When any one asks how the walk went our answer is always “It was amazing”. It’ s funny how you forget the aches and pains, the cold and wet, the heights and cows. Looking back, we only remember the good bits. The sense of achievement, the fantastic scenery, the history and the cold beer/gin at the end of a long day. The only downside that sticks in the mind is the fact that you cannot escape mankind! It is a very popular path and Helen’s idea of us being on top of a ridge with no one else for miles was never going to happen. Not only that but despite the fantastic views they were unfortunately marred by pylons, farm buildings, roads, wind turbines – the price of progress. That said, the two days across the Northumberland National Park was still one of the most amazing scenic walks we’ve ever done. Thank you for all your support and your messages of encouragement along the way. They helped us keep going and reminded us what we were putting ourselves through it all for.

We did manage to put a few thoughts together on our journey that we thought we’d share as a kind of lessons learnt review:

Hadrian’s Wall Path is an awful lot higher up and steep than Kathy imagined. She expected hills but not quite to that extent – geography was never her strong point!

Always pack extra carabiners – you never know what you may need to dangle from your belt

Balloons and cows don’t mix

Don’t forget the waist strap – it's a lot easier on your back

Don’t text and walk on the edge of a sheer drop

Give yourself more time to take in the history

Beware of walking poles – don't trip over them and don’t stab your sister in the leg

Don’t miss the famous tree

Stop to look around – half of the scenery is behind you

Don’t book your last hotel above a night club