Hello everyone!
Today marks exactly one month before my grand journey begins.
On June 9th, I’ll be embarking on a hike across Hadrian’s Wall, and I couldn’t be more excited. This trip will be a fantastic way for me to prepare for the Iceland three-day trek coming up in March 2024 (more on this adventure in a future post!).
Walking Hadrian’s Wall solo, carrying my backpack and tent for six days, will be my most significant physical and mental challenge yet. I’ve done long distances before, but I’ve always had support. This time, I’m going solo.
I’ve made a few changes to my initial plan, and I want to share them with you. First, let me give you an update on my new planned route. I’ve decided to make some minor adjustments to accommodate a few extra stops for snacks, lunch and visits of notable sights during the walking days, which I’ve detailed below. Additionally, I’ve put together a lighterpack page with all my bag details – I’m sooooo close to getting my base weight under 10kg!… so if you’re curious about what I’ll be carrying with me, feel free to check it out here.
New Itinerary
Day 0 (Friday, 09/06/23) – Travel to Bowness-on-Solway: bus, train, tube, and walk; Accommodation: Campsite
- Day 1 (Saturday, 10/06/23) – Bowness-on-Solway to Carlisle (14 miles, 9h); Accommodation: B&B
- Day 2 (Sunday, 11/06/23) – Carlisle to Banks (16 miles, 8h30); Accommodation: Campsite
- Day 3 (Monday, 12/06/23) – Banks to Steel Rigg (12 miles, 7h): Accommodation: Campsite
- Day 4 (Tuesday, 13/06/23) – Steel Rigg to St Oswald’s (14 miles, 9h); Accommodation: Campsite
- Day 5 (Wednesday, 14/06/23) – St Oswald’s to Newburn (15 miles, 9h); Accommodation: B&B
- Day 6 (Thursday, 15/06/23) – Newburn to Newcastle, then Tynemouth (16 miles); Accommodation: Hotel
- Day 7 (Friday, 16/06/23) – Visit Segedunum Roman Fort & Museum. Travel home: tram, train, tube, and walk.
Although I haven’t yet had the chance to practice pitching my tent quickly and efficiently, I have a month to master this skill. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to do an overnight stay in Savernake Forest as I’d planned, because I’ve run out of practice weekends due to bad weather. However, I’m hoping I can go for an overnight walk and camp, solo backpacking, in the Brecon Beacons in a fortnight or so.
As I prepare for this incredible adventure, I’m also raising funds for Prospect Hospice, because it’s part of my preparation for the Trek I’m walking in aid of Prospect Hospice in March 2024. They provide invaluable care and support to patients and their families during difficult times. If you’d like to contribute to this worthy cause and support me on my journey, please consider making a donation on my fundraising page. Every little bit helps, and your generosity will make a difference in the lives of those who need it most.
In the meantime, if you have any advice or encouragement to share, please feel free to leave a comment. I appreciate all the support and well-wishes I can get as I prepare for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Remember,
“Fortvna vobis adsit”
– good luck to us all! I’ll be sure to keep you updated on my progress, from the final preparations to the thrilling moments along the way. Stay tuned for more updates, stories, and photos as I embark on this incredible solo adventure along Hadrian’s Wall.
Until then, happy trails to all my fellow explorers, and thank you for joining me on this journey!