Hadrian's Wall

Links with: Pennine Way

Hadrian’s Wall National Trail is a 84-mile sign-posted trail that stretches from Wallsend in North Tyneside in the east to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria to the west, taking in beautiful countryside, vibrant cities and coastal views not to mention fascinating archaeological sites.

It was built under the orders of the Emperor Hadrian to mark the northern limit of the Roman Empire with work beginning in around AD 122. Although much of the wall has since disappeared, the trail is rich in earthworks and historic masonry and was awarded UNESCO World Heritage Site status in 1987. Highlights include the Roman forts of Segedumum (at Wallsend), Chesters, Houseteads and Birdoswald.

Although the route has sections of urban path through Newcastle and Carlisle it is dominated by rural walking through Northumberland and Cumbria. As an archeologically sensitive and predominantly grass route, visitors are asked to walk the trail between May and October to avoid damaging it during the vulnerable winter months.

Parts of the trail such as the Whin Sill escarpment are high and exposed so warm and waterproof clothing is recommended even in summer. The route also features riverside walking alongside the Tyne at its start as well as pasture land in Cumbria and the open salt marsh of the Solway Estuary.

Particular highlights on the trail include:

• Tullie House Museum & Art gallery: a family friendly gallery with multi-media, interactive displays and hidden histories.
• Roman Vindolana: one of Europe’s most important Roman archaeological sites, the museum also includes thousands of writing tablets recording daily life – letters from soldiers, birthday invitations and requests for payments.