Hadrian's Wall Walk Not for Wimps
Rudy,
Your recent "Deal of the Week" featuring the walking tour of
Hadrian's Wall struck a chord with us. We have just returned from 17
days in Great Britain, including two days in Northumberland at the
Wall, which follows the contours of the region's rocky, hilly terrain.
Rather than taking a tour, we decided to rent a car and explore by
ourselves, making heavy use of our Michelin Guide. We stayed at a
delightful farmhouse B&B about 20 miles west of Hexham. The B&B was
near Steel Rigg, a popular Wall access and overlook, and not far from
the Housesteads Fort, one of the most extensive Roman installation
ruins on the 73-mile, first-century Wall.
While at the B&B, we had dinner with a young Dutch couple who were
doing the walking tour you described. We got a taste of their
experience as well as an excellent meal. The couple said each daily
leg of their walk involved descending and climbing a number of steep,
rocky hills. That day, walking the leg from Housesteads to Steel Rigg
(about 5 miles by car), they had traversed nine such ascents and
descents. They were bushed.
We, on the other hand, walked a short stretch of the Wall east from
Steel Rigg, down a valley, up to the top of the next hill, and back.
It was slow going, but manageable. (We're in our mid- 60s.)
We thoroughly enjoyed our time at Hadrian's Wall and highly recommend
it. However, anyone who considers the walking tour should bear in
mind that it is NOT just a stroll in a meadow. Be prepared for
several days of strenuous uphill and downhill climbing over rocky
terrain.
Joe and Patty
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