Bike Trip to Hadrian's Wall - How I made a dream come true
Cycling-Through-Europe 15-11-2022
![](/_astro/IMG_20221104_130746.05586277_Z1s6WAS.webp)
Since my teenage years, I wanted to embark on an extraordinary biking trip along Hadrian’s Wall.
The thought of traversing this ancient marvel, rich in history and cultural significance, has remained a constant source of fascination in my mind. The moment seemed to never come to reality, but by coincidence I had a colleage at New Castle that I could visit and use the ocasion to have this small bike trip.
Embrace with me the fulfillment of this dream made true, get ready to pedal my way through the storied path of Hadrian’s Wall.
Exploring NewCastle by Bike
My journey began in the vibrant city of Newcastle, where I rented a bike, ready to embark on my much-anticipated expedition.
The city greeted me with its captivating blend of modernity and historical charm.
As luck would have it, the weather smiled upon me, gracing my adventure with clear skies and gentle breezes.
The sun’s warm embrace cast a golden glow upon the city’s architectural marvels and picturesque landscapes.
With each pedal stroke, I immersed myself in the lively atmosphere of Newcastle, its bustling streets and welcoming locals adding a touch of warmth to my adventure.
It was a fortuitous start, an auspicious sign of the incredible journey that lay ahead.
![Exploring New Castle by bike](/_astro/IMG_20221104_100507_o.e76ee153_H26wP.webp)
Cycling through UK’s Green Fields
As I pedaled away from the bustling cityscape of Newcastle, a serene transformation enveloped me.
The path ahead unfolded through picturesque countryside, adorned with verdant fields stretching as far as the eye could see. Nature’s vibrant palette painted the landscape with hues of lush green, creating a soothing backdrop for my journey.
The tranquility of the surroundings embraced me, offering a respite from the chaos of everyday life.
Embraced by nature’s tranquility, I discovered a profound sense of contentment and immersed myself in the serene splendor of the surroundings.
![Hadrian Wall by Bike](/_astro/IMG_20221104_130450_o.9ae9ac31_qbuoL.webp)
As I ventured further along the path, the road itself became an intriguing challenge.
The idyllic countryside scenery was interspersed with unexpected inclines, demanding a newfound level of determination. The undulating terrain revealed hills that seemed to defy gravity, with slopes exceeding 12% that caught me off guard. Pushing myself to the limits, I grappled with each pedal stroke, feeling the strain in my muscles as I tackled the steep ascents.
However, every arduous climb was rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, as if nature herself was acknowledging my perseverance on getting to my goal.
![Exploring English country side by bycicle](/_astro/IMG_20221104_152032_o.9d4b5aa3_ZTPYBc.webp)
Along my journey, I encountered quaint and charming small towns that punctuated the landscape. These hidden gems provided me with a delightful respite, offering a glimpse into the local way of life.
I would pause in these towns, taking the opportunity to replenish my provisions and refuel my energy.
These small-town encounters added an extra layer of charm to my adventure, reminding me of the simple pleasures found in the communities that thrive along the route of Hadrian’s Wall.
![From New Castle to Hadrians Wall - Bike Packing](/_astro/IMG_20221104_124736_o.e0af37ca_Z1Y37hF.webp)
Hadrian’s Wall by Bycicle
And then, finally, I reached the crown jewel of my expedition—the magnificent Hadrian’s Wall. Standing before this awe-inspiring testament to human ingenuity and history, I was filled with an overwhelming sense of accomplishment.
The wall stretched as far as the eye could see, an imposing structure that stood strong despite the passage of centuries. I traced its ancient stones with my fingertips, imagining the countless stories etched within its weathered surface.
As I walked alongside this remarkable feat of engineering, I couldn’t help but marvel at its grandeur and the vision of Emperor Hadrian that brought it into existence.
With each step, I felt a profound connection to the past, to the lives that had intersected with this formidable barrier. It was a humbling experience, a realization that I had not only fulfilled my dream but had also become a part of the ongoing legacy of Hadrian’s Wall.
![Hadrian's Wall](/_astro/IMG_20221104_135749.3da7064b_1qXDUE.webp)
While admiring the landscape, I had the chance to stop by the wall, have some rest and food…
![Exploring Hadrian Wall Bike Packing](/_astro/IMG_20221104_141634_o.a7948515_2kAxvC.webp)
As the sun began its descent, I found myself seeking refuge in a rustic hut nestled in the heart of nature that I booked in advance.
With a chimney gently billowing smoke and the scent of wood crackling in the air, I settled in, enveloped by a sense of cozy comfort. The absence of modern distractions allowed me to immerse myself in the simplicity of the moment.
I felt an indescribable connection to the wilderness that embraced me.
It was a night spent in perfect harmony with nature, a gentle reminder of the beauty and tranquility that can be found when we venture off the beaten path.
![English hut bikepacking](/_astro/IMG_20221105_082825_o.9d715b57_1Tk8mK.webp)
Learnings from my Trip to Hadrians Wall
Expect the Unexpected
The way back to NC was quite challenging with a considerable front wind.
I had to make it to the bike shop before 5pm (just about the time when it was getting dark) and i planned some buffer, which the wind already took.
Then, I started to realized that my front end was getting too comfortable…
What is that soft feeling in my front tire?
It happened, and I got a flat tire just about 20km to make it to the city.
Fortunately, I got lucky and I met Alan.
He was coming back to the city after having a trekking session and he did no doubt to give me a ride to the bike-shop.
![Back to New Castle after bike packing](/_astro/IMG_20221105_134509_o.b0ca58b8_27w3g9.webp)
Thanks to Alan I was able to accomplish my goal on time - Big thanks
About Walls
Do we really need Walls?
Some open questions that I was wondering during this trip:
- Is not this wall showing up to which point is was worth for the Roman Empire to extract resources for its elites?