Discover the Hidden Secrets of the Hadrian’s Wall Trail, England

About two thousand years ago, Emperor Hadrian decided that a wall is erected to keep an empire that had been imposed upon him intact. By divine instruction, the defensive fortification of the Rome’s Britannia province begun in AD 122 with a wall that ran between the banks of River Tyne and the Solway estuary in England.

The wall took 15,000 men about six years to complete and featured mile-castles and forts that were occupied until the Romans left Britain three centuries later. Since then, many people have tried pulling the wall to pieces using the stone for the construction of monasteries and churches nearby. Despite their best efforts, remnants of the ancient wall remain.

In its current state, Hadrian’s wall is by no means continuous, but it remains as one of the finest Roman Empire frontier construction. The long-distance footpath, now known as Hadrian’s Wall trail, is an 83-mile stretch. The distance goes through barracks, mile-castles, forts, and ramparts, as well as the changing scenery.

It’s possible to enjoy a walk-in history if you have a good imagination. If you’re most interested in uncovering the secrets of Hadrian’s Wall Trail, here’s the route summary.

At first glance, the trail looks straightforward. The highest point is just 350 meters, and several villages and towns cover the entire trail. You can break up your route to cover six days as suggested below.

Day 1 – Covering Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall

Just outside of the city center are good inns where you can stay the night before your first day hike. If you arrive before opening time, 10 am, there won’t be much to see. But you can take advantage of the time for some obligatory photos as well as to adjust your daypacks.

The first day means you will mostly be walking along the Tyne River, past former industrial sites and shipyards. You will also come across Newcastle’s bridges, suburbs, the river, and pavement that continue for hours.

During the day, little bits of nature that include a large park as well as plenty of craft beers and good food will pleasantly surprise you. You’ll come across few hikers, but the later final hour and a half route to Heddon-on-the-wall will reveal some significant traffic.

While uphill, Heddon-on-the-wall offers great views and is mostly woodland. You also get to catch a glimpse of the actual wall at the town’s edge.

Day 2: From Heddon-on-the-wall to Green Carts Farm

A paved path disappears even when you are actually beside a busy road most of the day, but you will hear it rather than see it most of the time. The first part of the day will see you walk a grassy trail through wheat fields.

The second part of the day takes you through scenic farmland alongside, sometimes inside, Roman defensive trenches that ran on both sides of the wall. After a break at Errington Arms, set off for the third section of the day that takes you across fields and forest area – punctuated by glorious countryside views.

The last section of the day will take you about an hour to reach the Green Carts Farm. One of the best things about this location is that it offers you the privacy you need after a hard day of hiking.

Day 3: From Green Carts Farm to Once Brewed

The route offers incredible views over moors and fields with few signs of civilization. While some of England can sometimes feel crowded, this is not one of those areas – it will feel like you have the rugged landscape all to yourself.

Make sure you have time to check out the excavations at Housesteads, which is said to be the best-preserved Roman fort along the Hadrian’s Wall Trail. Next, stop at Sycamore Gap, which was made famous by the Kevin Costner Robin Hood movie.

Once Brewed offers hikers plenty of overnight accommodation options, which include camping out or staying in a bunkhouse. Food and drink at this location are great if you choose not to self-cater.

Day 4: From Once Brewed to Walton

This section of the trail could easily be the best part with gorgeous views in all directions. Hiking up and down the gentle hills offers you access to many wall sections that will keep a history nerd interested.

Highlights along the route include some quiet time beside a beautiful quarry turned lake at Cawfields and 360-degree views atop Walltown Crags. Thirlwell Castle and the impressive Roman bridge remains are beautiful secrets to “discover.”

The highlight of the day is probably the 2000-year-old stone penis, which historians say is a symbol of good luck and fertility! Other people think that it was created by bored Roman workers who doodled male genitalia just as a teenager would.

Day 5: From Walton to Carlisle

The route is marked by many farms and fewer wild places. However, some jewels are available like fields of overgrown wildflowers, a few small forests and a lovely spot just outside Carlisle.

Carlisle re-introduces you back to the bustle and noise you would expect from city life, which might feel strange at first, considering the relative quiet you’ve had the past five days. On the other hand, the town brings you plenty of food options marked with breakfast buffets and dinner.

Day 6: From Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway

The last stretch of Hadrian’s wall walking holiday trail reveals plenty of diversity. You can enjoy some lovely riverside walking through woodlands and fields to Beaumont. There’s plenty of lazy sheep and little birdlife. Make sure you walk along the embankment’s top for better views, easier walking, and much-needed shelter from sun and wind.

National Trail signs that lead up to a little hut, where you will find an information board and sign congratulating you for finishing Hadrian’s Wall Trail, mark the end of the trail.

What You Should Pack

While the walk sounds relatively short, the unpredictable weather can make things tricky, especially when trying to figure out what gear to bring along. The general rule for such hikes, if not self-catering or camping, is to carry a bag that weighs not more than 10 percent of your body weight. Plus, packing light brings you a host of advantages.

This means packing items that you need to stay safe and comfortable with water and snacks included. Some of the items you should consider adding to your backpack include:

• Clothing – Pack the three sets of clothing, the right shoes, and socks
• Sleeping items like sleeping bag liner, earplugs, and eye masks
• First aid kit containing ibuprofen, Imodium, multi-purpose ointment, band-aids, tweezers and safety pins
• Toiletries like soap, deodorant, and toothpaste and brush
• Technology such as a four-way USB charger, Fitbit, Portable battery, smartphone, extra-long USB-C cable and noise-isolating earphones
• Extras include a guidebook, travel towel, toilet paper, Ziploc bags, journals and pens, and clothesline and pegs

Final Thoughts

To enjoy the entire trail, it’s best to do it over a longer period than six days to avoid blisters and get more time to take in the countryside. For a history nerd, the defenses and remains of the wall are the icing on the cake. However, if you’re not particularly fascinated by ancient Rome history, the empty landscapes and rolling hills make the walk a worthwhile adventure.

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This post was written by third party writer Tim Baker. All images have been linked to their source giving proper attribution.