Hadrian's Wall
Discussion
Been threatening to walk the wall for a few years, I'm getting older, (71) won't be able to do it shortly.
There are quite a few companies arranging walks/accom/transport etc but I can't decide which one is best. Many start from Newcastle where parking is expensive, end on the west coast with no apparent transport back to the start either.
Public transport to the start and home after the finish?
Anyone here done "The Wall"? What were your experiences?
Looking forward to getting some background.
thanks
There are quite a few companies arranging walks/accom/transport etc but I can't decide which one is best. Many start from Newcastle where parking is expensive, end on the west coast with no apparent transport back to the start either.
Public transport to the start and home after the finish?
Anyone here done "The Wall"? What were your experiences?
Looking forward to getting some background.
thanks
Now then. Me and a mate did most of the wall route a few years back. (2018 or similar)
We got the train up to Newcastle and set off westwards along the river straight from the station rather than wandering across town the 'wrong way' to get to Wallsend.
We appeared to be the only people carrying our stuff other than the few nutters doing it non-stop or similar record breaking pace, everyone else using the luggage delivery services.
We also finished our route at whichever Roman fort museum was just before Carlisle and got the bus rather than waste time wandering through the suburbs.
This seemed to give us quality walking rather than a day at either end of suburban strolling just to get a full set of stamps.
We pre-booked stops each night at a mix of pubs, AirBnBs, B&Bs and went to the pub every night.
We got the train up to Newcastle and set off westwards along the river straight from the station rather than wandering across town the 'wrong way' to get to Wallsend.
We appeared to be the only people carrying our stuff other than the few nutters doing it non-stop or similar record breaking pace, everyone else using the luggage delivery services.
We also finished our route at whichever Roman fort museum was just before Carlisle and got the bus rather than waste time wandering through the suburbs.
This seemed to give us quality walking rather than a day at either end of suburban strolling just to get a full set of stamps.
We pre-booked stops each night at a mix of pubs, AirBnBs, B&Bs and went to the pub every night.
Truckosaurus said:
Now then. Me and a mate did most of the wall route a few years back. (2018 or similar)
We got the train up to Newcastle and set off westwards along the river straight from the station rather than wandering across town the 'wrong way' to get to Wallsend.
We appeared to be the only people carrying our stuff other than the few nutters doing it non-stop or similar record breaking pace, everyone else using the luggage delivery services.
We also finished our route at whichever Roman fort museum was just before Carlisle and got the bus rather than waste time wandering through the suburbs.
This seemed to give us quality walking rather than a day at either end of suburban strolling just to get a full set of stamps.
We pre-booked stops each night at a mix of pubs, AirBnBs, B&Bs and went to the pub every night.
Thanks, so you guys just booked yourselves into B&B and lugged your stuff on your back. Suppose that's the "proper" hiker way but at 71, I'd happily let a van take the change of clothes. Lived on Tyneside for much of my earlier life so can appreciate you missing out the Wallsend bit, hadn't thought about the Carlisle end. One of the "tour" operators does the shortened bit. Worth a thought, do I need the stamps on a card I ask myself.We got the train up to Newcastle and set off westwards along the river straight from the station rather than wandering across town the 'wrong way' to get to Wallsend.
We appeared to be the only people carrying our stuff other than the few nutters doing it non-stop or similar record breaking pace, everyone else using the luggage delivery services.
We also finished our route at whichever Roman fort museum was just before Carlisle and got the bus rather than waste time wandering through the suburbs.
This seemed to give us quality walking rather than a day at either end of suburban strolling just to get a full set of stamps.
We pre-booked stops each night at a mix of pubs, AirBnBs, B&Bs and went to the pub every night.
I’ve not walked Hadrian’s Wall but have ridden the C2C and walked Wainwright’s Coast to Coast. Both were done West to East and that’s how I’d walk the HW. Prevailing wind is on your back and (in my opinion) the end location is far nicer, with better transport options to get home. If you intend doing the full route the start line realistically needs a taxi journey out of Carlisle so I’d be tempted to get that out of the way first. I’ve used Sherpa Van for baggage transfer in the past and never had a problem with them. Their website looks out of date, still ensuring COVID guidelines, so I’m not sure if they are still the best option.
I walked the wall from Wylam to Carlisle back in Aug. 2008. The locals have stopped nicking it now, so there should still be plenty left.
Beyond Carlisle, I read it was just a timber topped earth rampart, but I've never seen it so could be wrong. We parked the car for free in the street in Wylam and it was still there when we returned. The return train ran direct from Carlisle to Wylam and was fine apart from being disappointingly quick!
