Hadrian’s Wall Path became the 15^th National Trail in the UK, when it was opened in May 2003. National Trails are long distance footpaths and bridleways found in England and Wales. After some changes due to the economic climate, the Trail now comes under the umbrella of Northumberland National Park.The Trail covers 84 miles, coast to coast and for most of its length it closely follows the route of Hadrian’s Wall. Hadrian’s Wall was first inscribed as a World Heritage Site (WHS) in 1987 and has since become part of the broader transnational Frontiers of the Roman Empire WHS (including the Antonine Wall in Scotland and part of the German Limes) in 2005. Approximately 10,000 walkers a year use the Trail.

I have been a National Trail Volunteer Ranger for nine years. My section of the Trail covers just over three miles from Portgate (Errington Coffee House, Stagshaw roundabout, Corbridge) to Heavenfield (near Chollerford). This part of the Trail runs parallel with the B6318 Military Road, through farmland, open grassland and woodland. My volunteering started with an informal discussion about the role with Kerry Shaw, Volunteer Coordinator (Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Limited). After completing an application form, it was not long before the batch of new volunteers were given two weekends of training. As well as navigation, orientation and first aid awareness in the outdoors; we were given an Introduction to Archaeology.

With a familiarisation walk of the section allocated and being supplied with our distinctive royal blue clothing, tools and paperwork, we were now ready to go out on the Trail. Our main aim is to monitor the condition of the archaeology and Trail, whilst undertaking a wide range of tasks such as: picking up litter, cutting back nettles, brambles and vegetation, taking photographs of problem areas and probably the most important, meeting and talking to walkers on the Trail. During my nine years on the Trail, I have met and talked to a large number of walkers from different areas of this country and others from around the World. Items discussed have been varied and to date, I have not met a walker who has had anything negative to say about the Trail. They are very complimentary about how well it is maintained, signposted and comment about the lack of litter.

After all of my time volunteering, I am proud to be part of a team that is helping to maintain and monitor such an important archaeological site. I am not only speaking for myself, but I feel that all National Trail volunteers will become very protective about their section and welcome the chance to be the friendly face of Hadrian’s Wall Country.

At the time of writing, you can recognise trail volunteers in their royal blue fleeces and waterproofs, which are customised with the National Trail Acorn and World Heritage Site logo. New clothing from Northumberland National Park is in the process of being funded and will be issued to us in due course. There might be a change of colour, but we will still be identified as Hadrian’s Wall Volunteers. With the new walking season starting on the 1^st May 2019, I look forward to the monitoring walks, taking in some magnificent scenery and completing the practical and maintenance work. In addition to this, I am also involved in WallWatch surveys at Housesteads on Hadrian’s Wall, miles 36 and 37, with two other Volunteers.

Ray Purvis (@RaymondPurvis)

[Editors note: A post on Wall Watch, also written by Ray, will appear here soon!!]

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