Thirteen business leaders, one brilliant walking guide, and one adventurous photographer – our merry crew set off from The Sill for a refreshingly different kind of meeting: our latest Business Netwalk – a Barbarian’s Walk.
From the outset, this wasn’t your average networking event.
Swapping suits for boots, we left the visitor centre behind and made our way up to the iconic Hadrian’s Wall trail. With views stretching for miles and conversation flowing freely, it was clear we were in for something special.
Led by the ever-knowledgeable Paul Tait of Paulinus Tours, we headed east along the historic path, tracing the footsteps of Roman soldiers before us. Paul peppered the journey with fascinating insights into the history, geology, and myths of the land – bringing the Wall’s story vividly to life.
It wasn’t long before we reached the world-renowned Sycamore Gap, now poignant and powerful in the absence of the felled tree. A perfect moment for reflection.
Then came the twist – at Hotbank Farm. We turned north. “Into Barbarian country,” Paul announced with a grin. It was here where the landscape changed. Walking west we had the majestic Whin Sill cliffs to our left, and the whole landscape opened up – wilder, freer, and offering a completely new perspective.
Seeing the Wall from the north gave us a deeper appreciation of its scale, and its significance. You don’t just see the Wall on this walk – you feel it. In fact it becomes more than just a structure. It becomes a symbol: of boundaries, of protection, of division – and for us, a metaphor for the challenges and I guess frontiers that we face in business and in leadership.
Throughout the route, moments of quiet thought were balanced by bursts of energy and laughter. Conversations ranged from strategy to wellbeing, marketing to mindset. And through it all, Adventure Cal aka Callum Thompson Photography, was there, discreetly capturing the spirit of the walk – the connections, the views, and yes, the merriment too.
After around 4 miles and just under two hours, we looped back to The Sill – refreshed, inspired, and buzzing. As one Netwalker put it: “It’s like a walking mastermind group, but with better air and better ideas.”
This is what Netwalking is all about: meaningful conversations, natural surroundings, and the space to think differently. Whether you come for the scenery, the company, or the clarity – you’ll leave with more than you arrived with.
Ready to step into your next big idea? Then, come and walk with us. Visit the Jane Fisher Associates Eventbrite page, to book your spot!
All summer TREAD-Walk and TREAD-Talk events are available to book now.
