Hadrian’s Wall is one of the most popular attractions in Northern England. It stretches for a remarkable 73 miles through rolling lush countryside (with many a lounging sheep!), past imposing abandoned forts, by impressive castles and through the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle. Rick Otis, a long-time Zephyr traveler, took this quick 360-degree video while trekking along side Hadrian’s Wall a few years ago, capturing the beautiful countryside and the majestic though crumbling wall as far as the eye can see. Thanks for sharing Rick! Oh, and we took the liberty of adding some “epic” trekking music 🙂
We asked another longtime Zephyr traveler, Laurie Reese, for her perspective on her Hadrian’s Wall trek with Zephyr. Her response was so literary and inspirational we thought we would share it with all of you.
I love the Hadrian’s Wall adventure. From the time I met our guides Richard and Paul in Carlisle until we bid farewell in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, I savored each and every step of our 84-mile journey. I had no idea what to expect of the trip, except the company of my good friends, Susan Stamps, Karen Craney, and Lisa Shanley. It was more than I ever could have imagined.
Due to so many elements that meshed perfectly…. The size of the group. The weather. The lodgings. The meals. Richard and Paul. And, yes, the presence of cows and sheep as far as the eye could see. I came. I saw. I bleated.
The path was what I have come to like very much–long with rolling hills, with the occasional precipitous incline thrown in for good measure. Many was the mile I walked on my own. Not alone, for my companions were never far away, but in a solitude that allowed me to be with the wind and the lush green and the history, and the afore-mentioned bovine and ovine creatures. I had not one ounce of negative energy along the way.
I guess that is what a finely put together trip can do for an otherwise stressed out, wonked out Type A bibliophile. The cadence of the days was perfect. Each breakfast and dinner was superb. And, Richard and Paul’s kindnesses were comforting and their vast knowledge of, well, everything along the 84-mile path, was extraordinary. Call it confluence. Call it synchronicity. The trip was a journey on many levels and will be with me always.
Thank you to Laurie for writing this beautiful piece and for being a long-time, valued Zephyr traveler!
If you’re interested in taking your own “epic” journey along Hadrian’s Wall, we have both private and self-guided options where you can gather friends and choose your own date. Feel free to contact us with any questions!
I set this trip up for Zephyr, hiking it with my friend (and multiple Zephyr trip alumnus) Kent. We had a great time when we were there but, having done hundreds of tours in dozens of countries, am a little shocked how much Hadrian’s Wall stays with me five years later.
I’m not sure what it is – the landscape, the Wall, or the hiking – but I think it is the idea of hiking from one coast of England to the other in one trip. Definitely one to do!
It’s on my bucket list to do this hike some day. 🙂 It’s been way too long since I’ve been over to England, and I’ve never been that far north.