Walking sections of Hadrians wall with kids -some questions

[Slubberdegullion]

Firstly do we all need walking boots, or will walking shoes do? I've asked in two different Cotswold Outdoors stores now. One bloke said yes to boots, other said no, if you have decent walking shoes (which I do) they will be fine.

Any good child friendly circular walks anyone can recommend. We will be spending a week near near the Northumberland section, inland.

Should we or should we not take the dog. Can't decide.

Ooh it's lovely up there. Stony ground, mud at times too. I would wear walking boots. If it was high summer you might get away with trainers but boots more versatile. Buy the lightweight ones, you don't have to spend a fortune.

Dog will be fine but you will need to keep it on a lead due to lots of sheep.

I'd say boots - protect your ankles...

New boots it is then . Shopping trip today I think.

Dog is fine on the lead, so that won't be a problem.

It's a beautiful part of the country. I hope the weather stays fine for you.

I would think walking shoes fine. A lot of people are choosing to use shoes rather than boots - particularly in summer. Lighter, cooler and you tend to be more sure footed and have more flexibility in the foot. I've used walking shoes for lots of summer walking incl outer Hebrides and Scotland. If you're not going in summer, then boots better option.

TKMaxx sometimes have good kids boots in if you strike it lucky!

I find walking shoes more comfortable than boots. I bought mine in an outdoor specialist shop in Morpeth. They are waterproof as well.

Is the terrain very scrabbly?

I love my current walking shoes (merrells). They are waterproof and completely broken in and very comfortable. But if there was ever a time when investing in a decent pair of walking boots then this would be it, if folk say they are absolutely essential.

Going in May. Weather could be glorious or syphilitic.

It's quite up and down at points, but the path is well made and maintained. From what you say your shoes would probably be fine, unless there is a long spell of wet weather in the lead-up.

It's a fantastic walk, you'll have a lovely time!

I'm really excited.

Dh says longest walk we'll do in one day is 9 miles. This should be doable with an 8 and 10 year old shouldn't it? We regularly do walks of 4 or 5 miles with them.

It depends how up and down that section is. Some of the middle (and most beautiful) bits of the Wall are hard work, and the views are so amazing that you don't want to be rushing.

Will have to check with dh which bit the nine miler is. So looking forward to stunning views.

In dry weather walking shoes would be fine but when it's wet some of the steep bits are tricky. I would go for boots as it can be very very muddy in the surrounding fields as well.
My favourite walk is from Steel Rigg car park going east along the wall, up and down, passing the tree from one of Mel Gibson's films (Robin Hood?) and after about 4 miles you can turn back trough the fields north of the wall.
Do you know about the walkingworld website? It is great for getting ideas for walks, and for £17 a year it's well worth it I think.

DS corrects me: Kevin Costner in Robin Hood.

Thanks dutchmam, will go check that site out.

We have planned to walk the wall from 7-16th April staying in youth hostels and b&B's along the way, there are 5 of us and more for some of the journey but I will be 6 months pregnant with a keen 7 year old and worried that I'm biting off more than I can chew! Has anyone else attempted this walk with a largish bump???!!!!