Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 11

/ alliwanders

Wylam – Newcastle, 10.3m

It was a cool, grey, dry morning as I ventured from the pub and joined the Wylam Waggonway (old steam railway line, known for the famous “Puffing Billy”). It’s now a flat, paved walking/cycling path that’ll take me to join up with the HWP, and continue on into Newcastle. 

Back on the HWP and hikers ahead!

After ~3 miles of walking through parkland the cycleway joined the banks of the River Tyne for a nice change of scenery before sidling alongside a busy road as it entered the industrial outskirts of Newcastle.

At 5 miles I came across a convenient cafe inside a community health center and enjoyed a break with tea and toast. Walking on flat, hard ground is rather soul-crushing so any excuse to stop was welcome.

No idea what these mileposts are supposed to be but 5 more to go
More hikers tackling the Wall east to west
After 6 miles on pavement I stuck to the soft grass as much as possible (as did the hiker going in the opposite direction!)

Continued on the cycle way, mostly through a green tunnel so not overly bothered by the traffic of the busy motorway or warehouses blighting the waterfront. Listening to an audiobook helped too!

3.5 miles left!

At 8 miles I joined the riverside promenade, fairly busy on a now sunny afternoon, for the final push into Newcastle.

More Hadrian Wallers making their way into Newcastle; the 7 bridges in view
Climbing up from the waterfront to town
Popped out back at Newcastle Keep, back where I started this trip 2 weeks ago
Another £13 upgrade from a single room.

And my Hadrian’s Wall walk comes to an end. I’ll enjoy my huge room, have a hot bath and good dinner and get ready for my next adventure – off to Italy and the Dolomites tomorrow!