On the first day we added an extra loop down the Tyne to Stevenson's house. That was a mistake as I ended up walking 19 miles on the first day in brand new boots. I subsequently used one of those spring loaded walking sticks which was a great help, especially when descending some of the slippery steeper parts.
I would strongly recommend using a baggage transfer company. Some walkers we met were carrying all their kit which was damp despite new Gortex gear. I used Contour to book the accommodation. More recently, I have made my own arrangements (for the SW Coast Path) as I can do a better job for a lot less money. The baggage transfer companies website is an excellent resource for finding suitable digs along the way.
Beyond Carlisle, I read it was just a timber topped earth rampart, but I've never seen it so could be wrong. We parked the car for free in the street in Wylam and it was still there when we returned. The return train ran direct from Carlisle to Wylam and was fine apart from being disappointingly quick!
On the first day we added an extra loop down the Tyne to Stevenson's house. That was a mistake as I ended up walking 19 miles on the first day in brand new boots. I subsequently used one of those spring loaded walking sticks which was a great help, especially when descending some of the slippery steeper parts.
I would strongly recommend using a baggage transfer company. Some walkers we met were carrying all their kit which was damp despite new Gortex gear. I used Contour to book the accommodation. More recently, I have made my own arrangements (for the SW Coast Path) as I can do a better job for a lot less money. The baggage transfer companies website is an excellent resource for finding suitable digs along the way.
I lived on (and I mean actually 'on') the wall for 28 years until the end of October '24.
I now live 5 miles away. Skydriver - if you decide to park in Bowness and do it west to east I'd happily pick you up from Carlisle station and take you back to your car.
Interestingly I've never done the walk but I'm planning coming up your way this year to walk Glenfinnan to Inverie on Knoydart.
I now live 5 miles away. Skydriver - if you decide to park in Bowness and do it west to east I'd happily pick you up from Carlisle station and take you back to your car.
Interestingly I've never done the walk but I'm planning coming up your way this year to walk Glenfinnan to Inverie on Knoydart.
soad said:
A friend of mine (and his Spanish pal) cycled it in 2012, appreciate it’s not quite the same. There’s a Solway Aviation Museum nearby, probably worth a small detour.
If you’re even vaguely into planes, the aviation museum is definitely worth visiting..https://www.solway-aviation-museum.co.uk/
You’ll also walk about 5m past the house where I grew up (Kirkandrews/beaumont) - you used to do the river path but it is closed due to a landslide. My dad still lives there, you wouldn’t believe the number of people who walk past in full legionnaire gear!
I wouldn’t rule out Carlisle, visit the cathedral, castle and museum if you have time. It has a very interesting history.
Scaleybrat said:
I’ve not walked Hadrian’s Wall but have ridden the C2C and walked Wainwright’s Coast to Coast. Both were done West to East and that’s how I’d walk the HW. Prevailing wind is on your back and (in my opinion) the end location is far nicer, with better transport options to get home. If you intend doing the full route the start line realistically needs a taxi journey out of Carlisle so I’d be tempted to get that out of the way first. I’ve used Sherpa Van for baggage transfer in the past and never had a problem with them. Their website looks out of date, still ensuring COVID guidelines, so I’m not sure if they are still the best option.
This has puzzled me. I've done the C2C twice and another that ended in Hornsea and all were West to East for the wind at your back but the organised HW walks are all East to West.Lotobear said:
I lived on (and I mean actually 'on') the wall for 28 years until the end of October '24.
I now live 5 miles away. Skydriver - if you decide to park in Bowness and do it west to east I'd happily pick you up from Carlisle station and take you back to your car.
Interestingly I've never done the walk but I'm planning coming up your way this year to walk Glenfinnan to Inverie on Knoydart.
Thanks for the offer Lotobear, noted.I now live 5 miles away. Skydriver - if you decide to park in Bowness and do it west to east I'd happily pick you up from Carlisle station and take you back to your car.
Interestingly I've never done the walk but I'm planning coming up your way this year to walk Glenfinnan to Inverie on Knoydart.
I'm guessing there's another Bowness that's not on Windemere?
Careful on the Knoydart walk, someone got lost for a few days up there, a couple of months ago. Been to Inverie but travelled on Waverley, from Armadale when we lived on Skye.
Skyedriver said:
Thanks for the offer Lotobear, noted.
I'm guessing there's another Bowness that's not on Windemere?
Careful on the Knoydart walk, someone got lost for a few days up there, a couple of months ago. Been to Inverie but travelled on Waverley, from Armadale when we lived on Skye.
Bowness on Solway, the western end of the wall.I'm guessing there's another Bowness that's not on Windemere?
Careful on the Knoydart walk, someone got lost for a few days up there, a couple of months ago. Been to Inverie but travelled on Waverley, from Armadale when we lived on Skye.
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