HADRIAN’S WALL. DAY 3

Flat Eric was a bundle of energy after her 14 hour rest. We were up and out by 8.05am – a late start today, but a wild camp tonight and only 16 miles means later is better.

A gentle incline for most of the morning and the most pleasurable interesting walking yet. Not to mention a lot of blobs of that wall we came to see.

The day became hot and the walking was to be exposed. Eric made use of every ditch, dyke, river and spring. There was ample enough water sources that we needn’t carry any extra for her. Which is good because after her resupply last night we’re yet again weighed down by her jerkey snack load.

The wall, was a feat of extremely impressive architecture, traversing the country across high, undulating and boggy ground. Some information plaques along the way brought it to life. Handy for Snakes who prefers pictures to words.

Before long we stumbled across a coffee van who kindly took some of my heavy cash off me in exchange for caffeine. Winnie had a Wonky Chomp and a sit down, out of the sun, who’s heat was increasing.

There’s always a reoccurring theme of what people say to you when they pass you on trails like this. It changes trail to trail, but is generally the same statement throughout the entirety of each, and the sentiment depends on where you are. For example, in the desert, we were repeatedly told to “watch out for snakes” by everyone we passed by – even after a few hundred miles of successfully not being bitten by them. In Colorado and beyond “Seen any bears?!!” Was frequently asked by people not really needing an answer. Here, with Eric and her saddle bags I’ve lost count of the amount of people who’ve told me: “thats clever, making her carry all your things”. I do well to make out its the first time I’ve heard it. Every time.

The divde between the North and South became more undulating and more impressive. We reached a couple of high points (though not that high) the views were certainly worth looking at.

We entered in and out of areas of shade, and eventually came across an English Heritage tea room/snack station (I think there was a museum there too). A family gave Eric a sausage and 3 people told me I was clever making Eric carry all our things.

Eric is a total pro at Styles now. She runs toward them like its a fun activity to get over them. We make her wait for a quick road/sheep check and then she’s away. Such an independent girl she’s becoming.

We continued our undulations on the high ‘sill’ which marks a band of hard Rock in the landscape, through the famous sycamore gap, which was noticeably busier. Then, we performed a slight detour to a pub, where Eric at her dinner then promptly passed out .

We left the pub after a good long beer-y break. With Eric revived, we walked the mile or so up the road to find a camp spot.

We found one in a coppice of trees, isolated from the farm below, out of sight of passers-by, which is handy because this tent isn’t discrete.

Warm, dry and with her first 17 mile day under her belt, we snuggled in for a slap up feed and an early night.

More tomorrow….