Hadrian's Wall stretches from Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, to Bowness-on-Solway in Cumbria, and was built under the orders of Emperor Hadrian in AD 122 to mark the northern limit of the Roman empire. Although much of the Wall has since disappeared it is classed as a World Heritage Site, and a new 81-mile (130 km) long-distance walking route is being developed along its course.

However, it is important for walkers to bear in mind that at present it is not possible to follow what remains of the Wall the whole way. Some sections are still intact, walkable and very attractive, notably around the forts of Housesteads, Great Chesters and Birdoswald; and it is possible to follow other parts using public rights of way. However, not until the Countryside Commission has completed its work and the route is officially opened as a National Trail in 2001 will there be a continuous and waymarked route. Walkers who tackle the whole route before that time will have to follow rights of way and even some roads adjacent to the route of the Wall in many places, and since some of these sections involving surfaced roads may be quite lengthy be very careful of fast-moving traffic.

At the moment there are few waymarks, and although the Wall is easily traced in its surviving parts other stretches will be more difficult or impossible to identify, especially in the built-up areas at either end. In the middle section (west of Hexham), which falls in Northumberland National Park, the Wall is high and exposed, and wet/warm weather clothing will be necessary for most of the year. Walking boots are recommended at all times, since conditions underfoot are often rough. Although the course of the Wall is depicted on Ordnance Survey maps, do bear in mind that you can only walk on public rights of way and permissive routes, and if in any doubt follow official signs on the ground. In most instances, and for obvious reasons, the authorities discourage people from walking on the actual Wall itself, and you should always make every effort to respect the delicate nature of both archaeology and landscape.

Guidebooks and maps

s The Hadrian's Wall Path 

s Hadrian's Wall Walk Vol 1: The Wall Walk 

s A Guide to Walking Hadrian's Wall by Graham Mizon

s Exploring from Hadrian's Wall by John Barker

s Ordnance Survey Historical Map: Hadrian's Wall (includes both 1:25 000 and 1:50 000 scale sections). Ordnance Survey Landranger maps: 85, 86, 87, 88 (1:50 000).

Please note that these publications and maps are not sold by the Ramblers' Association.

Public transport

A special bus service - the Hadrian's Wall Bus - operates along most of the length of the Wall throughout summer. It stops at all the key locations (including Vindolanda, Birdoswald, Chesters, Once Brewed and Housesteads) and so allows for continuous linear walks over a period of days. For a leaflet and timetable contact Northumberand National Park on 01434 605555.

Carlisle and Newcastle-upon-Tyne are also connected by a railway line with stops at Haltwhistle, Hexham and several other locations. Contact local tourist information centres for more details.

Further information

• Countryside Commission Northern Regional Office, Warwick House, Grantham Road, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 1QF (tel 0191 232 8252).
• Carlisle Tourist Information Centre, Old Town Hall, Green Market, Cumbria CA3 8JH (tel 01228 512444).
• Hexham Tourist Information Centre, The Manor Office, Hallgate, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1XD (tel 01434 605225).
• Newcastle Tourist Information Centre, Central Library, Princess Square, Newcastle upon Tyne NE99 1DX (tel 0191 261 0610).
• Northumberland National Park, Eastburn, South Park, Hexham, Northumberland NE46 1BS (tel 01434 605555).
• Once Brewed Visitor Centre (seasonal opening times), Military Road, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland NE47 7AN (tel 01434 344396).