A route most popular with walkers and cyclists but we've made our own route for campervans to enjoy too!
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is a long distance footpath in the north of England, which became the 15th National Trail in 2003. It runs for 84 mi (135 km), from Wallsend on the east coast of England to Bowness-on-Solway on the west coast. For most of its length it is close to the remains of Hadrian's Wall, the defensive wall built by the Romans on the northern border of their empire.
Walking the route
This itinerary breaks the 84-mile (135 km) walk into six reasonable stages, and is presented from east to west (against the prevailing wind).
Wallsend to Heddon-on-the-Wall – 15 miles (24 km) long.
The path starts by the Swan Hunter shipyard. Before starting the walk some walkers choose to visiting the nearby site of the Roman fort of Segedunum as it offers historical context for the wall. Most of this section runs through urban areas, including through the centre of Newcastle upon Tyne, and along the banks of the Tyne. Only the last part, leading to Heddon-on-the-Wall, is in open countryside. There are occasional glimpses of the Wall.
Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford – 15.5 miles (25 km) long.
This section is almost entirely through open countryside. The Wall is occasionally visible and the Vallum (earthwork) is frequently visible on the south side.
Chollerford to Steel Rigg - 12 miles (19 km) long.
The remains of Milecastle 39 (Castle Nick), a short distance east of Steel Rigg and Peel Crags
The Roman fort of Chesters is close to the start of this section. The path starts to rise now and the countryside becomes moorland, rather than farmland. Much more of the Wall is visible and parts of it run along the edge of crags, giving superb views over the open countryside to the north. The path passes the Roman fort at Vercovicium (Housesteads), which has been extensively restored and contains much of interest. The Pennine Way long-distance path branches off north just after this.
Steel Rigg to Walton - 16.25 miles (26 km) long.
This is another section across open countryside with the Wall occasionally visible. The Roman fort at Birdoswald has a museum. The Pennine Way long distance path joins the Hadrian’s Wall Path near the village of Greenhead. As the path approaches Walton, Lanercost Priory is a short walk to the south. Much of the Priory was built with stones taken from the Wall.
Walton to Carlisle – 11 miles (18 km) long.
In this section the path returns to farmland and crosses the M6 motorway. Part of the path is alongside the River Eden, passing through a pleasant park and over a large footbridge.
Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway – 14.75 miles (24 km) long.
The first part of this section is rather bare but the walking improves once the path gets beyond the outskirts of Carlisle. Most of the path runs alongside either the River Eden or the Solway Firth. There is nothing of the Wall to be seen but the walking is open and pleasant. The path ends in the village of Bowness-on-Solway.
Our camper route
Our team have put together a 2 day route for campervans to follow Hadrian's Wall.
(Click the links for more info on our stops...)
Your journey starts out at one of our free pub stops The Hope & Anchor Inn, Port Carlisle. This is the beginning of Hadrian's Wall, ready to start your journey in the morning!
First stop we have the Sycamore gap, the location of the famous Robin Hood tree alongside Hadrian's Wall.
A few minutes down the road among the best preserved remains is Housesteads Fort, one of 16 permanent bases along the wall. It is considered the most complete ruins of a Roman fort in the UK, helping visitors imagine the life of the approximately 800 soldiers that were stationed here nearly 2,000 years ago.
Your next free stop along Hadrian's wall is the beautiful Hadrian Hotel which is also one of our VIP stops! Click here to red our write up!
Morning! Your of to Segedunum originally a Roman fort at modern-day Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, England, UK. The fort lay at the eastern end of Hadrian's Wall (in Wallsend) near the banks of the River Tyne, forming the easternmost portion of the wall. It was in use as a garrison for approximately 300 years, from around 122 AD, almost up to 400AD. Today, Segedunum is the most thoroughly excavated fort along Hadrian's Wall, and is operated as Segedunum Roman Fort, Baths and Museum.
After a day at the museum is time to head down to North shields fish quay a few minutes away from segadunum for free parking next to the beach! Pop in to The Salty Sea Dog for tapas and a drink! (This place is an absolute must visit!)
Fancy doing the route on an E-Bike?? Head over to Ride Electric also on North Shields Fish Quay and rent your very own E-Bike! This route is extremely popular to these guys so they can give you all the hints & tips you need with children's bikes available too! You don't need to ride the whole route but we think using these while visiting The Robin Hood tree would be great!
All stops featured are listed on The Campervan Bible map.