Hadrian's Wall Path Map and Information

Bus and Metro services link Newcastle International Airport and Newcastle Ferry Port to the start of the Trail at Wallsend. It is also possible to catch a bus from the ferry terminal directly to the start of Hadrian’s Wall Path at Wallsend.

Hadrian’s Wall Path is well-connected for visitors arriving by train. Northern Rail operates the Newcastle to Carlisle ‘Tyne Valley’ line with strategic stops at Corbridge, Hexham and Haltwhistle, which connects with the seasonal AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus service. The start of the Trail is a 10 minute Metro journey from Newcastle Rail Station.

For rail information please see www.nationalrail.co.uk. For Metro information please visit www.nexus.org.uk/metro

The seasonal AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus service is the main route serving Hadrian’s Wall. The bus currently operates daily. Visit https://www.gonortheast.co.uk/ad122/ for times and fares.

Both ends of the Trail (Carlisle in the west and Newcastle upon Tyne in the east) have inter-city rail links and National Express coach services.

You can find up-to-date public transport information including a journey planner at www.traveline.info

If you are planning to drive, the A69 between Newcastle and Carlisle runs parallel to Hadrian’s Wall Path (approximately 2-5 miles south) and is the main access route. You can join the A69 from the western side of the country along the M6 from the south and the A74 (M) from Glasgow to Carlisle.

Access from the eastern side of the country is along the A1 (M) to Newcastle, with the option of using the A68 (which links Edinburgh and Darlington) to reach the central part of the Path.

There are plenty of campsites along the Trail and they can be viewed on the Interactive Map.

If you plan to camp please note in England and Wales, there are normally no rights for national trail users to wild camp along the way – so seeking the landowner’s permission is recommended.

There are several companies that will arrange to move your bags for you, help you plan your trip, or arrange a full package.

You can find further details on the Walking Holiday Companies page.

We recommend walking between May and October when the ground is normally dry and the risk of erosion and damage to the underlying archaeology is considerably reduced. During this period the accommodation is open, bus services are running and the Trail passport is operating. The Trail and Wall are very popular; if you want to avoid the crowds try to avoid the main school holidays (end of July through August).

We recommend that you take a map and/or guidebook with you, or a copy of the walk leaflet if you are doing a shorter walk. You may also find a compass useful.

If you are walking solo you may want to tell somewhere where you are going as there can be mobile black spots along the Trail. Ensure your phone is fully charged before setting off.

Weather in the UK can be changeable so it’s wise to be prepared. You’ll need good footwear, waterproofs and warm layers. Take plenty of water and just in case, pack a few plasters for your feet. In the summer you may need midge repellant and sun cream.

It’s up to you, different guidebooks describe it in different directions however the official guidebook describes the route from east to west.

Prevailing wind? Heading west from Wallsend you will be walking into it but in the summer months it is unlikely to be a concern. Also, consider whether you want to finish your walk in the city, or on the quiet Solway estuary which is a great place to reflect on your achievement. Look carefully into the transport arrangements at the end of your walk; some people find that if time is short then it is might be easier to continue on their journey home from Newcastle.

Away from Newcastle and Carlisle the mobile phone reception varies with some providers being better than others. The higher central section of the Trail has the weakest reception and at times it can be none existent. More and more places, including pubs, cafés and even village halls, provide Wi-Fi access.

The UK is unique in having a network of paths that the public can use, this is the Public Rights of Way network. You can see these paths on Ordnance Survey maps.

National Trails are signed with an acorn symbol and/or the Trail name which you will see on stiles, gates and signposts. This is the symbol used by all the English and Welsh National Trails.

As you are walking along the Trail you will also see waymarkers pointing to other paths. You can use the public rights of way network to leave the Trail to explore places of interest, reach your accommodation and find places to eat and drink.

You will often find a coloured arrow on signs which indicates the status of that section of path. The most common are yellow arrows which are footpaths and blue which are bridleways.

The Solway coast between Dykesfield and Drumburgh, and between Port Carlisle and Bowness-on-Solway is at sea level. These areas can be affected by tidal flooding. You must be aware of when this is likely to occur and allow sufficient time for a safe walk. You can find out more in a number of ways:

PDF download

• Silloth tide times 2022
• Silloth tide times 2023
• Silloth tide times 2024

Notice boards

Provided for your safety by the National Trail project, located beside the cattle grid at Dykesfield and at the eastern entrance to Bowness-on-Solway village. The boards show the current month’s tidal predictions for the port of Silloth.

Online

Tide times can be found on the BBC website.

A GPX file can be downloaded from the Trail Holidays page (the button is below the map).

The official guidebook and map for the Trail are available from the Trail Gift Shop along with a wide range of gifts and other merchandise.

You can find a list of Ordnance Survey maps on the trail’s map page.

Completion Certificates and Achievers’ badges are available from the Trail Gift Shop.