
Sycamore Gap
A dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall landscape, once home to an iconic tree, now a poignant memorial site.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Sycamore Gap
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall landscape, once home to an iconic tree, now a poignant memorial site.
"Still a beautiful place to visit for the walk and the history, even without the tree."

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for a comfortable and safe walk.
🚗 Parking Options
Consider parking at The Sill, Steel Rigg, or Housesteads Roman Fort for access to the Hadrian's Wall path.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hadrian's Wall Path
Along Hadrian's Wall
Experience a section of this ancient Roman frontier, offering breathtaking views and a sense of history.

Sycamore Gap Memorial
The site of the former tree
A poignant memorial marks the spot of the felled tree, a place of reflection amidst a beautiful landscape.

Panoramic Northumberland Views
Throughout the walk
Soak in the vast, rolling landscapes of Northumberland National Park, a truly serene and picturesque setting.
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Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Walk
Post-Vandalism Visit
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Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for a comfortable and safe walk.
🚗 Parking Options
Consider parking at The Sill, Steel Rigg, or Housesteads Roman Fort for access to the Hadrian's Wall path.
💧 Be Prepared for Weather
Northumberland weather can change quickly. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day.
📸 Capture the Landscape
While the tree is gone, the surrounding views of Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland countryside are spectacular.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for a comfortable and safe walk.
🚗 Parking Options
Consider parking at The Sill, Steel Rigg, or Housesteads Roman Fort for access to the Hadrian's Wall path.
💧 Be Prepared for Weather
Northumberland weather can change quickly. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day.
📸 Capture the Landscape
While the tree is gone, the surrounding views of Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland countryside are spectacular.
⏳ Allow Ample Time
The walk from The Sill is about 2-3 miles return. Factor in time for enjoying the views and the memorial.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors still find Sycamore Gap a beautiful and historically significant location, despite the tragic felling of the iconic tree. The walks along Hadrian's Wall offer stunning Northumberland landscapes and a sense of peace. While the area can get busy, the historical context and the poignant memorial make it a worthwhile visit for many.
"So Mon 13th Oct was bright and sunny, perfect for the walk from The Sill car park £4 for the 2-3 hr stay. About 2-3 miles return, some steep rocky parts so bring good hiking shoes. For older persons, one needs go slowly from Peel cottage heading up towards the small lake or loch ... the return can be made on the easier lower south side path of the wall, it's flatter and over a grassed field."
Gary W
"Went to see the Sycamore tree gap yesterday. Lovely walk along in the sunshine to the memorial place. A few steep climbs up and down along the way but it adds to the enjoyment. Beautiful views and calm quiet walking. Sad to see the tree gone and was quite busy when we visited but nevermind. Still a nice place to go and get some fresh air. 😎😎😎"
Glenn Young
"Beautiful walk from the Steel Rigg Car park, down the side of the wall then up a steep hill then down again and finally to the Gap… so sad we learned this morning that 2 men one day decided to chop the tree down. Well, they were caught and have been sent to jail for a couple of years… meanwhile the area has been fenced off and it may take over 30 years for the tree to to grow again from the small shoots we can see today. The area of the wall is lovely and the hike is quite arduous for me."
gabriella gaita
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sycamore Gap is accessible via walks from several points along Hadrian's Wall. Popular starting points include The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Steel Rigg car park, and Housesteads Roman Fort. Each offers a different length and difficulty of walk to reach the site.
Yes, there are car parks at The Sill, Steel Rigg, and Housesteads Roman Fort. These are the most convenient bases for accessing the Hadrian's Wall path and Sycamore Gap. Parking fees may apply.
Limited public transport options are available. Bus services run along Hadrian's Wall, but schedules can be infrequent. It's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance if relying on public transport.
The walk from The Sill to Sycamore Gap is approximately 2-3 miles return. It involves some steep and rocky sections, so good hiking shoes are recommended. The path follows parts of Hadrian's Wall.
