DAY TWO Newburn to Harlow Hill

We had to walk a good way before seeing any kind of tribute to the Wall Walk, and here it is. Up till then it was all dog walkers, bikers, pavement, playgrounds and the River Tyne. We did meet two Americans who had just finished the walk from Bowness and were going to Segedunum where we'd been yesterday. Was it just yesterday? I admit I wasn't envisioning myself in Bowness, but it's early days.  Everything has been confusing.  Distances seem unreal. I don't have my Spidey sense about this walk yet. 

The Obligatory Good Luck Shoe Photo

The Americans "warned" us of 1000 foot hills, up and down, sore feet, sore backs, rain, cold.....  Did they take the same walk? The path today was easy going, meandering alongside the Tyne then swinging up into the fields. Phil had a premonition to turn and it was just where we needed to go, but no signage!

Uneventful Along the River

There was no disappointment about the scenery. The Hawthornes, Gorse, Bluebells and wildflowers were in bloom, the fields of Rape and Barley, stone walls, stiles, little gardens, sheep, cliff swallows..... getting the ground under my feet in the country was a relief.

At Heddon-on-the-Wall we got our first glimpse of the purpose of this journey - the longest stretch of Wall on the path - HA! So they say! You'll see what I mean. If I was impressed here, I was blown away later.  The guide book says after this the Wall pops up in unexpected places, and that was true for the next few miles. After rambling fields and farms, we walked beside a moderately busy road, but there was a reason for this. The road was built on top of the Wall as a Military Road for General Wade in the 18th Century to move his troops across country to ward off Bonnie Prince Charlie and his followers. The road, as is all Roman roads, straight as a ruler.  So its all legit. We ended our day walking in the Roman ditch beside the road and into the dead zone that is .....   Harlow Hill.

Heddons "Longest" Stretch of Wall

We Make Some Friends

Me in Yellow

Somehow I didn't see that the Wall Walk shuttle bus (aptly named AD122) goes everywhere but Harlow Hill. We were stuck. And our destination wasn't on the map! Luckily, there was some cell service, I called the hotel and they sent us a taxi. 




What a jaw dropping sight to pull into our digs for the next 3 nights! A real castle! 

This is the genuine deal. Left to ruin in the late 1800's it was bought and restored. Rumor is the wife of the owner died jumping from a window. The barkeep says he hears people at night when there are no guests. My room has a huge window seat you reach by going up 3 steps.

Can I just Sit Here? 

It has a medieval garderobe and PEACOCKS! All in all, though a little burnt out, a good start at 8.58 miles.

I Am Magnificent