Hadrians Wall Walk Day 7
Portgate to Haddon on the Wall
Hail and Welcome!
Yesterdays leg of our walk from the Solway to the North Sea was a fairly straightforward walk over rolling countryside. Made all the better as Toby was back today! Much rejoicing and hogsheads of wine opened and bonfires lit!
His feet were covered in strategically placed and all manner of specialised plasters that I did not even know existed! The extra bonus was that I decided to send our backpacks ahead of us this morning to our next waypoint and rest: the delightful wee town of Wylam.
That meant that we could both walk today with the benefit of being unencumbered. It makes such a difference as I noted yesterday. For example I felt I could breathe in the countryside properly again. For those of you who know, you will appreciate how important this simple act actually is for me.
This leg of the journey had a detour forced upon us due to a fatal accident. Tarmac/ road walking is not ideal. Seems to have a greater impact upon out feet. Also those already fighting blisters!
I felt sure the old Batman and Robin TV show had some quip about “blistering blazes batman” or some such.
I had never really thought about it before as I am ordinarily switching between countryside pathways and tarmac without really noticing in Cambridgeshire. Here on this walk you realise you need and will positively benefit from different shoe ware for each: trainers for the Bowness to Carlisle section and then as you draw nearer to Newcastle. Walking boots for all the in between.
Also yesterday we had a great halfway point to get our vittals: The Robin Hood Pub. Tis a gem!
Not long after our extended lunch we walked through a hamlet. Tge Methodist Church now a home. Next door Temperance Hall also a family home.
In the garden of that old Temperance Hall were two girls enjoying their first day of the summer holidays! They had (probably the work of their Mother mostly) made a jug of homemade lemonade for the walkers. £1 a glass.
Delightful to stop and chat and support their entrepreneurial spirit and enterprise! It was the mother who gave us a pitted history of the place. As we parted we said that in 10 years time we expect to see “The Three Tuns Lemonade Company”! Who knows? From small acorns mighty oaks do grow! For the jug was already empty….
We did encounter little sections of remaining Hadrians Wall and the clearly shaped landscape of Vindobala Fort. The Vallum as well. Yet it is clear towns and growing cities removed and repurposed those bricks for more immediate ends post Rome.
This evening we are enjoying delights of this Victorian Train Station situated next to the Tyne River. Whilst sampling real ales overlooking both:the Boathouse!
After the Crags of desolation come the Inns of Joy!
Blessings to you all,
Syre Byrd and TobyTregear