Due to the uneven and steep terrain along Hadrian's Wall, Sycamore Gap is generally not accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The walk requires a reasonable level of mobility.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Sycamore Gap itself is part of the natural landscape and Hadrian's Wall, which are freely accessible. However, parking at associated car parks like The Sill or Housesteads may incur a fee.
Sycamore Gap is an outdoor natural site and is accessible at all times. However, it's best visited during daylight hours for safety and to appreciate the scenery.
The Hadrian's Wall National Trail and most of the wall itself are free to access. Some Roman forts along the wall, like Housesteads, have an entrance fee for their visitor centers and preserved structures.
Visiting Sycamore Gap at night is possible as it's an open landscape, but it's not recommended due to safety concerns. The terrain is uneven, and visibility would be extremely limited without artificial light.
Yes, the immediate area where the Sycamore Gap tree stood has been fenced off for protection and to allow for natural regeneration. Visitors can still view the memorial and the surrounding landscape.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
While the iconic tree is gone, Sycamore Gap remains a beautiful spot along Hadrian's Wall. There is a memorial in place, and the dramatic landscape and the wall itself are still very much worth seeing.
The walk can be moderately challenging. It involves some steep climbs and descents, and the terrain can be rocky. Good fitness and appropriate footwear are advised.
Sycamore Gap was famous for a solitary sycamore tree nestled in a dramatic dip in the landscape alongside Hadrian's Wall. It gained popularity after appearing in the film 'Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves'. Sadly, the tree was vandalized and felled in 2023.
There are no facilities directly at Sycamore Gap. Toilets and cafes are available at nearby visitor centers such as The Sill and Housesteads Roman Fort.
Sycamore Gap can get quite busy, especially on weekends and during peak tourist seasons, even after the tree's felling. The increased attention has led to more visitors.
📸 📸 Photography
Even without the tree, the dramatic dip in the landscape and the presence of Hadrian's Wall offer excellent photographic opportunities. Capture the sweeping views of the Northumberland countryside and the memorial.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for landscape photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. Consider sunrise or sunset for dramatic skies.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks and around historical sites like Hadrian's Wall. Always check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before flying a drone.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the sky and reduce glare.
The path along Hadrian's Wall offers numerous viewpoints. Experiment with different angles looking down into the gap and along the line of the wall to find your preferred composition.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of the Sycamore Gap Tree
Tragically, in September 2023, the beloved tree was vandalized and deliberately felled. This act of destruction shocked many and led to widespread condemnation. Two men were subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the incident. The site has since been fenced off to protect the remaining stump and to allow for potential natural regeneration from the shoots that have begun to appear. A memorial now marks the spot, offering a place for reflection on the loss of this natural and cultural icon.
Despite the absence of the tree, the landscape and the historical significance of Hadrian's Wall continue to draw visitors. The area around Sycamore Gap remains a beautiful part of Northumberland National Park, offering stunning views and a chance to connect with history and nature. The story of the tree has, in a way, added another layer to the site's narrative, prompting discussions about heritage, vandalism, and the resilience of nature.
Walking Hadrian's Wall to Sycamore Gap
From The Sill, the walk is approximately 2-3 miles round trip and involves navigating some steep and rocky terrain. This route allows you to appreciate the undulating landscape of Northumberland. Steel Rigg offers a slightly different approach, often described as a beautiful walk down the side of the wall then up a steep hill. Housesteads Roman Fort provides an opportunity to combine the walk with a visit to one of the best-preserved Roman forts along the wall, offering a richer historical context.
Regardless of the starting point, the journey to Sycamore Gap is characterized by stunning panoramic views of the rolling Northumberland countryside. The path itself is part of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail, offering a chance to tread in the footsteps of Roman soldiers. While the iconic tree is no longer there, the dramatic landscape, the ancient wall, and the poignant memorial ensure that the walk remains a rewarding experience for hikers and history enthusiasts.


Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit