Walking Hadrian’s Wall – part 6&7 East Wallhouses – Newburn – Wallsend
Walking Hadrian’s Wall Path Day 6&7: East Wallhouses – Newburn – Wallsend
If you’ve made it this far along Hadrian’s Wall Path, congratulations — you’re closing in on the end of an unforgettable journey! The final stretch from East Wallhouses to Wallsend (approximately 20 miles / 32 km) brings you from the rolling Northumberland countryside into the heart of Newcastle and finally to the North Sea.
To make this final leg more manageable — and more enjoyable — it’s well worth breaking it into two days, with an overnight stay in Newburn, a pleasant riverside village on the outskirts of Newcastle.
🥾 Day 6: East Wallhouses to Newburn
Distance: ~12 miles (19 km)
Terrain: Mostly gentle farmland and rural lanes, giving way to riverside paths
Setting out from East Wallhouses, you’ll immediately notice the change in scenery compared to the wilder western sections of the Wall. The rugged crags and windswept moors give way to softer, greener farmland dotted with villages and occasional glimpses of the Wall’s remains.
Highlights of this section:
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Heddon-on-the-Wall: A charming village where you’ll find one of the best-preserved stretches of Hadrian’s Wall still visible in situ. It’s a perfect spot for a short break and some photos.
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The Vallum and earthworks: Even when the stone wall itself disappears, the grassy mounds and ditches of the Vallum (the Roman defensive earthwork) remain clear in the landscape.
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The descent to the Tyne Valley: As you approach the outskirts of Tyneside, the trail leads down towards the River Tyne, offering a real sense of transition from countryside to city.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive in Newburn, a quiet riverside suburb with welcoming pubs and accommodation.
Overnight in Newburn:
Newburn makes a great stopover. There’s a friendly local atmosphere, a few B&Bs and inns, and the chance to relax by the river with a well-earned meal. The Boathouse Inn is a particular favourite — expect hearty food and local ale.
🌊 Day 7: Newburn to Wallsend
Distance: ~8 miles (13 km)
Terrain: Easy, mostly flat riverside paths along the River Tyne
From Newburn, the path follows the River Tyne all the way to Wallsend, a pleasant and largely flat urban riverside walk. Though the Roman Wall itself is no longer visible, interpretive signs and artworks along the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail tell the story of the Wall’s eastern end and its place in Newcastle’s industrial history.
Points of interest along the way:
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Tyne Riverside Country Park: A peaceful start to your morning, with riverside views and plenty of birdlife.
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Blaydon and Scotswood: Once bustling with shipyards and factories, these areas now mix urban renewal with heritage markers tracing the old Roman route.
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Newcastle Quayside: Explore Newcastle’s lively Quayside with its bridges, art galleries, and cafes.
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Segedunum Roman Fort, Wallsend: The official end of Hadrian’s Wall Path. The museum and reconstructed Roman bathhouse here provide a fitting finale, giving you a glimpse of what this monumental frontier once looked like.
🍽️ Post-walk tip
After finishing at Segedunum, you can catch a taxi into central Newcastle for a celebratory meal or an onward train. Many walkers like to toast the end of their journey with fish and chips or a pint overlooking the Tyne.
🌅 Final Thoughts
These final stages from East Wallhouses to Wallsend, with an overnight stop in Newburn, offers a lovely mix of landscapes — from quiet Northumberland farmland to riverside pathways and city heritage trails. It’s a reflective, satisfying way to complete your Hadrian’s Wall adventure, ending not with a rush, but with time to savour every step to the sea.
