Saturday, 5 December 2009
Lighting Up Hadrian’s Wall. What For?
Our friends at Hadrian’s Wall Heritage may struggle to publish their annual bus timetable before June, but still find the time for the really important activities, like placing gas burners at 250m intervals along the entire length of the wall and lighting them. Really. It’s going to take place on 18 March.
Apparently this will create “something really quite extraordinary to bring to life Britain’s longest and greatest piece of heritage, and celebrate the landscape of Hadrian’s Wall Country” or so thinks Linda Tuttiete, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage’s Chief Exec.
Did someone say global warming?
HWH claim the event will generate £1m for the local economy. It’s difficult to see how. Optimistically we could expect maybe 1000 non local people to visit the area because of the event, and maybe half of those will stay the night, and a quarter the weekend. Allowing for £50 a night average B&B, £50 a person for eating out, and £30 spend each in local shops, we’re struggling to get to £150,000.
Locals turning out to see the spectacle could amount to a few thousands, but how much extra will they spend ? Maybe £10 each on average – so no more than another £50,0000, most of which would be spent in the local economy anyway.
So where’s the rest? Well I guess they would argue the awareness of the “Hadrian’s Wall Brand” has been raised. Maybe so – but by how much? Luckily for HWH, we can’t measure this, but to get anywhere near the £1m we’d need well over 2000 extra overnight visitors – just because they have seen the Wall with lights on it? Mmm.
The job in maintaining the Wall, maintaining and improving the National Trail is an important one the HWH the do reasonably well on limited resources . Without that, the tourism industry in the region would be dead. This is what HWH should be spending it’s £1m plus budget on.
Ensure the historic fabric of the wall and forts is maintained in first class order. Make sure the national trail is really well managed and maintained, through sensitive historical and environmental area. Improve the footpaths and bridleways linking the wall to the towns and villages along the way, (so often overlooked at the moment ). Develop facilities along the wall are fit for purpose, and really add to the visitor’s experience. That kind of sensitive, long term investment will result in a steady, long term growth in sustainable tourism – much better than a flash in the pan media circus measured in media exposure.
Apparently this will create “something really quite extraordinary to bring to life Britain’s longest and greatest piece of heritage, and celebrate the landscape of Hadrian’s Wall Country” or so thinks Linda Tuttiete, Hadrian’s Wall Heritage’s Chief Exec.
Did someone say global warming?
HWH claim the event will generate £1m for the local economy. It’s difficult to see how. Optimistically we could expect maybe 1000 non local people to visit the area because of the event, and maybe half of those will stay the night, and a quarter the weekend. Allowing for £50 a night average B&B, £50 a person for eating out, and £30 spend each in local shops, we’re struggling to get to £150,000.
Locals turning out to see the spectacle could amount to a few thousands, but how much extra will they spend ? Maybe £10 each on average – so no more than another £50,0000, most of which would be spent in the local economy anyway.
So where’s the rest? Well I guess they would argue the awareness of the “Hadrian’s Wall Brand” has been raised. Maybe so – but by how much? Luckily for HWH, we can’t measure this, but to get anywhere near the £1m we’d need well over 2000 extra overnight visitors – just because they have seen the Wall with lights on it? Mmm.
The job in maintaining the Wall, maintaining and improving the National Trail is an important one the HWH the do reasonably well on limited resources . Without that, the tourism industry in the region would be dead. This is what HWH should be spending it’s £1m plus budget on.
Ensure the historic fabric of the wall and forts is maintained in first class order. Make sure the national trail is really well managed and maintained, through sensitive historical and environmental area. Improve the footpaths and bridleways linking the wall to the towns and villages along the way, (so often overlooked at the moment ). Develop facilities along the wall are fit for purpose, and really add to the visitor’s experience. That kind of sensitive, long term investment will result in a steady, long term growth in sustainable tourism – much better than a flash in the pan media circus measured in media exposure.
Labels: Hadrian's Wall, Hadrian's Wall Heritage, Hadrian's Wall walk
Friday, 16 October 2009
Haltwhistle Walking Festival Underway
Haltwhistle 14th Walking Festival is running from 9th – 14th October. There are still some places left some of the walks this weekend – including 2 sections of the Hadrian’s Wall Path – from Housesteads on Sunday, and from Birdoswald to Haltwhistle on Saturday. Have a look at the website http://www.haltwhistlewalkingfestival.org/ .
