Hadrians Wall Path Day 2

Day 2 - Carlisle to Walton

We woke up to dreary skies and weary muscles but dreamy smiles for the day ahead. Day 1 had put plenty of distance on our bodies and the aches and pains were all within allowable tolerance. Our plan was relatively uncomplicated. Breakfast, walk, rest. In that order. 

Departure from our BnB


I was content to fill up on a full English breakfast once more. It would be a shame to miss these opportunities. Or at least that’s how I’m looking at it. Gloria made the healthy choice again with some cereal, fruit and yogurt. I have more to say about English coffee but I’ll hold that thought for now. 

Obligatory breakky pic

The trail

We made the short walk to the start of our path and began our journey away from Carlisle. The trail at this point is very urban with a smooth pavement and clear signage. We were passed by a few runners and other city folk doing city folk things. 

It didn’t seem like long before we felt truly back in the countryside. The trail followed the River Eden, winding through farmers fields or following the road through a small village. In fact that describes most of the trails today. 





Walking the wall

At one point we reached a definitive Walking On The Actual Wall moment. Outside the town of Oldwall we could see the wall outline, the vallum (earthen trench that formed part of the defences), and remains from where the wall rock was quarried. For now it’s just a hint of what is to come in the following days when we start to see more significant ruins and wall historical monuments. 

Walking on the actual wall


Snack Shacks

Something that I find quite charming about the wall path is the various honour boxes that enterprising locals have put out for walkers. They vary from a cooler out the front of a house with a hand drawn sign saying “drinks £1” to more established sheds in people’s front yard. We stopped at one today for a bit of a rest and it was a welcome stop. 

Self serve / honesty box cafe

Another honesty box supply stop



The trail was less busy than our first day - we put that down to it being a Monday - but by 2 hours in we started to see more fellow travellers. 

The Old Vicarage

Today was a relatively shorter day and we arrived in the town of Walton and our accommodation at the Old Vicarage In. And Brewhouse by 1pm. This gave us plenty of time to show and relax before retiring to the brewhall on premises at the vicarage. I could get used to this type of convenience. 

A nice spot for a pint. View from our accommodations 

The Old Vicarage

Tomorrow is looking like it will be a wet day and a long day. However, history is set to come alive so I’m very much looking forward to g forward to day 3!

Stats

Distance today: 16.85k
Time today: 3h 30m
Total distance: 45.12k 
Time walking: 9h 32m











Comments

Tony said…
Looks like you are carrying all your gear. Hope you packed light!
3:17 PM
Paul said…
Enjoying your walk recollections and observations as you go.
4:10 PM

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