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 … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 11

Chollerford > Heddon, 15.1m I woke up this morning not wanting to leave my lovely suite, especially as 100% rain is predicted at 10/11am - no way to walk around that.  A generous breakfast of cappuccino and Eggs Florentine turned my frown upside down and so I got ready for my penultimate day on the … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 10

The Sill > Chollerford, 10.4m A great walking day! The rain held off, the wind was at my back, and the path was dry = perfect conditions. Of course there’s always something that only rates 9/10 and I’m afraid that was the scenery. 9 is obviously a great score, and it was well-deserved, it’s just … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 9

Today was a Rest Day here at The Sill so I could visit Vindolanda, one of the best Roman archeological sites in Britain. Conveniently located just down the road from my hostel, I arrived about 10:30am and stayed 4 hours! Aerial shot of grounds: The main fort is encircled by the large rectangular wall, just … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 8

Gilsland > The Sill, 9.8m What a great day it turned out to be! A blustery day with lots of menacing clouds but the only rain fell on distant hills and I enjoyed a beautiful, hilly walk. Morning traffic Not only significant elevation bits today but there were dozens of ladder stiles! Weather? Vallum - … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 7

Walton > Gilsland, 10.1m Had a nice stay at the Bunkhouse - lively conversation with 2 Irishmen who sat shooting the breeze and downing whiskey for a couple of hours before heading out at 5:30pm, in the pouring rain, to walk 2+ hours to their luxury hotel(!). I just caught the last 20 minutes of … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 6

Carlisle > Walton, 12.4m Not the most inspiring of walks today. Mostly roads, country lanes and fields with nary a stone wall in sight.  Nor was there any place to sit for a rest.  I finally took refuge under a tree ~7.5 miles to have a crust of bread when the spitting rain turned to … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 5

Another free day in Carlisle so I decided to visit Housesteads, one of the Roman fort museums about halfway along the Wall. My chosen route involved taking a train, a bus, and a 3.5 mile walk along Hadrian’s Wall to get there. The Sill/Once Brewed > Housesteads, 3.5m I was sooo excited to see the … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 4

Today is my Carlisle Sightseeing Day. A beautiful sunny morning as I left the hotel, turned the corner and entered the cathedral close. I knew it was close by as they were practicing bell ringing for an hour last night (!). Fortunately it was melodic, not ear-splitting 🙂 Carlisle Cathedral circa 1133 Voted the ‘Nation’s … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 3

Another view of my walk. Luckily I found accommodation enroute in all places but one so won’t have to do any of the tangents listed Day 2: Burgh > Bowness-on-Solway, 8.9 miles I took advantage of the dry morning and called for a cab at 7:30am to take me back to Burgh to walk west … Continue reading Hadrian’s Wall Path: Day 2