WTWFD: Stage 3, Newcastle Quayside to Heddon-on-the-Wall

Yesterday dawned bright, but cold: the perfect day to continue my challenge to walk Hadrian’s Wall in memory of my aunt Daina, Walking the Wall for Daina 2025. This time, I was accompanied by both of my sons. We took the train into the centre of Newcastle, to begin our walk where Stage 2 had ended. The Quayside was bustling with market traders setting up their food stalls for the day ahead. The cold was so intense as the sun began to rise that I wondered if we would be able to complete the stage, no matter how well wrapped-up we were. However, once we started walking, we soon warmed up and were making a good pace.

There was lots to see along the riverbank of the tidal Tyne: water birds searching for food along the mudflats, the remnants of a railway siding which had once stood above the water on a wooden pier, the urban environment gradually giving way to the peace of country parks and golf courses.

The first eight miles were relatively easy going, being on mainly flat terrain, and we made good progress. However, just as we began the steep climb up to the village of Heddon-on-the-Wall, my legs began to protest. The expansive views, and my sons’ encouragement, inspired me to continue until we had reached our destination. I am so proud of both boys for entering into the spirit of the walk with enthusiasm, and not complaining once along the trail.

We were relieved to collapse onto the bus which took us back into Newcastle, and our train home. I look forward to returning to the trail after resting up for a few days! Huge thanks for all of the generous donations so far. If you want to track our progress, or make a donation to the North and West Cumbria branch of the MND Association, you can visit my fundraising page at Justiving.com.

Stage 3: Newcastle Quayside to Heddon-on-the-Wall
Distance: 10.5 miles
Elevation gain: 622 ft
Time: 4 hours, 14 minutes
Total Distance: 23 miles