Travel Tips

In May of 2003 Hadrian's Wall Path opened as a National Trail. From what we heard while walking the trail, it is a great success in it's first year! We had a wonderful trip in spite of getting there after that record breaking summer of outstanding weather. Of course, we might have felt cheated if it had not rained on us some. In a couple of words, ' DO IT'. The trail or path begins at Segedum Fort, Wallsend, Newcastle-upon-Tyne.

We spent the second night of our trip at the Iron Sign B & B just west of Heddon-on-the-Wall. It was a great day of walking, starting out in Newcastle, walking along the riverfront. A stop for lunch at the Boathouse Pub was great!

One of the best B&Bs we stayed at was Fellcroft House in Corbridge, Tove Brown, hostess. The evening meal was outstanding, and while everyone we met was wonderfully friendly, Tove was a cut above in attention to our needs and hospitality. Special thanks to the British Army Troops who gave us a ride into Corbridgre from the path/trail.

We spent two nights at Saughy Rigg Farm near the highest point on the path/trail. We saw a lot of rain, so the warmth and welcome at Saughy Rigg was greatly appreciated. Kath & Brad Dowle were great hosts. We were told by another hiker that 'Rigg' means ridge. www.saughyrigg.co.uk

This B&B had the best bathroom of anywhere we stayed. Richard and wife Elain Packer were great hosts at a great accomodation. Afternoon tea in the sitting/living room was outstanding! Best Bathroom ANYWHERE in Great Britain, maybe on the whole island!

Some of the friendliest folks on the hike. Make sure you ask about the 'shortcut' when you leave Town Head Farm headed west! Mr. & Mrs. Armstrong were great hosts. www.town-head-farm.co.uk

There are a number of hazardous situations on the walk, like staying too long in a pub, trying to find directions after staying too long in the pub, sleeping too late for a long hiking day, forgetting your raingear when starting out, etc. One of the real dangers was this one. (We never really spotted the bull, but the sign makes a great picture, don't you think?)

What can we say? The end of the trail. Buy the shirt, put your story in the notebook and drink a pint of two to celebrate your accomplishment. Janice was an outstanding hostess and loaded with information/stories about establishment of the path/trail, hikers, and special folks.