East to West or West to East? What is the Best Direction to Walk Hadrian's Wall

One of the first questions people ask when planning their Hadrian’s Wall walk is which direction to choose. Both routes are wonderful, but they offer slightly different experiences, and the best option depends on the kind of journey you want.

Before choosing a direction, think about where you want to finish your walk. This is the moment you’ll celebrate your achievement, so picture the place that feels right for you. Do you want the energy and choice of the city, with restaurants, pubs, museums and easy transport links? Or would you prefer to end somewhere peaceful, with big skies, sandy beaches and time to let it all settle?

If you love the buzz of a town or city, finishing in Newcastle can be a brilliant finale. You step off the trail straight into a lively waterfront with plenty of places to raise a glass and reflect on your journey. It’s also incredibly practical if you’re heading home quickly, with Newcastle Airport, the central train station and long-distance buses all close by.

If you’re usually surrounded by the activity of a town or city, ending on the Solway can feel like a welcome change of pace. The final stretch into Bowness-on-Solway is calm and open, and many walkers enjoy finishing their Wall journey in a rural setting where everything slows down a little.

On the other hand, if you already live rurally, finishing in the city might feel like a fun change. There’s something uplifting about arriving at the Tyne after days on the trail, stepping into a place full of people, stories and places to celebrate. Your finish isn’t just the end of a walk. It’s the final chapter of your journey. Choose the place that will feel like a reward when you arrive.

Many walkers choose to go west to east because the prevailing westerly wind often sits at their back. It can feel like the breeze is giving you a gentle push along the trail. Walking east to west means you’re more likely to meet the wind head-on, which can be tiring on a blustery day. Still, in the warmer summer months, having a cool wind on your face can be surprisingly welcome.

Walking west to east, from Bowness-on-Solway to Wallsend, is the most traditional way to follow the trail. Guidebooks are usually written in this direction, and the route has a natural build. You begin in the quiet saltmarsh landscapes of the Solway, easing into your rhythm before the scenery rises into the dramatic central section around Steel Rigg, Housesteads and Walltown. Many walkers enjoy the sense of progression and the confident stride into Newcastle at the end, where you finish beside the river and the Roman fort at Segedunum.

Walking east to west takes a different shape. You start in the heart of the Roman story at Segedunum and make your way through the city before watching the landscape gradually open out. Each day takes you further into the countryside until you reach the wide skies of the Solway. Finishing at Bowness-on-Solway feels peaceful and reflective, the kind of ending that quietly settles with you long after the walk is finished.

In our opinion, the best direction to walk Hadrian's Wall is whatever you choose. Locals happily walk it both ways. At Curius Compass, Katie and I tend to ask what sort of journey you want. If a gentler start and a lively finish appeal, west to east works beautifully. If you like the idea of leaving the busy world behind step by step, east to west can feel like a deep exhale.

For self-guided walkers, both directions pair well with luggage transfers, accommodation bookings and transport arrangements. We help you choose the direction that fits your timeframe, fitness, and the style of adventure you’re after.

Whichever way you walk, the Wall has a way of surprising you. The landscape changes, the history rises up beside you, and the journey becomes your own. If you’d like help planning your route, head over to our self-guided walks.

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The Bit at the Bottom Where We Answer Stuff

What advice do you have for walking in windy weather? Wind is common along the Wall, especially on the higher ridges, so a little preparation goes a long way. A good windproof layer is essential, and if you’re buying a new coat, choose one with an adjustable hood that actually stays in place. Bring a buff or three—they’re brilliant for keeping your ears, face and neck warm, and you can loop one around your wrist for an easy-to-use hanky. Secure anything that might flap, keep your poles ready for balance on exposed paths, and don’t hesitate to shorten your day or take a lower route if conditions feel particularly brutal or unsafe. The wind can shift quickly, so check the forecast and stay flexible.

When should I cut a Hadrian’s Wall walk short because of wind or lightning? If the wind is affecting your balance, pushing you sideways or making it hard to place your feet securely, it’s time to rethink your day. As a guide, winds around 30–35 mph can feel uncomfortable on the exposed crags, and anything above 40 mph can become unsafe. In those conditions, drop to the lower route or finish early. If you hear thunder at any point, move to lower ground immediately, avoid high edges and poles and wait for the storm to pass (even if you do not see lightning). Trust how you feel on the trail. If conditions stop being enjoyable or safe, cutting the day short is the right call. Hadrian’s Wall will be here tomorrow.

Is Hadrian’s Wall easy to navigate? Hadrian’s Wall Path is a well-waymarked National Trail, and most of the route is easy to follow. Only about ten per cent of the Wall is still visible, and most of that is in the central section, where the remains are at their most impressive.

The central miles have steep ups and downs, but there are alternatives. Between Steel Rigg and Housesteads, for example, you can avoid Peel Gap Stairs by taking the lower path that curves around the crags. It saves your legs on a demanding stretch. Rejoin the Wall at Milecastle 37 so you can walk atop the only permitted section of Hadrian’s Wall.

The only places where you need to pay closer attention are around farmland and towns. The OS Maps app, a physical map or a downloaded GPX route is always a useful backup.

Some people feel the rain. Others just get wet. — Roger Miller