Walking Sycamore Gap

Walk 2: Sycamore Gap (walk 2)

Distance: 2 miles or 6 miles

Time: 1 hour or 3 hours

Nearest pub: Twice Brewed Inn 🍻

Said to be one of the most photographed areas of Northumberland National Park, Sycamore Gap has become quite iconic in its own rights. A great walk to do along part of Hadrian’s Wall, the two-mile loop is a great one for families.

You can park at the Steel Rigg car park (postcode NE47 7AN), which costs £2 for a day ticket. Try and arrive early in the day as this is only a small car park and can fill up quickly.

If you can’t get into the car park at Steel Rigg, backtrack down the hill you drove up and use the car park at The Sill. This will add on a short fifteen minutes to your walk.

There are two routes that will take you to Sycamore Gap. Both are a similar length, but one involves a steep climb and decent, whereas the other is mostly flat.

A good walk short walk to Sycamore Gap with views from the top of the hill that are spectacular.

Along this walking route you pass Milecastle 39, a well-preserved part of the wall that is a must see for history lovers.

To extend the route:

Northumberland National Park Authority have on their website a lovely 6 mile circular walk which is one of our personal favourites. Allow around 3 hours for this walk which which wraps along a stretch of Hadrian’s Wall with some of the most iconic sections such as Crag Lough and Sycamore Gap. Once it drops down south you pass a fantastic limekiln, and skirt along Vindolanda passing a thatched cottage back along to The Sill.

When you stay with us in our guest guide you will find a link to unlock hundreds of walking routes on our doorstep and a bit further afield.

We will be sharing some of these during 2023 with you. A walk with a picnic can make a fabulous 🆓adventure for the whole family.