My husband Giles convinced both me and our friends Barbara and Gary that walking 84 miles across northern England was a good idea. He was right as we had a fabulous adventure along with the rest of our group – a couple from Canada, a woman from New York City, a woman from Washington DC, and a woman from Dorset England. Along with our guide we hiked, we supported each other, we enjoyed good food and drink, and we made great memories.

Day 1 Sunday, May 31, 2026: We visited Segedunum Roman Fort, which tells the story of the Roman, coal mining and shipbuilding history of the area. set out from Wallsend (which shares a history with the Vikings, as well as the Romans) to walk the first few miles of Hadrian’s Wall to Newcastle on Tyne.

Day 2 Monday June 2, 2026: Newcastle to Heddon-on-the- Wall. We walked along the River Tyne and learned more about the area while enjoying the local scenery. Miles Walked: Approximately 11.

Day 3 Tuesday, June 2, 2026 Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford. We walked through hills and pastures as we learned about kissing gates and how we couldn’t really avoid stepping in sheep poop. Miles Walked: Approximately 16.

Day 4 Wednesday, June 3, 2026 – Chollerford to Once-Brewed The walk got tougher with more uphill and downhill walking, but we saw the type of quarry used to get the stones for the wall, an old temple, an old Roman fort (with latrines) and the Sycamore Gap Memorial before relaxing and enjoying the ambience of the Twice Brewed Inn. Miles Walked: Approximately 13.

Day 5 Thursday, June 4, 2026 – Once Brewed to Gilsland The toughest day of the walk. We started with a visit to the Roman Fort of Vindolanda, and saw some, well, interesting artifacts. After that, we started our hike to the highest part of the wall, which we did in pouring rain and high winds. Miles Walked: Approximately 9.

Day 6 Friday, June 6, 2026 – Gisland to Newton – A nice day of walking as we were all filled with a sense of accomplishment after the previous day. Miles Walked: Approximately 11.

Day 7 Saturday, June 6, 2026 – Newtown to Carlisle We made good time walking and had most of the afternoon to explore Carlisle. We visited Carlisle Castle, which was established in 1092 and rebuilt in 1122, and Carlisle Cathedral, built in 1133. We also enjoyed a lovely afternoon tea and evening at a the manor, complete with a walled garden. Miles Walked: Approximately 10.

Day 8 Sunday, June 7, 2026 – Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway We followed the River Eden as it flowed toward the coast and arrived at our final destination: a pub with a crowd of other hikers cheering us on. And of course we celebrated with a round of drinks at that final destination. Miles Walked: Approximately 14.

Our final group photo before we left on Monday, June 8