Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 70 – Tips on Walking the Hadrian’s Wall National Trail With Emily Graver from Macs Adventure

In this episode of the Anglotopia podcast, host Jonathan Thomas interviews Emily Graver, an adventure operations specialist at Macs Adventure, about the Hadrian's Wall walk. Jonathan is planning to walk the trail, a lifelong goal, in summer 2026. They discuss the history, planning, and preparation needed for this iconic 84-mile trail that runs across Northern England. Emily shares insights on logistics, fitness requirements, and the best sections to explore, as well as tips for packing and dealing with unpredictable British weather. The conversation also highlights local attractions, accommodations, and the support available for walkers, making it a comprehensive guide for anyone interested in this historic journey. Please help Jonathan make this dream of the walk happen by purchasing the special limited edition fundraiser Hadrian's Wall 2026 Calendar. Links in the show notes below. Note: Cover image in podcast is NOT Hadrian's Wall, it's Hardknott Roman Fort nearby in Cumbria (I don't have any pictures of Hadrian's Wall...yet). Links Hadrian's Wall Special Calendar Jon's Hadrian's Wall Announcement Post Hadrian's Wall Update Anglotopia & Londontopia 2026 Calendar Fundraiser Macs Adventure Hadrian's Wall Walks Cicerone Hadrian's Wall Guidebook Hadrian's Wall Path: British Walking Guide Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail official website Hadrian's Wall Country Bus (AD122) timetables and routes Friends of Anglotopia Takeaways Hadrian's Wall is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular long-distance walk. The walk requires careful planning and preparation, especially regarding fitness and logistics. Walking 15 to 30 kilometers a day is common, and the terrain can be hilly. Packing for all seasons is essential due to unpredictable British weather. Booking accommodations in advance is highly recommended, especially for summer months. The East to West route offers a unique experience of walking from a busy city to peaceful countryside. Vindolanda is a must-visit site along the route, known for its historical significance. Solo walkers will find camaraderie on the trail, while group walkers may face accommodation challenges. The app provided by Macs Adventures offers useful information and emergency contacts for walkers. Public transport links to the starting points of the walk are very good, making travel easier. Sound Bites 1. On the physical challenge: "The biggest mistake people make is they underestimate the level of walking that's involved. You are walking like 15 to 30 kilometres a day. It's also very hilly. There's a lot of ascent and descent." 2. On booking timing: "May is booking up a lot for people, very keen people that are ready to go on holiday for next May. It books up really, really quickly. So I'd really recommend if you've got like, if you want to... book ahead now." 3. On the route direction debate: "I personally did the East to West and I prefer it because you're going from like quite a busy city, Newcastle, and then you're slowly walking towards like really peaceful areas... You're also following the route that the wall was originally built by the Romans." 4. On the most challenging section: "The most challenging section is between a cute little village called Once Brood and the Hayton Gate turn off. It's very, very hilly... you are looking at 18 miles total in that one section." 5. On accommodations: "I will say with the Hadrian's Hall, there's less opportunities to upgrade your accommodation just because of the places we work with. They're very, very small. So it will tend to be more bed and breakfasts and inns." 6. On the historical discovery at Vindolanda: "They've discovered preserved handwritten parchments from Roman soldiers writing letters home... this Roman soldier asking his mum for a new pair of socks because it's so chilly and things like that." 7. On the full English breakfast challenge: "My person