Hadrians Wall Circular Walk – 11km Loop from Steel Rigg, visiting Housesteads Roman Fort Museum and Vindolanda Roman Garrison.

Region: Hadrians Wall, Steel Rigg, Northumberland, England

Places To Stay: The villages of Once Brewed and Haltwhistle are nearby, with welcoming B&Bs and pubs. Try: Stay near Hadrian’s Wall or browse more Northumberland Accommodation.

Looking for more historical hikes? Try The Ridgeway Trail, York City Walls Walk, or Bath Historical Loop.

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Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in Northumberland, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!

This rewarding 101km Hadrian’s Wall circular takes you through one of the most iconic sections of the UNESCO-listed frontier — including the dramatic ridge near Steel Rigg, the famed Sycamore Gap (made famous by Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves), and atmospheric Roman ruins at Housesteads Fort.

The walk is a moderate but undulating trail, with several short climbs and descents as you follow the natural contours of the Whin Sill escarpment. The mix of sweeping views, ancient archaeology, and rugged rural beauty makes this one of the best historical walks in Britain, all packed into a manageable half-day loop.

Looking for Cheap Flights? Try the Skyscanner Flight Checker Below.

This is how I find cheap ‘Flight Tickets‘ or travel deals. Fly into Newcastle or Carlisle and head west by car or public transport toward Once Brewed or Haltwhistle for the best access to this part of Hadrian’s Wall.

Getting There: Directions, GPX and App Link

• Start point: Steel Rigg Car Park (postcode: NE47 7AN)
• Google Maps: Steel Rigg Parking
• Bus link: AD122 Hadrian’s Wall Bus from Hexham or Haltwhistl
• Download the GPX file here for use on your GPS device or watch
• You can also follow this route on my Outdooractive profile

Hike Profile

• Distance: approx 11 km / 7 miles (loop)
• Duration: 3–4 hours
• Highest point: ~345 m / 1,132 ft (Winshield Crags)
• Difficulty: Moderate – some short climbs, exposed ridges, and additional distance
• Route conditions: mixture of rocky paths, grassy slopes and historical ruins — walking boots recommended

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Hike Description

Start from Steel Rigg car park and follow the well-signposted path east, climbing gently toward the exposed ridgeline. Within minutes, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Hadrian’s Wall threading through the rugged landscape, an awe-inspiring start.

As the wall dips and climbs along the Whin Sill escarpment, you’ll soon arrive at the famous Sycamore Gap. This photogenic dip in the landscape, once home to the legendary lone tree, remains one of Britain’s most iconic viewpoints.

Continue on to Housesteads Roman Fort, where you can explore the extensive remains of this ancient outpost. From stone barracks to Roman latrines, it gives an incredible insight into life on the northern frontier of the Roman Empire. There’s also a small museum here worth a visit, with artefacts uncovered during local excavations.

From Housesteads, head south through gently undulating farmland and quiet lanes to reach Vindolanda Fort, one of the most significant archaeological sites on the Wall. Vindolanda was once a bustling Roman garrison and civilian settlement, now partially reconstructed to give you a sense of scale and structure. The museum here is a highlight. home to the famous Vindolanda Tablets, revealing everyday Roman life through letters, lists, and personal notes written nearly 2,000 years ago.

Walk this route yourself in 3D!

The video is a 3D walkthrough of this route; it’ll give you a great idea of what to expect before you set foot on the mountain.

I’ve created 3D videos of my walks and shared them with the Outdooractive and Welsh Man Walking communities.

Rhossili Bay Coastal Walk – 10 km Gower Peninsula Loop – 3D Walkthrough

After soaking up Vindolanda’s fascinating history, follow footpaths and rural tracks westwards through open countryside, eventually rejoining the higher ground near Steel Rigg for a gentle final stretch back to the car park.

At around 11 km (7 miles), this longer loop offers a rich blend of dramatic landscapes and Roman heritage, a perfect walk for combining fresh air and ancient history in equal measure.

Below are a 3 ideas for trips and tours available in Northumberland, GetYourGuide offer great discounts and availability + Many more!

Hadrian’s Wall Circular Walk FAQs

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