The View from Hadrian's Wall: Two Friends Hike Along the Ancient Roman Frontier

by Mark Clegg, David Wilmot

Built almost 2,000 years ago by the Roman occupiers of Britain, Hadrian's Wall is one of the most famous and identifiable World Heritage Sites. When two old friends, one American and one British, reunited to trek the length of the Wall, they reminisced about the past while sharing apprehension about the future. This memoir of their coast-to-coast voyage examines Roman history, drawing parallels between the fall of the Roman Empire and the recent political developments and uncertainties in the United Kingdom and the United States. The authors also share their often humorous encounters with locals they met along the way while hiking in incessant rain.

205 pages, Paperback

Published December 23, 2021

Reviews

[Clare Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

The cover photograph of ‘The View from Hadrian's Wall’ sets up a delicious irony, the first of many in this remarkable book. It shows the Sycamore Gap tree, an iconic view for anyone who has travelled along Hadrian's Wall – or almost anyone. Its discovery was a moment of huge excitement for Mark Clegg, one of the co-authors. Not so his companion, David Wilmot, who asserted that one sycamore can look much the same as any other, reminding us that there is always more than one view, more than one response to consider. The incessant rain and growing sense of exhaustion doubtless contributed to what David Wilmot termed his ‘ubertruculence’ but that is part of the charm of this book. We are presented with a candid account of two friends’ heroic attempt to walk the length of Hadrian's Wall. The weather is inclement, waterproofs spectacularly unreliable and door locks have a habit of sticking and even breaking. The book charts the progress of two enthusiastic amateurs, rather than hardened professionals. They are, at times, beset with self-doubt and, at others, just long for dry socks and a pint of real ale – we have all been there!
For me, an immense attraction of this book involves how history is presented. To some, it is a subject of endless fascination, the gift that keeps on giving but, to others, it can also seem remote and academic. This book offers us a more personal account of not only key aspects of our past but also how they relate to our lived-in present. Here, the use of two writers and thus two distinct narrative voices is, in my view, a masterstroke. We are, therefore, presented with different views on history, on our present, our recent past. More than that, we are given insights into the personal lives of both writers. This reinforces the book’s underlying theme that we should not talk about history in the singular and in the abstract; we should instead use the plural. ‘The View from Hadrian’s Wall’ subtly weaves for us a rich tapestry of histories, some from the distant past, some recent, some disarmingly personal. The use of different fonts to highlight different voices was a well-judged editorial decision. It proved a subtle method of guiding readers through the book. I would hope that, should Mark Clegg and David Wilmot embark on another journey, this kind of layout would be used again. I would even advocate the use of further subheadings to signal other aspects of the journey but that is a minor point.
I enjoyed reading this book immensely. I thought the twin narrative voices aided the key thrust of the book subtly: there is never merely one history to explore; we all have our view to offer. The two voices supported each other well and, in doing so, reinforced its undoubted transatlantic appeal. I initially wondered why they opted for the singular form in the title, ‘The View from Hadrian’s Wall’ ; surely it should be ‘views’? But, on reflection, that would simplify things too much. We need to read the book to discover the web of views and stories that link us all – and that is how we learn, by reading and discovering, rather than by being told.
In ‘The View from Hadrian’s Wall’ we are taken on a trek that is by turns amusing, thought-provoking, admirable (particularly when you consider the distances they managed to cover in such inclement weather) but it is never ever dull. Ultimately, we are reminded not only of the enduring power of the stories that shape us but of friendship too. It did not matter that American Mark Clegg had not been in regular contact with his British ex-colleague David Wilmot, they were old friends and so easily able to embark on this joint venture. I hope they decide to undertake another trek on another trail soon. If they do, I will be first in line with my book order.

[Nathan Lester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely book! A really enjoyable read, as you feel you’re alongside two friends on an exhausting but beautiful hike. The authors ramblings (in both senses of the word) are enjoyable and insightful. After finishing this book, I felt both more informed and eager to spend time with old friends. Can’t recommend highly enough

[Patricia Vicary · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful journey I went on with this book. It not only takes the reader on a tour through the countryside of Northern England but offers reflections on history that provoke parallels to modern-day challenges. The interwoven perspectives of the authors, one American and one from England, address politics, climate change, friendship, and the fascinating customs of similar-yet-differing cultures. It's all highlighted by stunning black and white photos that visually capture the wild and wondrous environs of Hadrian's Wall. An absolute treat to read!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed learning about the history of Hadrian's Wall, and following along with the authors through the British countryside with stops along the way in restaurants, pubs, and hostels.