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Hiking Hadrian's Wall

Any suggestions hiking the entire length of Hadrian's Wall. How difficult is it and how many miles a day is best.?

Posted by
6399 posts

This website tells you a lot. Shouldn't be difficult for a good walker if you allow enough time and dress for the weather. There are places to stay all along the route, and at least one service (Hadrian's Haul) that will schlep your overnight stuff to each stop, so all you have to carry is lunch and raingear. It might be a good strategy to start on the west end (Carlisle area) and go east, to have the wind at your back and the morning sun (such as there is) on your face.

Posted by
9110 posts

How far can you hump in a day?

Most of the literature seems to suggest six days at about twelve to fifteen miles per from Wallsend to whatever the place is on the western end.

I think I've done it three times over a lot of years. The quickest was three days because it was raining like stink. If you want to extend it at both ends to claim bragging rights for the coast-to-coast, figure at least four; maybe seven or eight if you dawdle.

It's an easy walk -- most of the elevation change is right about the dividing line between the middle and eastern thirds.

Timing/pacing places to spend the night has to be a consideration.

You can miss a fork walking westward, not a problem walking east. I've forgotten where that is exactly, but have encountered walkers who've done it.

A couple of printed guides exist and some on the web if you google 'hadrians wall path'.

You won't need a map since the path, except for the coastal extensions is either well-marked or obvious.

One jug of water is plenty.

Arguments exist for walking direction - - I've done it both ways and it doesn't seem to make a hoot if difference.