It’s a great way to get a taste for Hadrian’s Wall for those not wanting to commit to a full walking holiday.
The Cumberland News website also has more details:
“The autumn festival runs from October 9 to 18, and begins with a three-day Reiver walk through the wild “Debatable Lands” around the current border between England and Scotland.
The biennial festival began when a group of local walkers decided they wanted to share their favourite walking routes with others.
The walks leaders know the area well and are able to pass on local knowledge during the hikes.
Those who take part also learn about the history of the area, the geology, the folklore, the flora and fauna.
This year, 24 events have been organised as well as a social evening.
Organisers say there are walks to suit all ages and fitness levels along with special interest walks including; a fungal foray, night navigation and a weaving workshop.
The festival will also host three walks for children and families including a family treasure hunt.
A spokeswoman for Haltwhistle Walking Festival said: “Not everyone can go on the long distance routes like Hadrian’s Wall Trail, or the Coast to Coast Walk.
“Haltwhistle Festival gives people the chance to walk with a leader, and to see spectacular scenery.””
It’s a great way to get a taste for Hadrian’s Wall for those not wanting to commit to a full walking holiday.
The Cumberland News website also has more details:
“The autumn festival runs from October 9 to 18, and begins with a three-day Reiver walk through the wild “Debatable Lands” around the current border between England and Scotland.
The biennial festival began when a group of local walkers decided they wanted to share their favourite walking routes with others.
The walks leaders know the area well and are able to pass on local knowledge during the hikes.
Those who take part also learn about the history of the area, the geology, the folklore, the flora and fauna.
This year, 24 events have been organised as well as a social evening.
Organisers say there are walks to suit all ages and fitness levels along with special interest walks including; a fungal foray, night navigation and a weaving workshop.
The festival will also host three walks for children and families including a family treasure hunt.
A spokeswoman for Haltwhistle Walking Festival said: “Not everyone can go on the long distance routes like Hadrian’s Wall Trail, or the Coast to Coast Walk.
“Haltwhistle Festival gives people the chance to walk with a leader, and to see spectacular scenery.””
Labels: Hadrian's Wall, Haltwhistle Walking Festival, walking holidays
Thursday, 8 October 2009
2010 Walking Holidays: Book Early for Coast to Coast, West Highland Way, and Hadrian's Wall.
We normally have a few well organised groups booking next year’s walking holidays at this time of year, but this year the trickle has turned into a stream. Coast to Coast Walking Holidays, Hadrian’s Wall Walks, and West Highland Way Walking Holidays , in particular are proving popular.
I think the strength of the Euro (and Australian Dollar!) are playing a part, but all the publicity the routes have received this year, like Julia Bradbury’s Coast to Coast series, and Radio 2 DJs Marc Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie Walking Hadrian's Wall, have also increased interest.
If you are considering doing any of the above, especially during the early part of the season up to the end of May, or if you are a large group, it’s worth starting your planning early. If you know your dates – it’s worth considering booking now. If you need an additional incentive, bookings made with Mickledore Travel before December can be made at 2009 prices.
I think the strength of the Euro (and Australian Dollar!) are playing a part, but all the publicity the routes have received this year, like Julia Bradbury’s Coast to Coast series, and Radio 2 DJs Marc Radcliffe and Stuart Maconie Walking Hadrian's Wall, have also increased interest.
If you are considering doing any of the above, especially during the early part of the season up to the end of May, or if you are a large group, it’s worth starting your planning early. If you know your dates – it’s worth considering booking now. If you need an additional incentive, bookings made with Mickledore Travel before December can be made at 2009 prices.
Labels: Caost to Coast Walk, early bookings, Hadrian's Wall, walking holidays 2010, west highland way
Monday, 28 September 2009
Hadrians Wall Walking Holidays - An American Perpective
For an entertaining and informative account of a walking holiday on Hadrian’s Wall, its worth looking at this account in the Smithsonian Magazine. It provides plenty of history and gives a good flavour of a walk along Hadrian’s Wall, without getting bogged down in too much detail.
