walk Hadrian's wall

I have never been to England, although I did go to Ireland a few years back. Being from the United States, there just aren’t really structures that are that old and historic. I think it would be fascinating to travel Hadrian’s Wall. I guess I could just go look at a piece of it, but that seems like a half-hearted attempt. I would rather walk the thing, taking in the history and feeling a sense of accomplishment while doing it.

This is well worth making the effort to do. The scenary is beautiful, much of it stunning and unspoilt. Although I found that on the days when there were a lot of ups and downs I was walking really slowly (hard when people jog confidently past you and you and are struggling!) you just have to go at your own pace and enjoy the surroundings.

You don’t need to have a strong interest in the Romans to enjoy walking the wall. I became fascinated with the fact that, over the centuries, stone from the wall has been used for farmhouses and farm buildings. When I saw a 12th century castle and learned that it had been built using this recycled method, it gave me a good idea of the centuries of history involved here. I also saw remains of roman temples and parts of the wall all over grown in fields surrounded by grazing sheep!

I did the walk alone but talked to a few of my fellow walkers along the way and everyone was really friendly and people helped each other.

My advice is to plan ahead by studying maps and guidebooks. Booking your accomodation in advance is essential as there is a shortage of guesthouses near the wall. Booking the complete package is a good idea. I’ve used Contours many times and they have always organised everything perfectly.

I’ve been on Hadrian’s Wall before but only for a day.

If I hit the fitness goals that go along with walking the wall, I’ll go before November 2008, but November 2008 is the “do it by” date ;-)

I like the sound of having someone organize accommodations for me and perhaps transport my luggage from place to place.

I have no real idea of what this walk entails so doing the research and the training kind of go together.

I’m inspired by ditz and johnpaulbrown – well done!

I did this last week and it was great. Was difficult in the middle bit where its up a hill then down then up, but the tops of the hills had amazing views. Am very proud of the fact that I finally got round to go this and might even do it again one day.

Am in the process of planning it, just needed to finalise dates and book everything. I’m so excited.

i have just did this walk for charity it is hard so im not going to lie to you and i am going to do it again soon with my mates

http://www.nationaltrail.co.uk/HadriansWall/

I’ve worked out that if i walked 10 miles a day I could do it leisurely in 8 days and that gives good stopping points too. I’m going to make sure I do it next summer with either my boyfriend or my mum and have sussed out train prices already.