Sycamore Gap walk
A circular walk starting from the visitor centre to the Roman Fort and then along the World Heritage Roman wall footpath to the iconic Sycamore Gap.
Enjoy magnificent views of Hadrian's Wall and the Roman Military Way
Explore natural wilderness and become immersed in the history as you return via the Roman Military Way. Each step includes Waypoints.
Map
Start:
Housesteads Visitor Centre, grid ref: NY793684
1
Leave Housesteads Information Centre and take the main path up to Roman Fort at Housesteads for ½ mile (800m).
2
As you reach the museum and shop you have two options: a) Continue into Housesteads Roman Fort. After you have finished your visit here join the main Roman Wall path to the rear of the Fort and turn left. b) Continue up to the left of the Fort for 200yd (180m) until you reach the gate taking you onto the main Roman Wall path and turn left here.
3
Continue along the path initially walking on the Wall through woodland and then opening out to the magnificent views of the wall undulating in the distance over Cuddy’s and Hotbank Crags. You will also pass Milecastle 37.
Housesteads Wood
This is the only section where you can physically walk on the Wall itself. This section was maintained by antiquarian John Clayton who worked tirelessly to preserve the Wall for the public.
4
After 1 mile (1.6km) you will reach the top of Hotbank Crags (1.5 miles/2.4km into walk). If you look back from here you will see the wall snaking along the escarpments in the distance. Continue downhill from here passing Hotbank Farm on the right and Milecastle 38 until you reach Crag Lough. Climb up from here through the woods for magnificent views of the Lough and surrounding countryside. At the end of the Crag you cross over a stile and drop down steeply to reach the iconic 'Sycamore Gap'. You are now 2.6 miles (4km) into the walk.
Sycamore Gap
Many ask why Sycamore Gap (as well as Rapishaw Gap, possibly the first you encountered and Milking Gap) are... gaps! These 'nicks' in the Whin Sill are meltwater channels, naturally carved by vast amounts of meltwater flowing beneath the ice sheets that once covered this area.
5
At this point walk away from the Wall slightly downhill for 50yd (45m) until you reach a path running parallel to the wall which follows the route of the Roman Military Way. Turn left here which to a large extent you will follow back to the visitor centre. This path is less undulating than the main Roman Wall Path that you have been on.
The Military Way
This was an administrative road between both man-made structures, the Wall and Vallum (a ditch that was 10ft (3m) deep and breadth at the top 20ft (6m)) for the supply of the garrison following the line of least typographical resistance, ignoring tactical considerations.
6
After ½ mile (800m) - just before Hotbank Farm - the path temporarily joins back onto the Main Roman Wall path. Follow this uphill for 600yd (550m) passing the farm.
7
Just before the top of the hill and the wood on the right take the path which forks off to the right, which takes you back onto the Military Way (signposted Housesteads Fort and Military Way). Follow this parallel path for 1 mile (1.6km) back to Housesteads Fort.
8
Turn down right from the Fort and follow the main path back down to the visitor centre.
End:
Housesteads Visitor Centre, grid ref: NY793684
