Tyne To Summit wins tourism boost challenge

A local tourism business has secured a £10,000 prize to enhance visitor engagement with Hadrian’s Wall through an innovative project combining technology and community.

Tyne To Summit, owned by Steph Robinson and Scott Gillan, triumphed at the Hadrian’s Wall Design Sprint 2024, a two-day event challenging Northumberland businesses to create sustainable projects boosting awareness and tourism along the 72-mile World Heritage site.

The competition was organised by the Rural Design Centre and the Northumberland Small Business Service (NSBS), with funding from the North East Combined Authority and the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Rural England Prosperity Fund.

Tyne To Summit’s winning concept focuses on engaging younger audiences with Hadrian’s Wall through interactive walking experiences, free guided tours and leveraging the team’s strong social media presence to inspire exploration of Northumberland’s stunning landscapes and rich history to “create a new generation of history enthusiasts”.

Their approach aims to bridge the gap between modern-day interests and the wall’s historical significance, “inspiring people to become more involved in the great outdoors” while fostering a deeper connection to cultural heritage.

The initiative hopes to drive sustainable tourism, attract a younger demographic and support local businesses along the walking routes, promoting a healthier lifestyle and economic growth.

Steph said: “We are absolutely delighted and privileged to win the prestigious Hadrian’s Wall Design Sprint, the whole experience was deeply fulfilling and inspiring from start to finish.

“At Tyne To Summit, we aim to be at the forefront of sculpting the 21st century of Hadrian’s Wall, post the Sycamore Gap sadness. Our goal is to create a new generation of history enthusiasts who are as passionate about preserving and exploring this site as we are.” 

“Our intention is to change lives in the community through outdoor activities, inspiring local people to become more involved in the great outdoors, forging friendships and connections to nature. In a fast world, it’s important to slow down.

“By combining outdoor adventure with modern technology, we hope to inspire more young people to experience the magic of Hadrian’s Wall firsthand.”

NSBS continues to assist Northumberland’s small businesses with workshops, one-to-one support and grants, including a £2 million Rural Capital Grant Investment Fund aimed at helping rural enterprises diversify and grow.

The Hadrian’s Wall project exemplifies the area’s commitment to innovation, cultural preservation and community engagement, ensuring the site’s relevance for generations to come.

Lucy Evermore, NSBS programme manager, added: “The Design Sprint has been a brilliant, collaborative effort and it was fantastic to see the pitches the businesses involved created. 

“A huge congratulations to Tyne to Summit, I am really looking forward to seeing what they do next”.

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