Heddon-on-the-Wall ➜ Chollerford
- 📍 Location: Heddon-on-the-Wall to Chollerford
- 🥾 Distance: 18 miles
- ☁️ Weather: Started wet, then unexpectedly turned into glorious sunshine
- 🩹 Health: A few sore feet, aching hips, and those pesky blisters making an appearance — spirits still high
The one with the rain, the beautiful blue fields, and a few cows.
Trail Timeline
7:30 am — The shuttle dance commences, and today it runs like clockwork. Back at the farm by 8:06 am, I manage to scoff a bacon roll (thanks to Paula for getting it ready for me) before giving the walkers’ briefing, and we head out into the rain.
9:00 am — We reach the first slice of the Wall, always an exciting sight. After plenty of photos, we make our way to the trailhead.
9:39 am — The first of many cow fields. I no longer suffer from a cow phobia (therapy works!), but I completely empathise with those who do. Kevin takes charge, guiding the group along the hedge and gently moving the cows away from the gate we need. I’m tail walking, keeping everyone together. The plan works like a dream, and everyone gets through safely. Onwards! Kev is a superhero in his “cape” (aka: poncho).
11:30 am — We make it to the 7‑mile marker and arrive at Robin Hood’s Inn. Passports get stamped (well… two people forgot, but we can catch up later). Coffee, a short rest, and the rain finally stops, cue the airing of sweaty feet in the garden.
As if on cue, Martin pops up like a very welcome whack‑a‑mole (the kind you hug, not hit!). People offload unwanted gear, and he graciously takes it without a fuss.
1:35 pm — Wow! We stop for photos of the stunning fields of blue. I’ve no idea what the flowers are, but they are beautiful.
2:00 pm — We reach Errington Coffee House and happily camp out for an hour over a leisurely lunch. Quiche for some, jacket potatoes for others, wine for two!, and (naturally) dessert all round. The homemade apple pie is to die for, and Martin and Hayley nab extra egg custard tarts to go.
The Final Stretch
Fuelled up, we’re ready for the last leg: wonderful scenery and the best slice of wall so far. We weave through a moss‑filled forest and descend towards our hotel in Chollerford, where a large glass of vino awaits.
Dinner is pre‑ordered and super tasty. Roses & Thorns are all positive, and by 8:30 pm, I’m spent — bedtime calls.
Tomorrow
There’s a storm on the way, so plans will change — watch this space.