There is good section on Vindolanda – the Roman fort near Twice Brewed, just off Hadrian’s Wall itself. We were at Vindolanda a couple of weeks ago. Digging is still very much ongoing and we were able to watch as the archaeologists unearthed a wall and fragments of a roman bottle.
Vindolanda is the most extensive site along Hadrian’s Wall with its own museum and a recreated mile house and section of the wall. For clients on our Hadrian’s Wall Walking Holidays we recommend a rest day at Twice Brewed to give you time to explore properly.
There is good section on Vindolanda – the Roman fort near Twice Brewed, just off Hadrian’s Wall itself. We were at Vindolanda a couple of weeks ago. Digging is still very much ongoing and we were able to watch as the archaeologists unearthed a wall and fragments of a roman bottle.
Vindolanda is the most extensive site along Hadrian’s Wall with its own museum and a recreated mile house and section of the wall. For clients on our Hadrian’s Wall Walking Holidays we recommend a rest day at Twice Brewed to give you time to explore properly.
Labels: Hadrian's Wall, Smithsonian Magazine, Vindolanda, walking holidays
Sunday, 7 June 2009
New Hadrian's Wall Would cost £400m.
Hadrian's Wall Heritage has contracted industrial services company Carillion to estimate the cost of building Hadrian's Wall today. They came back with a price of £400m. Cheap compared to the billions spent on the bank bailouts - but then so is everything. It doesn't seem high enough to me - I presume they are quoting for concrete rather than dressed stone.
I don't really see the purpose of this exercise - it gets Hadrian's Wall Heritage a few cheap headlines ( an mentions in blogs...) but I sure hope they didn't spend any money on the wheeze.
Meanwhile the Living History Pageant has taken place over the past couple of weeks. People on our Hadrian's Wall Walking Holidays have reported running into the odd centurion, but have been allowed ton continue on their walk.
I don't really see the purpose of this exercise - it gets Hadrian's Wall Heritage a few cheap headlines ( an mentions in blogs...) but I sure hope they didn't spend any money on the wheeze.
Meanwhile the Living History Pageant has taken place over the past couple of weeks. People on our Hadrian's Wall Walking Holidays have reported running into the odd centurion, but have been allowed ton continue on their walk.
Labels: futile exercises, Hadrian's Wall, Living History
Friday, 20 March 2009
Cable Car for Hadrian’s Wall?
The Hexham Courant is today reporting a proposal for an “Alpine Style Gondala Facility” to link the town of
Haltwhistle Partnership project manger is quoted in the Courant: “One of our key objectives is to encourage the economic wellbeing of Haltwhistle and district, and any project that offers this potential benefit should be given consideration.
“Whether or not the cable car concept proves feasible here, it has definitely stimulated a lot of debate and encouraged people to think more broadly about income generating possibilities for the town and surrounding area.”
Whilst the Northumberland National Park Authority described the proposals as “interesting and innovative.” What’s that code for I wonder?
It all looks like a bit of a publicity stunt to me. Undoubtedly a cable car ride covering several miles would be a great tourist attraction – but I just can’t see how the finances would ever stack up – without shedloads of public subsidy. I’d have to be convinced that such a facility could be built without scarring the most dramatic section of landscape
Labels: Hadrian's Wall, Pie in the Sky
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Hadrian's Wall Bus Timetable Published.
The new timetable for the Hadrian’s Wall bus has just been published. The bus follows (roughly) the course of the Hadrian’s Wall National trail, starting at Newcastle and calling at Heddon, Corbridge, Hexham, Chesters, Housesteads, Once Brewed, Haltwhistle, Roman army Museum, Gilsland, Birdoswald, Lanercost, Brampton, Crosby and Carlisle. - So plenty of opportunity to walk a section the Hadrian's Wall Path, of if you are doing a longer walking holiday, the bus can provide a useful backup when the weather’s bad, you get injured, of just feel like a rest.
This year’s timetable is very similar to last year’s. The big change is one extra afternoon bus between Hexham and the Roman Army Museum, the central section where the bus is most heavily used. This had been at the expense of the 2 o’clock departure from Newcastle. Apparently this was little used. If you need to get from Newcastle in the afternoon, jump on the train to Corbridge or Hexham, and pick up the AD122 there. Definitely an improvement, in my opinion.
