Days 1 and 2


Days 1 and 2 of the walk are in the books. 


Day 1, starting in Bowness-on-Solway on the western end of the path and running to Carlisle, took us through several very small and charming villages (charming, but nowhere to really stop). The Hadrian’s Wall Path is reportedly very well marked, but we didn’t find that to be the case right away and added to our mileage with a few wrong turns followed by backtracking. But we enjoyed a dry and partly sunny day.

Whenever I travel to a new place, even the first time I visit a friend’s home, that first trip seems longer than the second time, just because I don’t know exactly where I’m going. The first leg of the path seemed that way—like it would never end! We were worn out when we reached our hotel, and I was wondering how I could walk another day. But a good night of sleep did wonders. We had forgotten how jet lag kicks in big time on the second day after changing time zones. So we had an extra challenge in fighting that while hiking more than the advertised 14 miles. Also, I now realize that a flaw in my training for this adventure was focusing on walking and hiking while neglecting upper body strength development. Carrying a good amount of water plus a few other necessities in my backpack is not something I’d worked on as much as I should have. But Day 2 was easier, so I’m adapting.

Today, we left Carlisle and headed for the town of Banks, another 14 miles away. The scenery was lovely the entire way. There were many large pastures with sheep or cattle grazing, and the path took us right through them. The landscape is completely lush and green. We occasionally met other hikers, usually those who were coming from the opposite end of the path and were nearing the end of their journey. One couple from the UK was unimpressed by the scenery, as “this could be any part of England.” That’s what we find impressive! They raved about the gorgeous sections of the path that lay behind them (and ahead of us). That’s what all the guidebooks say, too, that the middle section is what makes it all worthwhile. We will start seeing that area tomorrow and will reach the path’s highest elevation at the end of the day (about 1100 feet).

We had rain for part of today’s hike and broke out our ponchos, which worked great. It was good to confirm that a rainy day does not need to spoil the walk. People we met along the way laughed when they heard we were from Washington and reminded us that we were in our natural environment. True—although we probably wouldn’t plan a hike back home in such rainy weather!

Our inn tonight is cozy and welcoming, and we look forward to some good rest before we set off in the morning.

Comments

  1. SueMay 22, 2022 at 2:14 PM

    Thanks for letting us walk with you vicariously, John and Lois! Praying for you often.

    ReplyDelete

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