Amongst my long list of retirement wishes was to walk, at least part of Hadrians Wall. It has also been a long time wish of the Bestie and as he, myself and the hubby hit 65 this year, we proposed to him that it was now or possibly never. 👨🦳👵🏻.
Not sure if he agreed or if we railroaded him 😬, but having decided that Summer 2026 was the right time to head North, we subsequently started researching. There were various discussions as to whether we should, hire a motorhome to use as a base as we made our way across the Country, take the car and book B&B’s along the route or use the local buses to transport ourselves between accommodation. It all seemed as though it might be bit of a headache. 🤕
Then we discovered an experienced company who would do the leg work for us, booking our accommodation, and transporting our luggage, daily, on our behalf between stops, meaning we can just walk East, from Bowness-on-Solway to Newcastle. Our luggage having arrived before us each evening, we will be able to enjoy a nice shower, dinner and a comfy bed before embarking on the next stage.
It seemed the perfect solution and in the scheme of things not overly expensive. We just had to pay a deposit and after receiving our confirmation that we were happy with their recommendations, they would book bed and breakfast along the route.
With everything in place, all we had to do now was save up the balance payment and get some training in to enable us to walk the 84 miles in 9 days. Easy for some folk, but when you’re in your mid 60’s with aching joints and bad backs, it’s going to be a challenge, but one I am very much looking forward to.
When we returned from our road trip in September 2025, my poor hubby didn’t get a chance to rest as the training promptly began. We regularly walk 5 miles along the seafront in Hastings or along the coast in Bexhill, but that is mostly even ground, and no hills. We really needed to walk some cross country routes before the Winter weather set in.
East Sussex County Council and High Weald offer free circular walking guides on their websites ranging from 3 miles through to 12 miles which appeared perfect to help us build up our stamina. So I eased him in gently with a short 3.5 miles, deciding to gradually build up to longer stretches:-
Old Heathfield – (3.5 miles) On a bright September morning we set off for a glorious walk across fields, and through woods, discovering a variety of mushrooms and some beautiful sunflowers dancing in the breeze. A few horses were in the fields also enjoying the sunshine and we watched as some pheasants scampered away from us into the long grass. The autumn berries were filling the hedgerows and as we returned to the church yard we discovered some commonwealth war graves. A lovely 2 hour stroll through the countryside, to set us on our way.
Rye to Camber Castle – (4,5 miles) Invigorated, a few days later, we set off to nearby Rye. Our instructions took us passed the harbour and into Rye Harbour Nature Reserve. The water attracted a lot of birds, their calling breaking the peace. Camber Castle stood proud in the distance. Initially built as a circular gun tower, it was later incorporated into a larger fort, which stood on the estuary protecting Rye. The water has now receded leaving it sitting in the middle of a field and due to its decay can now only be viewed externally. We sat for a while in a tranquil bird hide nearby watching the swans glide passed, before exploring the castle and continuing our circle back towards Rye.
Pevensey Castle Walk – (5 miles) We were on a roll now and just 4 days later went in search of another castle. At one point, along our trail, we found ourselves popping out from the bushes needing to cross a very fast and busy road. We scampered out between speeding cars, but we made it. There were more, yet different mushrooms on display today and colourful berries filling the hedgerows. A heron swooped down and strutted across the walkway ahead of us. Then we took a little detour to avoid some stroppy looking sheep. As we circled back, one of the way markers had collapsed to the ground and we weren’t quite sure which direction it should be pointing. Taking a guess we got it wrong and ended up turning back on ourselves. We could hear the busy road we needed to get back across, but couldn’t initially find a gap in the bushes to get through.
However we lived to tell the tale and on the way back to the car, we made use of English Heritages annual free ticket offer available across October, through a few national newspapers, and visited Pevensey Castle. It has had a very interesting life, seeing the World from Norman times, through the centuries as a fortress, a jail and a command centre during the war. Fascinating couple of hours exploring local history.
Sandhurst Cross to Bodiam – (6 miles) A week later we were still upping our game. This walk promised to be a bit more up hill and down dale, but still through some beautiful local countryside. Today we wandered through lovely vineyards, along the banks of the River Rother, passed wind turbines, enjoying the company of swans before crossing the fields to Bodiam Castle. The walk took us across the castle grounds and up the steep hill beyond.
We were once again joined by pheasants hiding in the grass, and needed to duck as bushes loaded with berries hung over the pathways. A low flying aircraft took us by surprise as it appeared to be landing in the field beyond.
Passing a vineyard, the vines were laden with grapes and apple trees full of beautiful red fruit. We arrived home with our pockets full of chestnuts, we had gathered, which we roasted in the evening. 🌰🌰
Winchelsea Circular – ( 6.4 miles) We had had a similar walk, with the Besties, but in the opposite direction. Starting at the station, we walked along the lane and climbed the hill towards the village. The views are beautiful.
The village is full of history and we passed St Thomas’ Church and John Wesley’s tree, before heading out of the village and down into the surrounding countryside. With sculptures to mark our way and spectacular views out to sea, it was a lovely day.
A lookout post from the War, took the hubby’s attention, before we passed Sir Paul McCartneys recording studio, perched at the top of the hill.
More mushrooms peeked out from the grass as we made our way to the nature reserve. We stopped for a while watching the birds enjoying the water and some deer enjoying the grass, before following the Royal Military Canal back towards Winchelsea.
Battle – (5.5 miles) We attempted to follow a walk through Battle Woods. This wasn’t simple as the footpath we should have taken was closed as a new housing estate is being built.
Undeterred we found our way around the building site and into the woods. As we came across a way marker, we were uncertain whether to turn left or right, but a little helper joined us to point the way.
The mushrooms today were bright but fairly sparse. Autumn leaves were starting to tumble from the trees, leaving a scrunch under foot. But it was a gloriously warm late October day and as we emerged from the woods, we headed up the High Street towards Battle Abbey, to enjoy another freebie from English Heritage.
Steeped in the History of the 1066 Battle of Hastings, it was fairly quiet and we were able to climb the gatehouse for views on one side of the High Street and Battle Abbey School on the other.
We spent a lovely hour exploring the ruins, from the vaults, to the old church, from the dungeons to the outer walls. A perfect end to another lovely day.
Pett Level – (7 miles) Our walks continued, weather permitting until the end of November, when our final walk of the year took us 7 miles along Pett Level. With the sea to one side and a reservoir to the other, Sir Paul’s Windmill looked down on us from the top of the hill.
The tide had turned, when we reached the cliffs, and was heading out. Our walk back to the car, saw the old harbour jetty’s appearing as the water receded, giving us a sneak peek of history before the water rolled back in.
We had gradually over three months extended the length of our walks and conquered several hills and dales. Now the Winter was drawing in we turned our attention to work at home, just venturing out on smaller walks along the seafront or into the countryside with a local charity Veterans Growth.
With our Hadrians Wall adventure just around the corner, we recommenced our weekly training alongside the Besties in early April and now we have returned from a Center Parcs break, we are upping the anti to prepare ourselves for the challenge.
You can follow our training and our 84 mile journey along this historic wall on our instagram page Fab Four Walk Hadrians Wall 2026
