by Buggiba » Sun Jun 28, 2015 11:09 pm
My son-in-law and I took on this 86-mile walk in May 2015, but chose West to East, and how glad we were.
Drove up on the Saturday afternoon and stayed at a camping barn at Port Carlisle before walking the 1.5 mile journey to Bowness-on-Solway and then back to Port Carlisle.
Sunday morning saw us set off at 6.05am and walk the 24-mile stretch, via Carlisle and Crosby, to Sandysike Farm, where the bunkhouse was very well appointed.
Monday, and raining. Only 11 miles today. A pleasant if undulating walk to the hotel and hostel at Greenhead. Excellent accommodation.
Tuesday and still raining, but it got worse. 16 miles today to Greencarts Farm bunkhouse. Whilst ascending the series of crags on this section we were hit by several hail showers. Fortunately, as the wind was behind us, it struck our backs and rucksacks. Those less fortunate, walking east to west, were walking into the teeth of this weather, and the thunderstorm which followed. We made our lodgings 5 minutes before the heavens opened.
Wednesday and a completely different day. No waterproofs required today. Walking at 6am. 19 miles to Heddon-on-the-Wall, following the B6318 road. Climbing for the first 3 miles then pretty level all the way. Intermittent sunshine but pleasant walking. Stayed at the Houghton North Farm Bunkhouse. First time I've had breakfast included in the price. Superb accommodation.
Thursday and good weather forecast. Only 15 miles to the finish at Wallsend-on-Tyne. Left at 5.45am. Good walking on downhill paths then along the Wylam Waggonway, which is level. Hard going alongside the river through Newcastle, when it decided to rain, and still 5 miles to go once we were out of the city. Walked into the Segedunum museum at 11.30. Walk completed.
We used the Walkers bag-carrying service throughout, at a brilliant £5 per drop.
Having collected our bags from the Hadrian's Lodge Hotel we took the metro to central Newcastle, caught the bus to Carlisle and a further bus on to Port Carlisle to be reunited with my car.
An excellent 5-day walk, steeped in history.