Training to Walk Hadrian's Wall

Hadrian’s Wall — from defensive fortification to twenty-first century pill(grimage)

I’m at my local railway station, setting off for a day’s walk in training for the eighty-four-mile iconic Hadrian’s Wall National Trail hike from Bowness-on-Solway on the Solway Firth to Wallsend in Newcastle.

Thirty thousand people currently visit the trail every year, and understandably it means different things to each of them.  

For some it is a physical challenge, such as the ‘iron men and women’ covering much of the distance in twenty-six hours.

For others, the ubiquitous history is a draw for its own sake. Organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage all work together to protect and maintain the area, a World Heritage Site.  

For me it was initially a mid-life physical challenge, simply to get from one end to the other on foot — if possible! — and to enjoy spending time with friends.

I booked the walk as a solo traveller with Contours and invited friends to join me at different stages. Luckily for me, some of these invitations have been accepted.  

Preparing to Walk Hadrian’s Wall Path

There is much to learn, and whilst I have read of seasoned walkers and young spirits setting off with no preparation at all, I’m looking at what I can do to improve my chances of fully enjoying the marathon by upping my exercise through gym and yoga classes and walking regularly.

I have also:

• Researched blogs from ‘those who have gone before’ and incorporated the learnings, namely to:
  • take longer to do the trip to enjoy it more.
  • take a mid-walk break of an extra night.
• Completed a Silver NNAS navigation skills course.
• Listened to the wise counsel of friends by completing a risk assessment to plan for all the scenarios presenting in my head.

Expectations for the Walk

I have both hopes and fears for the trip.

Hopes are to:

• really be present, in nature, the environment and the conversation.
• build on physical fitness and reach Tynemouth.
• enjoy the whole experience.

Inevitably there are also fears and challenges.

• Will my training and preparation be enough to carry me through? I’m feeling intimidated by stories of the crags…
• I vow to treat myself with kindness and compassion, as I am discovering walking long distances at fifty plus is a little different from trekking at twenty years old…
• And the bulls...??

On today’s training walk, however, I am getting better acquainted with my kit. For example, my day pack has waist and chest straps I have never used, and the best place for the paper map seems to be the outside pocket to the rear.

As I reach my destination — the start of the walk — and the train pulls away, all the words of guidance and support from previous walking companions, such as “just take your time”, “there’s no rush” and “shorten your steps”, settle around me like a comforting blanket of wishes for safe travels ahead.

The day begins.

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