Hiking Along Hadrian’s Wall, Day Seven

Written April 4, 2023, at Hexham, England.

This should have been an easy day. It was not. The day opened well enough. There was frost on the ground at our hotel green, and I captured a beautiful shot of the bridge across the North Tyne River lit by dawn’s first light.

I set off eager for the 8 miles to Hexham where we are lodging in the medieval center of town for the next two nights.

My first 3 miles included a 1 mile detour to the remains of a monumental Roman bridge that once crossed the river. Looking across the river I could see the Roman baths that we visited yesterday.

The next 2 miles were through pleasant countryside but along the busy A6079 roadway. No problem, there was a walking path alongside the road.

However, where the Hadrian’s Wall Path turned left toward High Brunton, I was heading straight for another 5 miles to Hexham. There was no path alongside the road. I spent three of those 5 miles jumping off the roadway and into the shoulderless brush to dodge cars and semi tractors. It was loud, anxious, and just plain dangerous. Needless to say, I survived.

Our lovely room at the Beaumont Hotel is in the heart of old Hexham.

We are across the street from the 12th century Hexham Abbey which we will visit tomorrow. This part of the city is a maze of ancient winding streets and charming shops that we will also explore tomorrow.

For today, just a few images and none from that dangerous stretch of road.

Peace Everyone. Pete