Hadrian’s Wall Trek for Autism

Almost all the route is on good grassy paths and some stony tracks. There are a few stretches on small tarmac roads. Some sections may be muddy. There are still some parts where the route crosses farmland on a public right of way; here the ‘path’ is a trail worn by millions of feet before yours. Be prepared for some steep inclines.

You need to be in good health and of good fitness with bucket-loads of determination. If you are the sort of person who can dig deep and just doesn’t give up then this is for you.

You should be of a good fitness level before departure to have the best chance of completing the challenge. You should have done some UK hill walking in the recent past, and be prepared to take part in some hill walking in advance of this trek to ensure you have a good level of endurance, general cardiovascular fitness and strength for this type of terrain. This is not a gentle tourist hike; it is a challenging event.

Some of the ascents are very gradual and you barely notice that you are gaining height but there are some short, sharp, steep sections that really get the heart and lungs going. Knowing how to manage your pace as the incline changes is very important, especially keeping in mind that you can’t walk the same pace on steep ascents as you can on flat terrain.

Maintaining a steady pace is more energy efficient than walking too fast and having to frequently stop to catch your breath. Frequent starting and stopping it is also a poor use of the body’s energy supplies and you will find yourself far more fatigued by the end of the walk than if you took a gentler non-stop pace. 7

What really tests people are the sections where there is a steep descent. Some struggle with the worry of slipping but many more struggle with discomfort in their knees. Ensuring that you have good core, leg and glute strength is helpful for this challenge.

This is a tough endurance challenge so you must be able to walk for extended periods of time on challenging terrain. This challenge is not suitable for first-time walkers or people who have not trained.

Hill walking is the best training for this challenge, so please walk as much as possible on hilly terrain, building up so you able maintain a steady pace all the way along your route with only a few brief rest stops. In addition to hill walking, you are recommended to work on strengthening your legs, back and core muscles. Supplementary training may include speed walking, running, cycling, gym workouts, swimming, team sports, boot camps etc. If you do not train for this challenge, it’s possible you will not complete it.

The challenge can be undertaken by fit walkers aged 18+ (or 16+ if accompanied by an adult). You must be at a good level of fitness, able to self-manage (e.g. you know how to keep hydrated, nourished, warm and dry), be in good health, have oodles of determination and a positive and flexible can-do attitude. An ideal candidate would be someone who enjoys hill walking and wants to push themselves out of their comfort zone.

The campsite where we will stay is located in a small secluded site close to Hadrian’s Wall in the peaceful countryside of the Tyne Valley. It is 2 miles north of Melkridge village in the historic and scenic border territory of Northumberland. There are hot showers, toilets, Wi-Fi, electric hook ups, laundry room and cook house. There is a strict quiet time policy from 10.30pm to 8am and open fires are not permitted.

You will also need to bring your own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries, towel etc.) for use at the campsite. Please see the full suggested kit list below.

You must arrive at the campsite and have pitched your tent by 6pm in time for dinner and the trip briefing. Full details of the campsite and directions will be provided 6-8 weeks prior to departure.

There is limited free parking available at the campsite. You must be able to carry your camping equipment from your car to the campsite yourself.

For the challenge itself will need to wear comfortable walking boots (not trainers) and non-cotton clothing. You will be responsible for carrying your own lunch, drinking water, waterproofs and warm layers, sunglasses, basic first aid kit, sunscreen etc. You will also need to bring your own camping equipment (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, toiletries, towel etc.) for use at the campsite. Please see the full suggested kit list below.

The weather in the UK is unpredictable and changeable so you must check the local weather forecast prior to arrival and pack accordingly.
Typically, days are cool (average temperatures around 13°C) and nights are colder (down to around 1°C). Strong, cold winds are possible on some parts of the route. Please note it is possible to experience extreme deviations from the normal climate pattern and very cold conditions are not impossible. Climate and weather conditions during the trip are out of our control. It is extremely important that you take responsibility to prepare yourself for all weather conditions during this challenge. 

We require a medical form to be completed by everyone upon registering, and any pre-existing conditions, medications used and other medical issues must be specified. All your medical details are treated in the strictest confidence.

The information will be securely screened by a qualified medical professional, and details provided to your tour manager and local guides so our staff are adequately informed and prepared to support you during the trip. By completing this booking form you are giving consent for us to contact you confidentially with any follow up questions regarding your health.

If you declare any medical conditions you may be asked to provide more information, or we may request to contact your GP. We must be informed if any conditions or medication change, or if new conditions develop. If necessary confirmation of fitness to travel from your GP or specialist may be required.

In the event that your medical issues represent a concern for your safety and wellbeing, or the safety and wellbeing of others in the group, you may be recommended not to take part. If this happens your deposit will be refunded. Please note that we will never unreasonably deny participation on a trip nor contravene the Equality Act 2010.

What to bring for camping

A tent
Sleeping bag (warm enough for cold night temperatures)
Foam or inflatable sleeping mat (ideally both)
Sleeping bag liner
Towel
Toiletries (toothbrush*, toothpaste*, shower gel*, shampoo*, deodorant* etc.)
Camping chair/stool
Cooking stove (optional)
Thermos flask / mug plus hot refreshment items e.g. tea, coffee, hot chocolate (optional)

Please note: This list is not exhaustive and does not account for your personal taste or preference. It should be used as a guideline only. If you have any questions or queries regarding this list which are not answered in the sections above please contact info@different-travel.com.

*Please consider eco-friendly or biodegradable options. Consider shopping at Little Footprint Gifts.