We completed the Coast to Coast Hadrian’s Wall Challenge last month, reaching the sea at Little Haven Beach, South Shields, on 18th July.
The #walkingsbrilliant group was amazing. Comprised of several ex-pro footballers and other folk connected to the world of football, the group trek was undertaken to support the W.A.T.C.H. non-profit organisation, which raises funds for mental health charities and the NHS.
The challenge was over five trekking days, with each day of the trek being around 30kms, or 18 to 19 miles, and of course we did this over 5 days back to back! The total distance covered was around 90 miles / 144kms. It was a tough and demanding walk, but the group were well-prepared.
We experienced some of the highest temperatures this summer so the scenery was at its best but so were the blisters on hot sweaty feet! Jake our team podiatrist had to work long and hard each day to treat the blistered and sore feet of many of the group.
The trek itinerary starts at the coast near Bowness and then wends its way past Carlisle – a pretty trail mainly through parkland – then on to the village of Low Crosby. From Low Crosby on day two the trail crosses attractive farm lands to gradually rise up to the higher moor and the first real views of the remnants of Hadrian’s Wall. The next two days crossing the higher moorlands are the most scenic of this wonderful trek. Hadrian’s Wall stretches ahead, undulating over moorland hills as far as the eye can see – spectacular! Reaching Heddon-on-the-Wall is not the end point for our itinerary, as our route then drops down to the banks of the Tyne to enter historic Newcastle. The final day’s trek is mostly “urban” but nevertheless interesting, passing through the riverside market and pedestrianised areas highlighted by the arch of Millennium Bridge. Finally, the route passes Wallsend and Segedunum to emerge at North Shields for the ferry crossing to South Shields and a few steps to the sea at Little Haven.
We’ve uploaded some photo highlights from the #walkingsbrilliant trek in the gallery below:
Gane and Marshall now offer this trek and shorter versions of the Hadrian’s Wall route costed for small and medium groups with options for both hotel and hostel accommodations. Please contact us for more information and to book your group trek on Britain’s best coast to coast trail!
