Sycamore Gap walk
Take 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. Although the tree is no longer there, the stump remains and may regrow so please do respect it. See great views across the countryside as you walk alongside the ancient wall in the heritage landscape. Return via the historic Roman Military Way.
Start point
Housesteads Visitor Centre, grid ref: NY793684Trail information
Uneven ground
The path is dressed with stone in places. Wear appropriate footwear and take care on uneven ground.
Total stages: 6
Total stages: 6
Start point
Housesteads Visitor Centre, grid ref: NY793684
Stage 1
Leave Housesteads Visitor Centre and take the main path up to Housesteads Fort. Keep to the left of the fort and enter the wood at the top of the hill. Join the Hadrian’s Wall Path here, heading west.
Stage 2
After passing Hotbank Farmhouse which is on the north side of the wall and the earthworks of Milecastle 38 on the south side, cross over the farm track at the bottom of the hill and switch to the north side of the wall following the path through Crag Lough woods. As you drop down from the Crag you’ll cross over Hadrian’s Wall at Sycamore Gap. Although the famous Sycamore tree is no longer there, the stump remains and may regrow. Please respect the barrier around it and take your photos from a distance.
Stage 3
To start the return journey, walk downhill from the gap for 45m until you reach a path running parallel to the Wall which follows the route of the Roman Military Way and head east. This path is less undulating than the main Hadrian’s Wall Path that you have been on.
Stage 4
When you reach the farm track at Hotbank Farm re-join the Hadrian’s Wall Path and retrace your steps past milecastle 38 and Hotbank Farm.
Stage 5
Past mile castle 38 near the top of the hill just past the wood on your left, take the diagonal path towards another small wood on your right. Keep heading east along the Roman Military Way.
Stage 6
When you get back to Housesteads Fort head downhill and follow the main path back to the Visitor Centre.
End point
Housesteads Visitor Centre, grid ref: NY793684
Trail map
Trail map for Sycamore Gap walk at Hadrian's wall and Housesteads Fort | © Crown copyright and database rights 2013 Ordnance Survey
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