Hadrian's Wall Path: Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend
About this trip.
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Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend in five walking days
This itinerary follows the full Hadrian's Wall Path from west to east. The path is 84 miles (135 km) in all. Day 2 takes you from Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle (15 miles), and Day 3 continues to Gilsland (19 miles). Day 4 runs from Gilsland to Chollerford (19.5 miles), Day 5 from Chollerford to Heddon-on-the-Wall (16 miles), and Day 6 finishes at Wallsend (15 miles). West to east is the direction Celtic Trails usually recommends. It often puts the prevailing wind behind you, and you finish close to Newcastle, which has restaurants, museums and good onward transport.
The trail is rated moderate. The start and end sections are largely flat and include some road walking. The central stretch through Northumberland National Park is genuinely undulating, with frequent short climbs and descents along the Whin Sill escarpment. You'll need reasonable hill-walking fitness, but the terrain is never technical. The path is well signposted throughout.
Roman forts and Wall country
Roman forts, milecastles and museums line the route as it crosses moorland, river valleys and escarpments. The operator lists the main highlights as the forts at Segedunum, Chesters, Housesteads, Carvoran and Birdoswald, the views from the ridges around Housesteads and Steel Rigg, and the Solway Coast National Landscape at the western end. Vindolanda lies about 2 miles south of the path near Once Brewed. It is one of the most significant Roman archaeological sites in Britain and worth the detour if the Wall's history interests you. The AD122 bus links the main towns and key sites, which helps if you want to visit places you don't have time for on walking days.
The original Sycamore Gap tree was felled in September 2023. The largest remaining section of its trunk is now on permanent display at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, and a sapling grown from the tree stands at Walltown Country Park, directly on the path.
What's arranged for you
You stay in a mix of guesthouses, farmhouses, inns and B&Bs, all with en-suite or private facilities, and breakfast is included each morning. Your luggage is moved between accommodations, and transfers between your accommodation and the trail are provided where the itinerary shows them. You also get a walk pack with a guidebook, mapping, route notes, accommodation directions and planning information. Celtic Trails' team is on call seven days a week while you walk.
The walking season runs from March to the end of October. May, June and September are generally considered the best months. Accommodation at Once Brewed and Gilsland often fills many months ahead. You can ask to change daily distances or add rest days, and the operator can book an extra night in Newcastle at either end.
The shape of the trip.
Everything you might be wondering.
Q1How hard is it really?
The grading is set by the operator and usually reflects daily distance and total ascent. As a rule of thumb: if you can comfortably manage a 5-6 hour hillwalk at home on a weekend, a moderate-graded route will be fine. Read the day-by-day notes carefully, and train with a loaded pack in the months before.
Q2Can I do this solo?
Yes — self-guided walking holidays are well suited to solo travellers, and some operators waive the single-room supplement on certain departures. The route notes are written for confident independent walkers, and most operators run a 24/7 support line.
Q3Do I need to speak the language?
No. Hotels and restaurants on the route are used to English-speaking walkers. A phrasebook for menus and a few polite basics (hello, thank you, please) is all you really need. The operator's support line speaks English.
Q4Can I bring my dog?
Some routes are dog-friendly, others aren't — it depends on whether all the accommodation on the itinerary accepts dogs. Check with the operator before booking. If you do bring a dog, you'll need a pet passport, up-to-date rabies vaccination, and a lead for villages.
Q5What if it rains?
The route is walkable in rain — your luggage travels ahead regardless, so you'll always arrive somewhere dry. Some trails get slippery in wet weather and the operator's support line can arrange a taxi for any stage if conditions are properly bad.
Q6How do I get there from the UK?
Most routes are reachable by a short flight to a nearby airport, followed by train or transfer. The operator will usually point you at the nearest airport and can advise on rail connections. Some will book train tickets on your behalf for a small fee.
Q7Can I shorten or extend it?
Usually yes. Many operators offer shorter versions of a route as a standalone, and most will add extra nights at the start or end at their own rates. Ask when you enquire — they'll tailor it before booking.
Q8What about cancellation?
Typically a deposit (usually 20-25%) is taken at booking, with the balance due 8-10 weeks before departure. The operator's own terms apply — Mooch doesn't handle the booking or refunds. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Three walking holidays, side-by-side.
The two closest walking holidays on Mooch, both on Hadrian's Wall. Prices are the operators' own, per person.
Hadrian's Wall Path: Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend
Hadrian's Wall Path: East to West
Hadrian's Wall Path: Wallsend to Bowness on Solway
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