It’s an excellent service, heavily subsidised by various bodies, including the County Councils – so make use of it to make sure we keep it. Hopefully this year Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, the body in charge of publicising and managing the Wall, will manage the get the timetable printed before the season is over. Whilst they do well to organise and oversee the bus service, they need to improve their publicity, and get things organised earlier, to maximise its usage.
In the meantime, the timetable can be downloaded at
http://www.hadrians-wall.org/ResourceManager/Documents/HWC%20Bus%20Timetable%20%20AD122,%20185,%20681.pdf
This year’s timetable is very similar to last year’s. The big change is one extra afternoon bus between Hexham and the Roman Army Museum, the central section where the bus is most heavily used. This had been at the expense of the 2 o’clock departure from Newcastle. Apparently this was little used. If you need to get from Newcastle in the afternoon, jump on the train to Corbridge or Hexham, and pick up the AD122 there. Definitely an improvement, in my opinion.
It’s an excellent service, heavily subsidised by various bodies, including the County Councils – so make use of it to make sure we keep it. Hopefully this year Hadrian’s Wall Heritage, the body in charge of publicising and managing the Wall, will manage the get the timetable printed before the season is over. Whilst they do well to organise and oversee the bus service, they need to improve their publicity, and get things organised earlier, to maximise its usage.
In the meantime, the timetable can be downloaded at
http://www.hadrians-wall.org/ResourceManager/Documents/HWC%20Bus%20Timetable%20%20AD122,%20185,%20681.pdf
Labels: Bus, Hadrian's Wall, Hadrian's Wall Heritage, National Trail
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Hadrian's Wall Fair-trade Zone Launched By BBC’s George Alagiah
Hadrian’s Wall Heritage and a group of Fairtrade supporters and businesses have jopined forces with h BBC news broadcaster and Fairtrade Foundation patron, George Alagiah, to launch a campaign to make Hadrian’s Wall Country a Fairtrade zone.
Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade Group, hopes to establish Hadrian’s Wall Country as the first cross-country Fairtrade zone in the world.
George Alagiah will help the ‘Hadrian’s Wall Country Fairtrade Group‘ launch the campaign and a new website at www.fairtradehadrianswall.co.uk. Together they will be encouraging more businesses from the World Heritage Site to support the use of Fairtrade products and highlight the commercial benefits of using the internationally recognised Fairtrade Mark.
Mr Alagiah said “It is my great pleasure to be part of the launch of the campaign to make Hadrian’s Wall Country a Fairtrade Zone. I’m always amazed by the energy, innovation and commitment I’m greeted with when I meet Fairtrade supporters and activists and this campaign is no exception and an exciting ‘Fairtrade first’!
I’m delighted to see organisations and residents come together to call for Fairtrade and build on the work of committed Fairtrade Towns like Carlisle, Newcastle, Brampton and Hexham and wish them every success as they work towards achieving Fairtrade Zone status for such a beautiful and iconic area of the UK.”
Lauren Harrison, from the excellent Willowford Farm B&B in Gilsland, has been one of the driving forces in setting up the group and website. We’re very pleased that at Mickledore have been involved in preliminary discussions to establish a Fairtrade Hadrian's Wall Walking Holiday. Its early days yet, but we hope to have something up and running for next season. Watch this space!
Hadrian’s Wall Fairtrade Group, hopes to establish Hadrian’s Wall Country as the first cross-country Fairtrade zone in the world.
George Alagiah will help the ‘Hadrian’s Wall Country Fairtrade Group‘ launch the campaign and a new website at www.fairtradehadrianswall.co.uk. Together they will be encouraging more businesses from the World Heritage Site to support the use of Fairtrade products and highlight the commercial benefits of using the internationally recognised Fairtrade Mark.
Mr Alagiah said “It is my great pleasure to be part of the launch of the campaign to make Hadrian’s Wall Country a Fairtrade Zone. I’m always amazed by the energy, innovation and commitment I’m greeted with when I meet Fairtrade supporters and activists and this campaign is no exception and an exciting ‘Fairtrade first’!
I’m delighted to see organisations and residents come together to call for Fairtrade and build on the work of committed Fairtrade Towns like Carlisle, Newcastle, Brampton and Hexham and wish them every success as they work towards achieving Fairtrade Zone status for such a beautiful and iconic area of the UK.”
