- Feel Good
- 17th Apr 2025
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Exploring Hadrian’s Wall with your dog: What you need to know
Hadrian’s Wall is one of the North East’s most iconic walking routes – and a great place to explore with your dog.
As we start defrosting and more visitors return to the trails, it’s important to remember that this historic landscape is also home to wildlife, livestock and fragile habitats. Cue: the Dog Rangers.
This new initiative led by the National Trust and the Hadrian’s Wall Country Partnership is encouraging responsible dog walking across the UNESCO World Heritage Site — and they’re currently looking for more Dog Ranger volunteers to join the team…
What is a Dog Ranger?
Dog Rangers are volunteers who patrol the trails with their dogs, offering friendly advice to fellow walkers on how to explore the area safely and respectfully. They carry water, poop bags and treats, and are always up for a chat about dog-friendly routes and best practices. You can spot them by their red ‘Dog Ranger’ bandanas (on the dogs) and National Trust volunteer lanyards (on the humans).
The team is also behind the new ‘pawprint’ rating system, helping dog owners easily identify how dog-friendly different areas and facilities are.
Want to get involved? If you love walking, meeting people and spending time with your pup in the great outdoors, this could be the perfect volunteering opportunity.
Where to walk: Housesteads Roman Fort
Bardon Mill, Hexham, NE47 6NN
One of the most popular dog-friendly sections of the wall is Housesteads Roman Fort. Set on a dramatic slope in the heart of Hadrian’s Wall Country, it’s a great place to soak up history while enjoying panoramic views and plenty of open space. Dogs are welcome on a lead around the fort, the visitor centre and nearby walking trails.
Water bowls are available at the museum and visitor centre, and staff are happy to help if you need anything for your dog.
Where to refuel: The Twice Brewed Inn
Bardon Mill, Hexham NE47 7AN
The Twice Brewed Inn is a popular stop-off for post-walk refreshments. Located nearby in Bardon Mill, the inn serves hearty seasonal dishes, local ales brewed on-site, and welcomes dogs in the bar and beer garden.
Responsible Dog Walking: The Canine Code
To help preserve this special place for everyone, keep in mind these key tips:
- Keep dogs on a short lead, especially around sheep and ground-nesting birds.
- Pick up after your dog and take bags with you if no bin is available.
- Follow local signage for path diversions or off-lead zones.
- Be considerate to other walkers — not everyone is confident around dogs.
Hadrian’s Wall has welcomed dogs (and their humans) for decades, and thanks to initiatives like the Dog Rangers, it’s set to stay a safe and welcoming place for everyone.
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