Sunday 12th August 2018

Day 1: Segedunum to heddon-On-the-wall

We began our journey at the Roman Fort of Segedunum. The fort is near the river bank of the Tyne, at Wallsend. Instead of walking the wall West to East, we planned to do it East to West so it would be a more enjoyable walk and we wouldn’t give up before we completed the whole thing, as doing West to East the last two days could be very boring and hard going on the feet.

Before setting off we explored inside the Segedunum visitor centre. We checked out the gifts and clothing, giving ourselves a goal to purchase a souvenir if we completed the walk. I wanted to get the dark blue hoodie. We collected a stamp passport, where we needed to collect stamps along the way. Our first stamp was in the visitor centre, so we collected it and then headed outside. We took our beginning group photo in front of a Roman Statue (Sentius Tectonicus).

We were off! Only 84 miles to go! Not long after leaving Segedunum, we came across a sign saying that it was 1,110 miles to Rome and 84 miles to Bowness-on-Solway. We carried on our walk down the path across several roads, and passing a giant sign with a picture of Hadrian Augustus . By the side of the path there were many blackberry bushes, with several delicious tasty berries on, which everyone was helping themselves too. Much of Hadrian’s wall path is the same as cycle path 72, so for most of the first day there were many signs for the cycle way.

Also along Hadrian’s wall path we passed many sculptures. They were all the same design but different colours. We couldn’t deduce what they were, but they looked very much like totem poles, so that’s what we called them.

The first animal we saw was a little brown pony in the field next to the path. We then saw a ginger cat on a garden fence.

Having pre read and researched the walk we knew a short cut, removing a large loop. The shortcut went through the trees and down some steps to re join the official path. After making this shortcut, we were down by the river banks of the Tyne. Walking along the river bank into Newcastle, we passed a magnificent lock. Unlike a usual canal lock this guillotine, lifted up and down to let ships in and out. We carried along the riverside passing some interesting sculptures. The first one we saw was tall and thin and had small bits of details representing Newcastle. The other one was a globe surrounded by silver circles. Carrying on we were lucky enough to see the millennium bridge rock back and forth in a winking motion to let boats pass under. Once it was back down we crossed over it to look down the river at the Tyne Bridge. Not far now to our promised lunch at Greggs. I could smell it now! Grateful of sitting down and eating something warm we sat by the river and ate out Greggs. I had a lovely pepperoni pizza. Once refuelled we set off again.

Carrying on through Newcastle, we kept by the river. Along the river bank there were more sculptures several of them were circular beehive shaped and they were of all different sizes. Then we found a bench, which was gratefully appreciated to lie on. We then met our first proper steady climb. When we reached the top of the “small” hill we were able to just see the Angel of the North in the far distance. After admiring the Angel of the North, we set off again.

After walking for a great deal of time, we spotted people carrying Asda bags, and deduced that there was a Asda close by. So we made a slight detour to re fuel. On the way back I made a stupid decision to take a short cut onto the main path. Unfortunately that ended up with me on my bum and being stung by stinging nettles on my hand and bum! Dusting myself of and laughing about it, we continued with our walk.

The next stretch wasn’t as interesting, because we were getting further away from the centre of Newcastle. After a while our tummy’s began to ache along with our feet, so we set a goal for Tyne Riverside Country Park. However to our great surprise and relief before we got to the country park, we came across The Boathouse (a pub). Instead of gambling, to go to the country park and it being open, we stopped and got a well deserved drink!

After a quick drink, and a sit down, we set off in the rain. Passing the Country Park, we discovered that it was actually opened, however we were glad we stopped at the pub instead. Our next goal, was to find the golf course at the edge of Heddon-on-the-Wall. In between showers we slowly made our way along paths and through fields. Along the side of the path, there were many blackberry bushes and lovely flowers. Finally with the golf course in sight, we know it isn’t far now. Passing the edge of the golf course, we searched for lost golf balls in the bushes, and we did find one. Carrying on we also passed a rugby pitch. After making our way past the golf course and up a steep hill, we came out on the outskirts of Heddon-on-the-Wall.

Walking with high hopes, now that we are so close, we passed some exquisite houses and saw some magnificent views.finally we made it into the village centre and to a sign. The sign said if we took a small detour we could see the first proper bit of Roman wall. So wanting to see the wall, we went on the detour. If was worth it, the wall was magnificent.

From the wall it was only a short walk to our finish for the day. At the finish there were some lovely flowers. With our feet all aching we got in the cars and headed back to the bunk house. Day 1 completed!

25.69km / 15.96Miles