Bellingham Sunday 31 May 2015
Start: Greenhead
Finish: Bellingham
Miles walked today: 22
Total miles: 648
Suddenly, there it is: Hadrian's Wall. I've been walking for thirty to forty minutes or so, climbing gently. It's quite misty, unlike the sunny day last time I was here, which seems to generate a more appropriate atmosphere for this special place.
I walk up to the wall, and rest my hands and forehead on the cold stones. I try to commune with the long gone Roman soldiers who manned this northern outpost of the Roman empire. Did they volunteer for this posting? Were they lured by extra pay? Did they all have wives and children back home? How did they adapt to the climate? And how did they cope with the logistical problems communicating with Rome? Or the south of England for that matter?
Unbidden, a face looms up from my subconscious mind. A giant of Roman history. This mighty figure utters those immortal words:
"I have a vewy gweat fwend in Wome called Biggus Dickus!"
The walk along the wall lasts all morning. It's truly unique and amazing. The ground goes up and down like a roller coaster. I'm taking it all in when suddenly its all like an episode of Casualty. Two people within a half a mile of each other have fallen and hurt themselves badly. Ambulances are summoned and I can do nothing to help so I walk on. (Another sad event. I read in the local paper at breakfast that on Friday - the day after I walked past - a father out with his family drowned while swimming at Low Force waterfall.)
Just after midday I leave the wall and head north. Soon I bump into a ranger, out collecting litter and looking out for people who need help. He tells me that some colleagues have walked the Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall with Google Steeet cameras on their heads. Yes, within a month you can experience walking the entirety of these paths without leaving your chair! If only I'd known ;)
The afternoon is spent walking through coniferous plantations and more moors. It's very boggy, of course, but I survive. The sun comes out in earnest as I cover the last few miles and I check into the hostel at Bellingham relieved that another quite long day is over. I've been walking for around nine to ten hours without more than a five minute break.
Dan from yesterday is staying at the hostel, as well as Keith, who has walked from Lands End but is finishing at the end of the Pennine Way.
I know who Mrs of Old Basing is now :) Thanks Denise for your support. Tina did the detective work.
Last word today to Kenonymous:
"Bit of trouble finding a brewery near you tonight. It'll have to be something else - is a glass of Fentimans Botanically Brewed Ginger Beer ok?? (Dont go urgh .... please! After all, there IS a nice video)"