Lauren Harrison, from the excellent Willowford Farm B&B in Gilsland, has been one of the driving forces in setting up the group and website. We’re very pleased that at Mickledore have been involved in preliminary discussions to establish a Fairtrade Hadrian's Wall Walking Holiday. Its early days yet, but we hope to have something up and running for next season. Watch this space!
Labels: Fairtrade, Hadrian's Wall, Walking Holiday
Friday, 6 February 2009
Hadrian's Wall to be Lit Up
Two major arts projects have been announced for Hadrian’s Wall in 2009. Culture 10, a programme of cultural event organised by Newcastle and Gateshead, have just announced their programme for 2009.
Between 28 30 May, “Hadrian’s Wall: The Living Frontier” will take place.
NewcastleGateshead.com tells us that
“this is programme of events taking place at various locations along the wall will bring the frontier story to life through dramatic re-enactments – from Romans, Border Reivers, civil war troopers and through to the modern day. Culminating in a large scale pageant which will see how life along Hadrian’s Wall has changed over 1,600 years – The Living Frontier is an ambitious and exciting project taking place right across Hadrian's Wall!” Another website suggests that the wall will be garrisoned for the first time in 20 years (presumably by actors, rather than Romans – or maybe Roman actors?) but I haven’t been able to verify that. SO lots going on , but I don’t really know what. More details when they emerge.
The second event takes place after the end of the walking holiday season, between 7 November and 14 December. Its called “Hadrian’s Wall: Northumberland Lights”. The press relates seems to suggest that the whole of Hadrian's Wall will be illuminated. I find that hard to believe. Is this a bit of journalistic hyperbole, or are they really going to do it? And if they are, how? Thousands of generators and miles of cabling? Helicopter searchlights? Who knows. More information when I have it.
Between 28 30 May, “Hadrian’s Wall: The Living Frontier” will take place.
NewcastleGateshead.com tells us that
“this is programme of events taking place at various locations along the wall will bring the frontier story to life through dramatic re-enactments – from Romans, Border Reivers, civil war troopers and through to the modern day. Culminating in a large scale pageant which will see how life along Hadrian’s Wall has changed over 1,600 years – The Living Frontier is an ambitious and exciting project taking place right across Hadrian's Wall!” Another website suggests that the wall will be garrisoned for the first time in 20 years (presumably by actors, rather than Romans – or maybe Roman actors?) but I haven’t been able to verify that. SO lots going on , but I don’t really know what. More details when they emerge.
The second event takes place after the end of the walking holiday season, between 7 November and 14 December. Its called “Hadrian’s Wall: Northumberland Lights”. The press relates seems to suggest that the whole of Hadrian's Wall will be illuminated. I find that hard to believe. Is this a bit of journalistic hyperbole, or are they really going to do it? And if they are, how? Thousands of generators and miles of cabling? Helicopter searchlights? Who knows. More information when I have it.
Labels: Culture 10, Hadrian's Wall, Hadrian’s Wall: The Living Frontier, Illuminating Hadrian's Wall
Friday, 2 January 2009
New Scheme for Guides on Hadrian's Wall
A new scheme is about to be launched to encourage local people to become guides on Hadrian's Wall. The Roman Wall is already a popular walking holiday destination and the new scheme, to be administered by Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Ltd, will train local people to act as volunteer guides at key sites along the Wall. Volunteers will be recruited this winter and new tours will be available in the summer.
Labels: Guides, Hadrian's Wall
Monday, 24 November 2008
Repairs to Hadrian's Wall outside the Walking Holiday Season
An important section of Hadrian’s Wall is to be the subject of a restoration project over the next few months. A nearby dry stone wall collapsed in the 1980’s meaning a section of wall near Great Chesters Fort has been damaged by sheep, who have been climbing over the wall, causing damage in the process. They have also been feeding on important wild flowers and plants in the Site of Special Scientific interest on the far side. The Roman Wall is now to be repaired over the next few months, and the drystone is to be rebuilt, to keep to sheep out. Hadrian’s Wall remains our most popular walking holiday, and we are pleased to see the work is being carried out outside the peak season, which will allow the workmen to progress unhindered.
Labels: great chesters fort, Hadrian's Wall, walking
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