21/07/2026
Today I had the pleasure of meeting and walking with Raymond Purvis, a dedicated Volunteer Trail Ranger on the Hadrian’s Wall Path, covering his 3.2-mile section between Heavenfield and Portgate.
Volunteer Trail Rangers each look after their own section of the trail, typically around three miles long. While they’re expected to inspect their section at least once a month, Raymond is out there an incredible three times a week, checking for damage, monitoring wear and tear, reporting issues with gates, stiles, fallen trees and walls, and even brushing down steps and cutting back grass and nettles around stiles to keep the route safe and accessible.
Raymond also handcrafts beautiful little acorn signs, which he gives to walkers as a keepsake of their journey along the trail.
The acorn is the official waymarker for National Trails in England and Wales, marking one of the country’s 16 premier long-distance walking routes.
Next time you’re walking the Hadrian’s Wall Path, spare a thought for the incredible volunteers like Raymond. These unsung heroes give their time, energy and passion to help maintain the trail so that everyone can enjoy this remarkable landscape.
Thank you, Raymond, and thank you to all the Volunteer Trail Rangers who quietly make such a difference. 🌿🥾💚 And thank you so much for my beautiful gift of a handpainted acorn way marker and Hadrian’s Wall path finger sign
