Walking Hadrian’s

Hadrian’s – Two-day Walk

Yes, that’s the plan. First day cycling, two days walking and last day cycling. No better plan exists.

Day 1 finished in Greenhead, so that’s where started our walk. Up the hill to the ridge upon which Hadrian’s Wall is built. Here we get our fist sight of the ruins. We’ll see a lot of this type of ruin over the next two days, but the first sighting is rather special. Off to the west we trudge, hearts brimming with anticipation. There are lots of struggling up hills and tripping happily down dales. [Being very careful not to trip of course].

 

It’s impossible to describe the landscape and land forms in words. I’ve included some photos to make up the overall impression for you. What I CAN say that makes any sense is that the weather was as much in our favour as one could hope for.

First the wind. Our organisation chap, Mike, pointed out at the briefing at the start that the wind was horrendous. That turned out to be true, but the great thing was that it was always to our backs. Splendid! 

Whenever there was a tough ridge to climb, there was the howling wind providing a gentle hand in our backs ever so carefully nudging us up.

Second the rain. Despite all the dire predictions of rain we experienced vey little. For the most part there was just sun and occasional cloud. It did pelt down on us at one point, but that was just a reminder of how bad it could have been if it hadn’t been good.

Each day we stopped along the way in a lovely nook out of the wind and gobbled down our pre-packed lunch. Always yummy!

The four days were physically challenging. One starts the day feeling quite grouse. Full of beans. That lasts for most of the day, but at some point towards the end one begins to wish it were all over and that one will soon be lolling in a hot bath (if there is one) and ordering a pint of the local brew (if there is one). Eventually all this does come to pass.

Anyhow, that’s the four days covered.

Not long till we’re heading home, but still some adventures to come.

 

Toodles!