Hadrians Wall Path - Day 5

Chollerford to Heddon-on-the-Wall

Another restful night of sleep and we were up and packing for day 5 on the wall. Our hotel offered a buffet breakfast along with al a carte hot food so I opted for eggs Benedict. I did get my black pudding fix last night so I could forgo the full English breakfast. 

This morning was also an opportunity to check in with our fellow travellers with whom we have come to know over the last few days.  Bryan and David from Iowa were looking for an easy day ahead while John and Deb from Indianapolis were reminiscing about their 10hrs on the wall the day before.

As for us, we had a lazy day ahead to Heddon-on-the-wall. With bellies full and friendships replenished we started east. 

Setting out from the George Hotel

The terrain now is generally flat but we did still face a steady ascent to start the day. From there it’s mostly been farmers fields, footpaths by the road and the occasional forested path. 

Walking by the road was less than ideal

Quiet country lanes

Forested paths

At this stage there are very few physical reminders of the wall. A few times it felt like we were alongside - or in - the vallum. Other times I think it might have been a ditch. Can’t always tell to be honest. 

Hiking beside the vallum (I think)

Rest time 

Comparatively, our pace was quick and we stopped for a proper rest at the Robin Hood Inn which was a nice proper pub for Gloria to enjoy a proper cup of tea. A bit of carrot cake rounded out the properness of the stop. As tempting as the fish finger stottie sounded, I was still full from brekky. 

Coffee and cake break

The rest of the day passed relatively uneventfully. There were few ruins to see and the path mostly followed the road - albeit with a hedge or some other barrier between the path and traffic which was welcomed. 

A lovely path

Hedge providing protection from the road and wind

Bunkhouse

As such we made good time to our accommodations at Houghton North Farm. We have a bunkhouse room like at Winshields and it’s quite nice. It mostly feels like a hostel with a shared kitchen and lounge room and various room types to suit big or small groups. I do appreciate the quirky touches like the toilet seat art. Not something you’re going to get at your local Ramada or Hilton. 

I challenge you to find a better looking toilet

Bunkhouse accommodation 

Dinner tonight was at the local pub which was recommended by our hosts. Lest you think we are just doing a pub crawl across northern England I’ll have you know we are secretly doing a pub crawl across northern England. 

Coming to the end

We are both excited and ambivalent about tomorrow; it’s our last day and marks the end of a wonderful experience. The last stretch is into Newcastle and Wallsend. It’s where the wall ended.

Stats

Distance today: 24.50 km

Time today: 4h 59m

Total distance:121.12 km

Tot time: 24h 24m

Comments

Tony said…
You are walking impressive distances. And backing up the next day. It’s a heck of a pub crawl!
1:29 PM

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