History
Built in AD 122 by order of Emperor Hadrian. Initially built of stone and turf with milecastles, and turrets spaced along its long 80 Roman miles along the River Tyne to Bowness on Solway.
There were about 80 milecastles along Hadrian’s Wall, and today we can still see the remains of several of them, though most survive only as earthworks or foundations.
Best-preserved milecastles you can still visit today are: Milecastle 37 Housesteads (one of the most complete ones), Milecastle 42 Cawfields (great views), Milecastle 48 Poltross Burn,
Milecastle 39 Castle Nick and Milecastle 33 Coesike.
Here is a link that will provide you with more information from English Heritage home page English-heritage.org.uk
What No One Tells You...planning your trip, some essential tips and what to pack?!
From aching and blistering feet to breathtaking views; walking the 84 mile Hadrian’s Wall Path is a nice challenge and a joy. The middle section is remote and wild — coffee is rare, but the silence is golden...but my eyes still see...
My goal was to do the walk over 3 days due to other commitments in our busy lives. My plan was to walk 28 miles or 45km per day: Bowness-on-Solway to Steel Rigg, Steel Rigg / Once Brewed to Chollerford and lastly
Chollerford to Wallsend. This is a long-distance trek; most walkers split it into 6–8 days. Unless you arrange a transport between 3 walks to take you to your stop-over point, you need to add the extra miles on (we did not, school boy error)
Our stop over points were these 2 lovely places with great food and comfy beds: Milecastle Inn and The Sally
in Irthington.
Join a Facebook group to get insights from other walkers!
I joined an amazing group called "Hadrian's Wall First Time Walkers' Community" where I picked up so much useful information before the walk, and even more along the way. While walking, it was lovely to share updates and feel others joining in on the trek through their comments.
Tips for First-Time Walkers
- Always have your phone battery charged for emergencies, plus download what3words.com app on your mobile device
- Train for consecutive long walks every few days and not just one-offs and you will be well prepared
- Pack light but smart: toiletries including suncream (I love these; easy to apply suncream sticks , zip-off trousers, convertible jackets, rain ponchos (light to carry and keeps you dry!) I got mine here in my favourite electric blue:
Click here to view on Amazon , multi-use scarves (save space), waterproofs, blister plasters and the rest of the first aid kit just in case
- Choose the footwear that is right for YOU (boots, trainers, bare feet?!) I invested in a branded, medium priced pair of walking boots and they did a great job as they were very light on the feet even when your legs felt heavy! Link here if you trust my recommendation:Click here to view on Amazon
- In summer when everyone likes to get outdoors; book your accommodation early. I'm a big fan of these 2 apps I have on my device. Booking.com
Airbnb.co.uk
Your Snacks!
- Hydration: Water bottles or hydration bladder and electrolyte tablets or powders if you are open minded to taking them!
- Fruit: apples, bananas, oranges, grapes (Click here to view on Amazon
- Protein: nuts, seeds, jerky, cheese sticks (yumm!), roasted chickpeas (Click here to view on Amazon)
- Treats: dark chocolate squares, small sweets, energy bars if you are a fan - BUT caffeine boost can make a big positive boost on a trek like this! I love a picnic :) Click here to view on Amazon
