Breadcrumbs
Hadrian’s Wall Path is open: New National Trail stretches across the north of England – 23 May 2003
This Friday (23 May), for the first time in 1600 years, walkers will be able to follow the entire length of Hadrian’s Wall - 84 miles along an unbroken path. A signposted trail stretching from coast to coast, from the site of the Roman fort at Segedunum at Wallsend on Tyneside to Bowness-on-Solway on the Cumbrian coast.
Hadrian’s Wall is a World Heritage site and one of England’s most stunning and memorable monuments. The new national trail takes in the vibrant cities of Newcastle and Carlisle, and runs through some of the most beautiful parts of England, from rolling fields to rugged moorland. Some 30 miles of new rights of way have been developed by the Countryside Agency to complete the trail, which is suitable for people of all abilities and opens up disabled access to many stretches of the Wall.
The Hadrian’s Wall Path is part of a £6 million investment by the Countryside Agency that will open the area to tourists, play a key role in protecting the fragile monument for future generations and bring much-needed jobs and income to the rural economies in Northumberland and Cumbria. The project has been made possible by Heritage Lottery Fund grants of £3.14 million.
Walking the trail from coast to coast to check on final preparations and raise the profile of sustainable tourism, Countryside Agency chief executive Richard Wakeford said: “By 2006 around 20,000 people a year are expected to walk the entire trail and, together with day visitors, will spend an estimated £7million locally, supporting more than 80 new jobs. It’s good news for holidaymakers, dedicated walkers and people who want a refreshing day out, and it is good news too for local people who live and work along the Wall.”
Countryside Agency chief executive Richard Wakeford continued: “National trails help bring income to people who provide tourism facilities for visitors and open up the countryside for everyone with well way-marked, well managed routes. They help people keep fit by offering challenging long walks, or access to shorter walks and, as with the Thames Path, the Hadrian’s Wall Path links city centre to open countryside.
“Creating a new national trail demonstrates our co-ordinated approach, which will help improve transport links and provide a boost to local market towns such as Hexham and Haltwhistle, which act as service centres for their surrounding countryside.”
Developing the Hadrian’s Wall Path, one of 13 national trails being established across England by the Countryside Agency, has involved building special steel and timber footbridges, and installing gates, stiles and other furniture, as well as using environmentally friendly methods to prepare the paths for thousands of visitors.
The path is ideal for a week-long holiday as well as highly attractive for day visitors. More than 40 short walks have been created to encourage people to enjoy the surrounding countryside and attractions, and are particularly suited to visitors taking short breaks in the cities, market towns and villages. Leaflets, maps and the official National Trail guide (price £12.99) are available from the Hadrian’s Wall Information Line on 01434 322002.
The creation of the Hadrian’s Wall Path National Trail has involved close partnership with local authorities and other agencies including English Heritage, English Nature, The National Trust, the Solway Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Northumberland National Park, farming and user groups and the Hadrian’s Wall Tourism Partnership.
For interviews or more information about the new Hadrian’s Wall Path national trail, contact Countryside Agency press office:
Isobel Coy on 0207 340 3906 or (mob) 07973 94 28 92 or Paul Johnston on 01947 880513 email paul@navigatorpr.com
Pre-filming and interview opportunities
Countryside Agency chief executive Richard Wakeford is walking the entire 84 mile length of Hadrian's Wall Path in the week prior to the May 23 official launch. He is accompanied by Board Member Tayo Adebowale.
Richard and Tayo will meet stakeholders, partners, businesses and communities, seeing Countryside Agency initiatives in action. They are available for interview at any time during the week.
· The Trail prompted Jackie and Austen Davies to buy the Centurion Inn at Walton near Brampton, Cumbria - Hadrian’s Wall runs through the pub! They have opened a farm shop and restaurant to sell locally reared and grown produce, including their own rare breed pigs for Cumberland sausage, Serrano ham, dry cured bacon and pancetta. The pub also houses a post office.
· A ‘camping’ barn converted from a redundant farm building at Bankshead, near Birdoswald in Cumbria is meeting the growing demand from from Hadrian’s Wall Path walkers for low-cost self-catering accommodation.
· David Taylor owner of the 15th century Centre of Britain hotel, in Haltwhistle says: “The Trail is the best thing to happen in this area since Hadrian’s Wall was built. It has the potential to revolutionise the local economy. With both agricultural and industry declining it is essential that the service sector, and tourism in particular, becomes the main economic driving force in the area.
· The Countryside Agency is working with the Haltwhistle Partnership as part of the Market Towns Initiative to revitalise and regenerate the town.
The Countryside Agency is the statutory body working to make the quality of life better for people in the countryside and the quality of the countryside better for everyone.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) enables communities to celebrate, look after and learn more about our diverse heritage. From our great museums and historic buildings to local parks and beauty spots or recording and celebrating traditions, customs and history, HLF grants open up our nation’s heritage for everyone to enjoy. It has supported more than 12,000 projects, allocating over £2 billion across the UK.
