Reivers’ Way, South - Hexham
Hexham our base for the southern section of the Reivers’ Way, has a long history.
Having occupied a strategically important location close to Hadrian’s Wall during the period of Roman occupation it rose to greater importance when, in 674AD, a priory was built on the site now occupied by Hexham Abbey. Contemporary writings describe the priory as being the finest this side of the Alps.
All that now remains of that priory is the Anglo-Saxon crypt - the finest still in existence - which was built using stones taken from the Roman fort at Corbridge. The present day abbey has a wealth of Norman and Medieval architecture, and artifacts within the abbey include a Roman gravestone and a stone chair which dates from the time that the first priory was established.
Outside of the abbey there are many fine old buildings, and a weekly livestock market has been held in the square beside the abbey for nearly 1,400 years.
Hexham has a wide variety of interesting shops, and there are hotels, restaurants and pubs offering meals in the evening.
The daily meeting point in Hexham is outside the Tourist Information Centre which is in the main carpark in Hexham.
Accommodation: There is a variety of accommodation available in Hexham and the surrounding area, and details can be found on the following websites:
- http://www.enjoyengland.com
- http://www.visitbritain.com/uk/search/accommodation.htm
- http://www.tynedale.gov.uk
- http://www.ntb.org.uk
- http://www.hadrianswallcountry.org
- http://www.caravanclub.co.uk
- http://www.campingandcaravanningclub.co.uk
- http://www.holidays-breaks.com /public/view.php?town=Hexham
Alternatively, an accommodation guide can be obtained from the Tourist Information Centre in Hexham, whose contact details are as follows:
Tourist Information Centre,
Wentworth Car Park,
Hexham,
Northumberland. NE46 1QE
Tel: 01434 652220
Fax: 01434 652393
E.Mail: tourism.section@tynedale.gov.uk
How to reach Hexham by public transport
Hexham has a railway station located on the cross-country line which runs between the mainline stations of Carlisle to Newcastle-upon-Tyne. National Express run a frequent service to Newcastle and from Newcastle there are frequent local buses to Hexham. Times for local buses between Newcastle and Hexham can be obtained from Hexham Tourist Information Centre.
General information on the area can be found on the following websites:
- http://www.thenortheast.fsnet.co.uk/NorthumberlandHistory.htm
- http://www.visitbritain.com
- http://www.hadrianswallcountry.org
- http://www.tynedale.gov.uk
- http://www.ntb.org.uk
Cicerone Press produce an informative guidebook for this route.