WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2013

nationalrail.co.uk and www.britrail.com
Hikers arriving from London can take direct trains to either
Carlisle or Newcastle.
Accommodations:
Newcastle – Premier Inn Newcastle Quayside. The Path runs
right outside the front door of this reasonably priced riverfront
hotel in the heart of Newcastle. See www.premierinn.eu/
en/hotel/pinn-newcastle
Heddon on the Wall – Hadrian’s Barn. A bit off the track, this
is a separate building offering a bathroom, great room with a
stocked kitchen, and an adjoining bedroom. Hikers cook their
own breakfast using food in the cupboards and refrigerator.
www.hadriansbarn.co.uk
Walwick – Stay at a real working farm along the way. This
farmhouse has fabulous views over the countryside, a cozy
lounge and nice bedrooms with shared bathroom. www.walwickfarmhouse.com.uk
Stones left unturned -- remains of the wall today.
muck. Help came in many forms -- from the innkeeper who offered
to launder our mud-caked pants to another who picked us
up after dinner at a pub.
But this walk offers something few others can – travel back in
time to understand a civilization that has shaped ours.
As Tom says, “Watch what the trail tells you.”
If you hike the Hadrian’s Wall Path
There are many Internet resources to help plan a hike along
Hadrian’s Wall. The first decision to make is whether you want
to walk from west to east, or east to west, as we did, starting at
Segundum Roman Fort in Newcastle.
For information on hiking, accommodation and places to see
along the Hadrian’s Wall Path, see www.visithadrianswall.
co.uk. This site has information on accommodation, the trail
and the handy Hadrian’s Wall Country Bus, a seasonal service
that runs along the route of the Wall. It also has information
on baggage courier services that collect baggage from B&Bs
and hotels and deliver it to your next night’s lodging. That
way, you only need to walk with those essential provisions
for a day hike. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the many
archeological sites and museums along the Path, including
Segundum, Chester’s Roman Fort, Housesteads Roman Fort,
and Vindolanda.
See www.visitbritain.com for events, maps and travel information
throughout the United Kingdom.
See www.visitengland.com for detailed information on visits
to England.
For information on rail services throughout the UK, see www.
Walltown – This is a single story B&B in a rural setting just off
the trail and across the street from the Roman Army Museum,
a must-see stop for hikers. It is located just to the west of some
of the most scenic areas of the Wall Path. The Hadrian’s Wall
Country Bus stops at the driveway and provides direct connection
to Newcastle, Carlisle and the Haltwhistle train station.
A restaurant and pub are a 15-minute walk away. www.
walltownlodge.com
Carlisle – The County Hotel downtown offers basic, inexpensive
accommodation in the heart of the city, a short walk
from the train station with direct rail service to London, and to
Newcastle, as well as Scotland. www.countycarlisle.com
Restaurants and pubs:
Newcastle: The Bascule, Unit 1, St. Peter’s Wharf, Newcastle
Upon Tyne. A great first stop for hikers starting out from
Wallsend, a bit to the east, with a large bar and clean restrooms.
Newcastle: The Quayside. Part of the Wetherspoon chain, this
restaurant and pub offers great value for money, and is located
right on the path in central Newcastle. There’s an outside
dining terrace overlooking the River Tyne. 35-37 The Close,
Quayside, Newcastle Upon Tyne.
Heddon-on-the-Wall: The Swan at Heddon. Great meals, with
an authentic British carvery. The best restaurant we found
along the Wall Path. The Swan is part of the Great British
Carvery chain. www.greatbritishcarvery.co.uk/
Greenhead. The Greenhead Hotel and Hostel offers a full pub
and restaurant as well as hotel and hostel accommodation.
www:greenheadhotelandhostel.co.uk
Burgh-by-Sands: Greyhound Inn. A great place to celebrate
after completing your hike if you started in Newcastle. It’s
midway between Carlisle and Bowness-on-Solway, the end of
the path. Brush up on your British history, and you’ll know
why there’s a statue of Edward I right outside.
PHOTO CREDIT: Carl H. Larsen, Tom Olson
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