They made it!
📍 Carlisle to Bowness-on-Solway
🥾 Distance: Approx. 15 miles
🌤️ Weather: Drizzle to start, ending with glorious seaside sunshine
🩹 Health: One cut head, many blisters, and a very tired but determined bunch
The one with…
- The gin-fuelled pub stop
- The musical toilet
- The final triumphant steps into Bowness
Today was the day. By 4 pm, this incredible group would have officially walked across an entire country. It’s been a week of ups, downs, and plenty of PUDs, but above all, it’s been a journey of shared strength, friendship, and a lot of laughter.
7:30 am – Martin and I did our final Shuttle Dance, dropping the bus at The Greyhound Pub. It was too tight on time to get it all the way to Bowness, so this plan worked perfectly.
After gathering the group in reception for the morning briefing, we stepped out into a light drizzle for the final leg. Our first stop was The Sands Leisure Centre for the penultimate passport stamp, with photos by the Hadrian’s Wall statues sparking a round of “remember when…” moments – the best hotel, the best meal, and yes, that guy in the kilt.
The path followed the river, gentle on the legs but busy with cows. For anyone who arrived fearing cattle, this trip has been therapy by hoof – one lady who was near panic on Day 1 was now admiring cows licking each other’s ears.
We paused for a quick break at a Parish Village Hall (donation box topped up, of course) before tackling a long country road. Cue the alphabet game, working our way through A-Z naming foods – the sillier, the better.
🍺 The Greyhound & Gin
By 11:45 am, we reached The Greyhound. It wasn’t open until noon, so we basked in the sunshine until the door finally creaked open. “Are you ready for 14 women?” I asked the barman. He looked at me, deadpan, and said, “What do you want?” Clearly not a latte enthusiast – but he softened as soon as gin and beer orders started rolling in.
Forty-five minutes later, we set off again under clear blue skies. Spirits were high, songs were sung, and the salt marshes opened out ahead of us, with the estuary shimmering in the distance. Somewhere along the way, a game of Chinese Whispers began: “Martin’s card will be in the toilet to sign at the pub” – miraculously reaching the end of the group still intact.
🎶 The Musical Toilet
Our next stop was a Hadrian’s Wall oddity – the musical toilet. Housed in a big shed with a kettle and snacks, it plays a tune when you flush. We picked apples from the tree outside (the ones still on the tree, mostly) – crisp, sweet, and exactly what we needed.
Here, I waved the group on for their final 2.5 miles while I stayed back to meet Martin for the minibus collection. He then walked back to join the others for the grand finale.
🎉 The Finish Line
Waiting in the sunshine at Bowness, I eventually spotted them – Maria leading the way, followed by the rest, walking together into the village. That’s what made this group unique: they’d stuck together for almost the entire journey, across an entire country.
High fives, photos, final stamps – and then straight to the pub.
At The King’s Arms, over food and drinks, the “I can’t believe I walked all that way” comments began to flow. I gave a little speech, thanking Martin for his unwavering support all week – especially during the storm. He received a card, cheese, and wine, and I got a bit squeaky with emotion.
And just like that – another Hadrian’s Wall is complete.
Reflections from the Wall
Walking 84 miles across a country isn’t just about the scenery or the history – it’s about what happens to you along the way.
You learn that strangers can become friends faster than you think. That laughter is lighter when it’s shared, and heavy moments are easier when someone walks beside you.
You learn to be patient – with the weather, with the trail, and with yourself. You realise you’re stronger than you thought, both in body and in spirit.
And when you finally see that finish line, it’s not just about where you’ve arrived – it’s about who you’ve become getting there.
Here’s to the miles, the memories, and the magic of the Wall.