Remember Sycamore Gap with this beautiful 1-hour walk

The iconic Sycamore Gap tree once stood along the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hadrian’s Wall.

Stretching 73 miles from coast to coast, Hadrian’s Wall was built to guard the wild north-west frontier of the Roman Empire.

In 2023, this beautiful tree was sadly felled by an act of vandalism.

Although it no longer stands, locals and visitors from near and far will always remember the famous Sycamore Gap and pay tribute to it by walking to its now-protected stump.

This one-hour walk is dog-friendly and suitable for most walkers, although note there are some steep climbs and descents. Take your time and explore the gorgeous scenery.

WHAT TO KNOW

Distance: 2 miles / 3.2km

Dog-friendly: Yes

Where to park: The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Bardon Mill, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 7AN.

THE ROUTE

Start at The Sill Visitor Centre. Facing the main entrance, follow the path around the right side of the building to the gate by the main road. Cross the road into the small woodland, then turn left up the footpath that runs along the road, heading uphill.

Cross the road by Peel Bothy Cottage. Go through the gate on the right and take the left-hand path to Hadrian’s Wall – past the waymarker post – and up to the gate in the wall.  Go through the gate and follow the stone-flagged path downhill to the bottom of the crags.

Climb up the steep stone path/steps to the top of Peel Crags.  Go through the gate and follow the path round to the left.  Keep the wall on your left as you follow the path down to Milecastle 39.

Milecastles are fortified gateways, built every Roman mile, often protecting weak points along the wall. This one is number 39, meaning it is 39 miles away from the start of the wall at Wallsend. Follow the path around the Milecastle and continue uphill before the steep drop down to Sycamore Gap.  Take care coming down this steep descent.

Here, you’ll find the protected tree stump of Sycamore Gap, where you can take a break and a moment of reflection.

When you’re ready to head back, turn right along the grassy track and then continue straight on when the track forks – do not follow the left-hand fork.  Go past a waymarker post and continue until you reach a stile over a wall.  Cross the stile and continue to follow the grassy track. This track is the Roman Military Way – a Roman Road that was built near the line of the wall to allow access along it.

The track turns rockier as it heads downhill and around the crags.  Continue on and head for the gateway to the right of the cottage in front of you.  Go through the gateway and back to the road.

Turn left through the gate, cross the road and head back downhill to The Sill.

WHERE TO GET LUNCH

Once Brewed Coffee and Bakehouse at the Sill offers a delicious menu of locally sourced food and drinks, using ingredients and products inspired by Northumberland National Park. It’s the perfect spot to rest and refuel after your walk.

If you’ve got children with you, there’s a Shaun the Sheep exhibition running until 29 June for the summer holidays. Visitors will learn how to make a difference to the environment through fun workshops and activities for the whole family. There are also Shaun the Sheep-themed products to buy in the gift shop and themed food in the café.

WHERE TO STAY

Fancy making a night of it? Wydon Farm B&B is a working farm bed and breakfast near Haltwhistle and Hexham, just a 12-minute drive from The Sill.

It has three en-suite bedrooms, but the best part is the traditional farmhouse breakfast. Served as a group with the other visitors, the Full English breakfast uses eggs from the farm’s own free-range hens.

EXPLORE MORE

For more inspiration on where to go then go to the Visit Northumberland website.

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