Tips for those planning to walk Hadrian’s Wall Path.
Tip 1. Walk Hadrian’s Wall Path from west to east.
When hiking, it is wise to have the prevailing winds behind you. The strong wind can help push you up the steep escarpments, and it’s nice not to have a chilly blow in your face.
Tip 2. Don’t be in a rush
Experienced hikers can walk the 84-mile (135-kilometer) path in about six days. However, to fully experience the historic aspect of this World Heritage Site, plan extra time to read the information panels, visit museums and forts, and explore the ruins.
Tip 3. Use the Hadrian’s Wall Bus.
Plan a base, either a hostel, campsite, or B & B, from which you can move forwards and backwards along The Path. Take the bus to that day’s desired starting point, and then walk back to the base or walk forwards and return to the base by bus.
The bus runs from Easter through the end of September. One, three, and seven-day passes for the service are sold on the bus and at the tourist information centers.
Tip 4. Use the Visitor Centers
At the visitor centers, you can find out about local lore and customs, the best places for dining, local events, and entertainment, and purchase maps and souvenirs. They help make accommodation arrangements, which is helpful during the busy season, especially when traveling by foot.
Tip 5. Plan the itinerary and reserve accommodations.
Though there are agencies that will plan your itinerary for a fee, sites such as Hadrian’s Wall Country and Hadrian’s Wall Path make it easy to develop the itinerary and assist in choosing quality-assessed accommodations. The only problem with using these Websites to plan your Hadrian’s Wall Path hike is that, without knowledge of the trail, it is difficult to determine how far to travel in a day. At the western and eastern terminus, the terrain is relatively flat and there is less to see of the Wall remains. For this reason, an experienced hiker could plan long-distance days. In the central portion, the terrain is more difficult and there is much to see and visit. If reading the information panels and visiting museums is important to you, make sure to plan short-distance days.