Hadrians Wall

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Trip start
April 13, 2016
Hadrians Wall Traveler
It's not a stroll in the park
April 13, 2016 in England ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
After yesterday's rain and a poor forecast, today has been a nice surprise. One hour of light rain and quite mild.
Spent the morning walking with a very agreeable French Canadian, Richard.
Plenty of other walkers.
Accommodation and refreshments very sparse so having late lunch / early tea at Lanercost. Could be a wild camp tonight...Read more
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Hadrians Wall Traveler
No complaints
April 14, 2016 in England ⋅ ⛅ 7 °C
Last night wasn't a wild camp but it might well have been. Soggy field, freezing cold, with just one portaloo and a cold tap. The proprietor made up for it by providing a hot shower and breakfast (extra cost, natch).

The idea of walking West to East was to have the wind at my back but instead there has been a chilly north east breeze. But it has been dry and the scenery and proximity of the Roman remains have been pleasing. Two museums today which have also been the source of refreshments and information.

Tonight I'm staying in a camping barn with Richard for company again - accommodation being in short supply even in low season.

Why no complaints? Roman soldiers carried 40 kg of equipment but my pack only weighs 12.5 kg. And they had communal sit down toilets and cleaned themselves with moss on a stick.Read more
But they had hot baths, bath oil and scrap d the mud off their sweaty, oily skin with a Strickland
4/15/16Reply
Must try that moss on a stick thing sometime - Jacqui
4/15/16Reply
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Hadrians Wall Traveler
Twice Brewed
April 15, 2016 in England ⋅ ❄️ 1 °C
The weather is part of the floor show. Started cold and dry, turned wet and mild, then dried up and finally is snowing.

Roman milepost incorporated into farmer's gate.

Moss and stick gathered for later test.

Kind couple with green vw caddy camper conversion gave me boiling water for my couscous and an apple.

Beautiful views and great archaeological site and museum at Vindolanda.

Girls from Newcastle High school for Girls doing DofE deserve a medal for camping in this weather - if they survive the might.

Moss stick report "like being kissed on the bottom by an angel".Read more
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Hadrians Wall Traveler
1
Winter continues
April 16, 2016 in England ⋅ ☀️ 5 °C
Well, last night was entertaining. A few casualties amongst the girls from Newcastle whose parents came to collect them but by far the majority endured - cooking in a snowstorm and waking to a crust of ice.

Dormitory shared with elderly (ie same age as me) teachers who could have won a snoring competition.

A long and exposed walk to Chollerford alternating between icy winds and hail and sunshine.

I was overtaken by a Dutch runner who is attempting to break the record for the whole wall. He had set off at 4.20 am and was cheerful after 9 hours and 54 miles. "Only 30 miles to go" he chirruped.

Tonight will be min of -2 C which will be a trial for camping. I've prepared by fuelling up...Read more
Julia Beaumont Ah, real food. Hope it sticks to your ribs X
4/16/16Reply
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Hadrians Wall Traveler
End of trip
April 17, 2016 in England ⋅ ⛅ 8 °C
There was a coating of ice on both the inside and outside of the tent this morning. I've made a resolution to buy a higher spec sleep mat and bag, or wait for warmer weather in future.

Otherwise all my clothing and equipment choices worked well. Merino wool top and hat, buffalo jacket, rainlegs and trangia stove.Read more
Well done Chris!
4/17/16Reply
Julia BeaumontMad! Unhinged! Look forward to warming you up!
4/17/16Reply
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Trip end
April 17, 2016

It's not a stroll in the park

No complaints

Twice Brewed

Winter continues

End of trip