Hadrian's Wall - part 1

I am very behind in my writing, but with the help of my friend Foxy (yes, she is as fabulous as her name suggests!) I have put together some highlights of the Hadrians Wall walk. Here goes... Foxy and I took the train from Liverpool Lime St to Carlisle and whilst on the train, got chatting with two lovely guys, one from Liverpool and one from Chorley who shared his sweets with us. She was surprised at my ease with talking to strangers....little did she know what my life has been like for the past 8 months!

After arriving in Carlisle we had just enough time to go shoe shopping and have a pint and a Crabbies before boarding a bus to Port Carlisle. We arrived in time to get to the campsite and meet the rest of the people on the self guided tour. Upon arriving at the site, along with three other people on the bus, we met our fearless leader, Gary, whom we came to revere and respect, despite his quirky, stern ways. He was accompanied by his lovely sidekick Jack, who became our most trusty keeper of the camp. Gary chastised those who dared to bring a wheely suitcase or had the audacity to wear jeans.....one cannot hike in jeans because when they get wet, they won't dry! We liked him immediately, but we knew from the start that this was serious business!

During our initial briefing, Gary informed us that it would be a bit chilly so I "rented" a fleece liner as I only had a two season sleeping bag and was worried I might be cold. Then we all headed to the pub around the corner for a meal. Foxy and I sat with two friends from Edmonton, Lindy and Genevieve (Gen) who were to became two of our dear companions over the next week. Back to camp to perform our ablutions and then into our tent for what was to become the coldest night I have ever spent. I don't think I slept a wink and found out the temperature was below freezing. I warned Foxy that if I didn't sort this out, I'd be climbing in bed with her to keep warm. All I could think was where the hell are my hot flushes when I really NEED them?! There were "snuggle packs" for rent as well - a wool blanket and a hot water bottle. I foolishly thought I wouldn't need them but believe me, I had them the next night!

 Breakfasts were included and were served at 8:30 sharp. We were quite excited to find out that each morning we would have a selection of cereals, juice, coffee or tea and a bacon and mushroom or sausage and tomato butty, surely a great way to start a 25+km day of walking. We were each given a fabric bag containing a metal plate, mug, and bowl which we were to use for the week. There were, of course, specific instructions as to the use of said articles. With all the flair that he could muster, Gary proudly produced these buttys and to his horror, Foxy put out her used bowl (she had had some cereal and milk and had not washed the bowl) to which he exclaimed that she must use the plate in her bag! When I asked for another cup of tea, he looked at me in shock and said "there's only so much water. We have to conserve". Bollocks! I thought to myself. This was to become a serious and contentious issue between Gary and I. I need my morning tea!

When Gary discovered that Foxy and I decided not to take the packed lunches (we both prefer to eat light whilst walking), he said "I have only two words for you: DAY THREE"!!! and then wouldn't tell us anything about the dreaded third day. We were left to surmise, knowing it couldn't be good. Port Carlisle is a few miles away from where we began the walk so Gary gave us a ride in the back of his Land Rover to Bowness on Solway, where we began. Each morning after breakfast he gave us a briefing, including historical facts and suggestions of timing in order for us to get to camp before dark. He would often set up a little scenario using us as props so he could illustrate his story....."Richard, stand here - you are a ditch, Mark, you are a vallum, Lindy, you are a mound, Janine, you are the wall"... and then he would proceed with his story. We did as we were told and it added an interesting element to the day and funnily enough, we remembered what he had said when we were walking.  TBC......

Carlisle

Crabbies

Camp

The beginning

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An Honesty Box