ACTIVITIES AND EXCURSIONS At the confluence of the Pennine Way and Hadrian's Wall long distance footpaths, Haltwhistle provides the ideal base for walks of all standards. There is a very useful bus service serving the main Roman sites and trains from Haltwhistle allow one way walks along the Wall. But remember to check which way the wind is blowing before setting off on your Wall walk! Take the bus to Alston (England's highest market town) and walk back along the old railway track and country lanes. There are many other lovely walks taking you off the beaten track to never to be forgotten beauty spots.

David's Tips for Wall Walkers

1) Decide your direction of walk according to the wind direction for the day. So that in windy/wet weather you have the wind at your back and for warm summer days you have a cooling effect. Same principle - - if the weather is particularly sunny you might like to get both sides equally tanned.

2) Do not be over ambitious on the mid section - Much up and down.

3) Have as few changes of accommodation as you can. i.e. at least two days walking can be accomplished from the same base thus no baggage to carry - no shocks at next lodging. Hotel rates are cheaper for 2+ nights stay e.g. here we reduce the rate by £3.00 per night DBB so for two nights stay that is £6.00 plus £5 luggage transfer =£11 per person.

4) Do not carry heavy packs - if not staying at the same base - send your backpacks on by "Walkers Baggage Transfer Service" - £5.00 per bag.

5) If doing the whole Wall, leave a rest/sightseeing day to visit the forts, excavations and museums - or just a day for blisters/sore muscles to be tended.

6) If you see a public Loo - de-tank. Peeing against the Wall erodes the stonework.