Bev and Steven recently set off on an epic trek along Hadrian's Wall in support of MND NSW. Thank you for your amazing fundraising efforts, and for sharing your story of your adventure!
Steven and I set off on a chilly late spring morning for our long trek across England from west to east along Hadrian’s Wall. For us this was not just an historic and challenging walk over the next six days but also about a fundraising event to support MND NSW.
We joined some friends (old and new), who were also fundraising for Motor Neurone Disease to support a local rugby player in Gloucestershire and in memory of a friend who had lost her battle with MND recently.
We were all very excited and keen to get started on our six day walk. On the way we took photos of the group wearing T-shirts, caps and in our case, beanies to show everyone who we were supporting.
The first day was along the Solway Firth and then cross-country to Carlisle. Most of the first 14 miles we were trekking across undulating farming land and through small historic villages. We met a few fellow walkers, some of whom would join us for the next 2-3 days and one who was with us until the final day. It makes long distance walking more enjoyable when you are meeting people from all over the world, all with a story to tell.
Our first day finished with everyone smiling and looking forward to a shower and a hearty meal.
Day two was from Carlisle to Banks about 15 miles, but for us a little extra as we had about a two mile walk to the start of the wall trail. It was a much more difficult day with lots of hills, rough tracks, over stiles and the final section was a couple of huge hills which challenged a few of us. Along the way we did enjoy our first real view of the incredible structure that is Hadrian’s Wall.
The wall was built by the Romans 2000 years ago, to keep the Picts/Scots out of their territory.
Day three from Banks to Steel Rigg was the highest elevation and a lot of climbing and descending. It was also the most picturesque with sweeping views towards Scotland. We also stopped at a few of the fortifications including Birdsowald Roman Fort, set up as a museum and heritage site.
Day four from Steel Rigg to Chollerford was another 15-mile hike across lots of farmland and again rough tracks. This section of Northumbria is quite remote, so we needed to carry water and food for the day. The highlight of the day was our picnic at Thirlwall Castle, a ruined castle high on a hill.
Day five from Chollerford to Heddon-On-The-Wall was our shortest section at just over 14 miles. Of course, we managed to get lost, so we added another mile or so to our day. Our biggest challenge of the day was finding a village with food and facilities. Once we arrived at our destination, we enjoyed a hard-earned stop at a cosy pub.
Day six, our final day was another 16 miles from Heddon-On-The-Wall to Walls End. Most of the obvious signs of the wall were behind us and we were heading for Newcastle, an industrial town on the Tyne river. It was a very chilly start to the day, but lovely walking through forests and along the banks of the river for most of the day.
Newcastle is a bustling city with lots of restaurants and bars along the riverbank.
Our final 3 miles was a special time with our group reminiscing about the past six days and making plans to finish our walk as a team with our T-shirts, caps and beanies on to consolidate our fundraising walk for our respective MND charities.
After six days, many thousands of steps, 85 miles plus (135 Kilometres), many blisters and aching joints our group had made it to the easternmost point of Hadrian’s Wall and the end of our trek.
We had achieved our aim and managed to raise AUD$1874 for MND NSW and approximately GBP£20,000 for the UK charity, 4 ED MND.Bev and Steven Porter – 27 April to 2 May 2025