying at Hadrian’s Wall Huts puts you right in the heart of the adventure. Centrally located between Brampton and Chollerford, it’s the perfect base to explore the most famously scenic and historic stretch of the Wall. Set your own pace, enjoy the views, and walk through nearly two thousand years of history—with a warm, welcoming place to return to at the end of each day.