Reflecting on Hadrian's Wall

Reflections on Hadrian’s Wall Path Itself

The train ride home from Newcastle to Carlisle felt victorious. The track runs parallel to the Wall and as the miles rolled on at speed I was able to reflect on the happy times I had just spent there.

• The path is well-maintained and navigation is easy. 
• The crags are not so high, but steep and relentless. 

‘Candidius was here’ scratched into one of the stones.

• You are never far from civilisation; there are options and escape routes
• With so many choices of what to see and do along the route it makes sense to prioritise what is important to you.
• This is not a coast-to-coast route.
• Amongst many other things, it is also simply a great walk and achievement.

Personal Reflections After the Walk

• ‘Walking and talking’ with friends is a beautiful pastime. Time, space, good company, wind… It all helps insights to drop, peace to unfold, and times to move on.
• There was a camaraderie, a sense of ‘we’re all in this together.’ “Keep going,” I understood a passer-by say to me in a language I didn’t speak.
• Small things such as a simple cup of coffee, or a bench, mean a lot.
• Yes, I trained and prepared, but I also noted the restorative power of rest, especially being in nature. 
  Perhaps my biggest takeaway was a lesson in resilience. Whether a night’s sleep or a ten-minute water stop, I was consistently surprised that, just when I felt I had come to the end of the road in my ambition to complete the walk, resting gave me new energy. 
• The bulls? Teddy bears (…?)

So I can say, ‘yes it was tough’, but I have a sense of achievement at completing the walk. 

And so I return to the 21st century and meet the present, back to the train station where it all began and into the day — one step at a time.

With Thanks To...

• All the friends and family who joined me, as well as those who supported from further afield.
• Contours Holidays for making this experience possible and so enjoyable. I can say that…
  • The accommodation consistently exceeded my expectations, for example affording a beautiful sunset view over the river at Chollerford.
  • The taxi services were included and super accommodating.
  • Food was of the highest standard consistently.
  • Great back up and support was included from the office if needed — which I did, at Housesteads when 45mph gusts of wind on the crags made me question whether to proceed. Reassured after my conversation with Ben, we continued the path ahead which was safer than imagined, and the wind turned into an asset, blowing us all the way to Chollerford.
  • Hadrian’s Haul — the luggage service was faultless and an everyday reminder of what I did not have to carry.
  • The pack — having been employed in administration I understand the work that went into this simple-looking but highly organised and informative document. Shout out to the administrators! Thank you, I couldn’t have done it without your support, and all at Contours.

Interested in walking Hadrian's Wall Path?

Contours Holidays offer a variety of itineraries along Hadrian's Wall Path: the full-route option, highlights trail, half-route walks and a dedicated short break. Find your holiday here:

Hadrian's Wall Path