HW5
Hadrians Wall - Day 5
THURSDAY 21ST JULY 2016:
Bit of a change today. After breakfast I pack my bags and get a lift to the bus stop back at Chesters Fort, then catch the AD122 bus. This is the bus (named after date Hadrian ordered the building of the wall) which runs along a good length of the wall ferrying people around. I get off at Hexham bus station and then on to the bus into Newcastle centre, from where I walk to the Motel One. This is a budget / boutique hotel, which I thought excellent for the price, very fancy compared to the B&B’s!
I get my gear together and am off, the plan today to walk from Quayside through to Segedunum, which is the official end of the Hadrians Wall National Trail, but then to continue East to reach the coast as the Hadrians Wall path does in fact carry on to this point. This is further than most will travel but my rationale is that it will make up for the bit that I am missing out between Chollerford and Heddon.
I find my way down to Quayside, going past Castle Garth which is the “new” castle that gave the city it’s name. This is a major hub of activity, with some famous and stunning architecture, including the Millennium Bridge and other well recognised bridges and 2 particularly striking buildings, the Baltic Flour Mill (now an arts centre) and the futuristic Sage building (for concerts / music). Certainly different to what I have been used to over the last few days. After grabbing a bite to eat I set off on my trek. The weather is a bit more stable today and whilst a few clouds threaten rain it remains dry and warm, comfortable for walking.
The path follows the river for a while, cutting in and out from time to time, sometimes through some industrial areas, plus a small marina. After a while it seems to mainly become an inland path, doubling up as a cycle path (the 72 route appearing again that I saw on day one). Lots of cyclists pass, in both directions, other than that not a lot to see!
It is about 6 miles to Segedunum, this another Roman museum and archaeological site. I have a wander round but in truth it is more of the same. I do, however, buy an HWP T-shirt!. I had followed a couple leading up to the museum, as it happens they were single walkers, she was just completing the walk, he was just starting out. The woman was from Denmark and the lady at reception asked her to sign the book for those completing. I just got her to stamp my passport but could not in all honesty sign the book. I had collected 6 out of the 7 passport stamps. It is a slightly odd end to the walk, the quiet rooms of a museum, that’s got to feel a little anti-climactic. I reckon they should put balloons and flashing fireworks and pipe in clapping and hollering noises!
I leave the museum and continue East, fortunately the path remains well sign posted, both for walkers and if not them then for the cyclists on route 72. It is all tarmac and mainly cycle path or road/pavement until I near the coast (or really the mouth of the river Tyne) where some harbour / river views come along. Overall nothing inspiring and I can understand why the official National Trail ends at Segedunum.
The path technically crosses the river and winds along to South Shields where there is one final Roman fort but although I approach the ferry terminal I have no idea when this runs and am not inclined to find out. I decide I have achieved enough and head for the metro station at North Shields and catch the train back to base.
I stop off at a pizza hut for a treat before retiring back to the hotel. Not feeling it today, not very inspiring and big come down from the last couple of days. Miss the family and ready to go home. Another 11 miles on Endomondo today (for the path elements).
REFLECTIONS ON THE DAY: Forget about it!
