Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk

    Difficulty
    This reflects the 10Adventures difficulty rating for each route. We aim to keep ratings consistent across regions.
    Easy
    Duration
    This reflects the estimated time the majority of users will take on this trail. If you are slower, add time to the top-end figure. If you are fast, then you may complete this route faster than this time range.
    0.5-1h
    Distance
    This reflects the return distance of this route as measured by the GPS file.
    2.7 km
    Elevation
    This reflects the total elevation gained throughout this route as measured by the GPS file. This includes all ascents and descents, and is higher than what is quoted in most route guides, which simply measure the distance between the starting-point and high-point of the route.
    76 m
    User Ratings
    These ratings are completed by users who have completed this trail and not subject to reviews by 10Adventures.
    Be the first to add a review!
    Directions to Trailhead
    Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk

    The Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk is a great outdoor excursion in Northumberland that will take you along Hadrian’s Wall to a scenic hillside setting. While out walking the trail, you will traverse the English countryside to reach Sycamore Gap, the most photographed tree in the county, before returning along Hadrian’s Wall and Steel Rigg. This is a fun walk for ancient historians, photographers, and those who simply enjoy views of the countryside.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk on Map

    View Map

    Join our newsletter

    Get a weekly dose of discounts and inspiration for adventure lovers

    Route Description for Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk

    While the Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk is a fairly short adventure, there are some sections of uphill walking, as well as several stiles and kissing gates. Be sure to wear proper walking shores to safely traverse the terrain. Additionally, this is a very busy walk, so make sure to arrive early in order to secure parking at either the main car park or the overflow lot next to it.

    Even though this is a popular walking route, it is certainly for good reason, as the striking views of Sycamore Gap and the rich history of Hadrian’s Wall will always make for a fun day out on the trails. Whether you are planning this walk for the stunning views across the Northumberland landscape, to take in some ancient history, or a mix of both, you will not be disappointed when you experience the majestic scenery.

    Setting out from the Steel Rigg car park, head east in order to pick up the footpath and follow it south past the trees and through a gate. After crossing a stretch of field, you will come to a junction in the trail and turn left, passing through another gate to begin climbing up the hillside towards the rocky outcrop known as Steel Rigg.

    After reaching a fork in the path, make a sharp right and follow the trail to the southwest, passing through another gate to arrive at a cottage. Keeping left at the cottage, you will follow the path for the next 1.0 km, crossing over one stile in the process before arriving at another junction. Turning left here, you will quickly arrive at the scenic location of Sycamore Gap.

    This small saddle in between two hills features a single tree sprouting up from its lowest point, which makes for a striking place to take photos, leading to it being labelled as one of the most photographed trees in the country. In fact, this site is also referred to as Robin Hood’s Tree, as it was used as a filming location for the popular movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves.

    After taking in the scenic views of Sycamore Gap, you will make your way uphill to the west alongside Hadrian’s Wall to visit Milecastle 39, also known as Castle Nick. The Romans placed these fortifications along the entire length of the wall to serve as outposts in the defence against the Pictish people to the north.

    After exploring the ancient site of Milecastle 39, you will continue on to the west for another 0.7 km, passing through a kissing gate to enjoy the sweeping views of the surrounding landscape from atop Steel Rigg. After arriving at another junction, you will take the path on the right and make your way through another kissing gate and over one stile, before following your initial path back to the car park having completed the Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk.

    Trail Highlights

    Hadrian’s Wall

    Constructed during the reign of the Roman emperor Hadrian in the 2nd Century, Hadrian’s Wall is an impressive defensive fortification that spans northern England, from Walsend to Bowness-on-Solway. In addition to defending the province of Britannia from the Picts to the north, it is possible that the gates along the wall served as customs posts. The wall was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987 and there is a long distance walking route (the Hadrian’s Wall Path) that runs parallel to it.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How long was Hadrian’s Wall?

    Hadrian’s Wall was a defensive fortification that spanned 117.5 km across northern Britain.

    How much of Hadrian’s Wall is left?

    While it is the largest surviving piece of architecture from Roman Britain, only about 10% of Hadrian’s Wall remains visible today.

    Insider Hints for Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk

    • Arrive early to secure parking.
    • If the main car park is full, there is an overflow lot right next to it.
    • Wear comfortable walking shoes.

    Getting to the Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk Trailhead

    The trailhead for the Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk can be found at the Steel Rigg car park, just north of the village of Once Brewed.

    Route Information

    • Backcountry Campground

      No

    • When to do

      Year-Round

    • Pets allowed

      Yes - On Leash

    • Family friendly

      Yes

    • Route Signage

      Average

    • Crowd Levels

      High

    • Route Type

      Lollipop

    Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk Elevation Graph

    Weather Forecast

    Check Area Weather

    Sill and Sycamore Gap Walk Reviews

    Add a comment

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Nearby Trails

    Nearby Regions

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter