6-Day Hadrian’s Wall Classic
Follow this classic route across the ancient Roman frontier through northern England’s most iconic landscapes.
The Journey
Following the line of the Roman frontier from coast to city, this end-to-end itinerary traverses the full Hadrian’s Wall Path over 6 days.
Beginning on the quiet shores of the Solway Firth in Bowness-on-Solway, your journey unfolds eastward across rolling countryside, historic sites, and the dramatic central section of the Wall, before finishing on the vibrant Newcastle quayside–a fitting and celebratory end to the trail.
Designed for walkers who want to complete the full trail in traditional stages, this itinerary balances rewarding walking days with time to explore some of the trail’s key highlights, from Carlisle and the central Roman sites to Newcastle’s cultural landmarks.
We’ve designed this route from West to East, beginning in the peaceful expanse of the Solway coast and finishing in the energy of the city. This direction also allows for simpler onward travel at the end of the walk. If you’d prefer to walk in reverse, we’re happy to arrange an East to West version.
Your Route
Start
Elevation Profile
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Terrain and walking stages are presented as a geographical overview. The route line and elevation samples are indicative, not a replacement for the supplied GPX navigation files.
Terrain map © Esri and its data providers. Elevation data: Open-Meteo.
6-Day Classic Daily Itinerary
A classic journey unfolding from coast to city across iconic landscapes from the quiet Solway coast to the Roman frontier and onward to Newcastle.
Start
Arrive in Bowness-on-Solway, where your first night’s accommodation will be booked (subject to availability).
Day 1
Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle (14 miles)
Begin on the peaceful shores of the Solway Firth, following quiet lanes and gently rolling countryside through Cumbrian villages to Carlisle, one of Roman Britain’s most important frontier cities.
Day 2
Carlisle to Walton (11.5 miles)
A gentler day through peaceful farmland and open countryside, with quiet villages and classic rural landscapes setting the tone as you continue eastward along the Wall.
Day 3
Walton to Steel Rigg (15 miles)
Today you enter one of the most dramatic sections of Hadrian’s Wall, following remarkably preserved stretches of the monument from Cumbria into Northumberland National Park, with an ascent of the highest point on the trail.
Day 4
Steel Rigg to Chollerford (13 miles)
Traverse expansive moorland and open crags through the heart of Hadrian’s Wall country, where dramatic views and remarkable Roman remains define this iconic section of the walk.
Day 5
Chollerford to Heddon-on-the-Wall (15 miles)
The terrain begins to soften today, though the views remain rewarding as you pass some of the final turrets and milecastles before approaching the outskirts of Newcastle.
Day 6
Heddon-on-the-Wall to Wallsend (15 miles)
Descend from the hilltop village of Heddon and follow the River Tyne through Newcastle to Wallsend and Segedunum, the Roman fort that marks the triumphant end of your journey.
Finish
Depart Newcastle after breakfast.
Trip Facts
Duration
6 days, 7 nights
Daily distance
11-15 miles/day
Difficulty
Challenging
Start
Bowness-on-Solway
End
Wallsend
Best walked
April to October
Reverse routes
Reverse routes available
Your Walk Includes
Hand-picked stays
Daily breakfast
Door-to-door baggage transfers
Trail Notes screen-free itinerary pack
GPX navigation files
Route planning & pre-trip guidance
Local support during your walk
What's Not Included
- Lunches and evening meals
- Travel to and from the start/end points
- Entry to historical sites
Pricing
based on 2 people sharing accommodation
~ Self-guided | Fully supported | All logistics arranged for you ~
Optional Extras
Is this itinerary for me?
Walking Hadrian’s Wall over six consecutive days is a rewarding challenge. While the daily distances are similar to the distance you might walk on individual day walks, the cumulative effect of walking day after day is something to consider.
With that said, Hadrian’s Wall Path is one of the more accessible National Trails, making it a great choice for first-time long-distance walkers with a reasonable level of fitness.
This itinerary may be a good fit if you
- Enjoy walking 10–15 miles on varied terrain at a steady pace
- Are comfortable walking on consecutive days with time to rest each evening
- Have a reasonable level of general fitness for a multi-day walking holiday
- Are happy following a self-guided route with support when needed
- Enjoy immersive landscapes and long days walking outdoors
For the most enjoyable experience, we recommend walking between late spring and early autumn, when daylight hours are longer and conditions are generally more favourable.
If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to advise and help you choose a route that matches your walking style and pace.
About Hadrian’s
Wall Path
A journey across England’s most iconic long-distance trail, where ancient history, unspoiled landscapes, and welcoming communities meet.
Steeped in ancient history and set against the dramatic landscapes of northern England, Hadrian’s Wall is one of the country’s most iconic National Trails. Following the line of the Roman frontier, the trail offers the rare opportunity to walk through an ancient landscape shaped by nearly 2000 years of human story.
Across rolling countryside, rugged crags, quiet farmland, and open moorland, the trail unfolds on a journey that is both physical and reflective. Some sections are bold and dramatic, others gentle and peaceful, each revealing a different side to the Wall, rich in history and atmosphere.
Hadrian’s Wall is not just a monument, but a living landscape shaped by the people who have walked it, lived alongside it, and continue to care for it today. Along the way, welcoming communities offer rest, warmth, and connection, giving rhythm to the journey.
This is a place best experienced on foot, with the insight of those who know it well. We design our walking itineraries so you can experience the Wall like a local–moving beyond the guidebook to discover the places, people, and details that bring the landscape to life. Each itinerary balances challenge and enjoyment, structure and freedom, so you can focus less on logistics and more on the experience of walking itself.
Every journey along Hadrian’s Wall is different, yet shaped by the same heart: a walk through history and landscape, where each step adds your own story to the trail.