The Sycamore Tree
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Sycamore Gap

4.8
·550 reviews·Once Brewed, United Kingdom

A dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall landscape, once home to an iconic tree, now a poignant memorial site.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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The Sycamore Tree

Sycamore Gap

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A dramatic dip in Hadrian's Wall landscape, once home to an iconic tree, now a poignant memorial site.

4.8
(550 reviews)

"Still a beautiful place to visit for the walk and the history, even without the tree."

Vertical photo
TIP

🥾 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.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Hadrian's Wall Path

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

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

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

The walk to Sycamore Gap involves varied terrain, including steep, rocky sections. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for navigating the path safely and comfortably. Consider the weather, as rain can make the landscape atmospheric but also challenging.

Post-Vandalism Visit

The iconic Sycamore Gap tree was sadly felled. While the area is fenced off, the landscape and Hadrian's Wall remain stunning. Expect it to be busy, as the site has gained attention. The memorial offers a poignant reflection.

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn afternoons
Why
Golden light, stunning colors
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Nearly a year since Sycamore Gap was cut down #philomenacunk #cunkonearth #sycamoregap #tree
@thefamoustreecompany
351.5K likes • 2.6M views

🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key

The terrain can be steep and rocky. Good hiking boots are a must for a comfortable and safe walk. Reddit

🚗 Parking Options

Consider parking at The Sill, Steel Rigg, or Housesteads Roman Fort for access to the Hadrian's Wall path. Reddit

Two men went on a “moronic mission” to fell the famous Sycamore Gap tree in an act of “mindless vandalism” which they filmed on a phone, a jury has been told. Daniel Graham and Adam Carruthers used a chainsaw to chop down the tree and “the technique that they used showed expertise and a determined, deliberate approach to the felling”, prosecutors told Newcastle Crown Court. #itvnews #sycamore #syc...
@itvnews
244.4K likes • 5.5M views
The iconic Sycamore Gap tree in northern England was cut down illegally overnight on Wednesday September 27. The Northumberland National Park Authority believe the tree was ‘deliberately felled’ and local police continue to investigate the act of vandalism. The tree, which was believed to be 300 years old, was located next to Hadrian's Wall built by the Romans in 122 A.D. It was one of the UK's mo...
gettyimages
9.4K likes • 396.3K views

💧 Be Prepared for Weather

Northumberland weather can change quickly. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. Reddit

📸 Capture the Landscape

While the tree is gone, the surrounding views of Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland countryside are spectacular. Reddit

Heartbreaking News of Sycamore Gap 💔 One of the most iconic and picturesque landscapes in England and the world. I visited Sycamore Gap only a month ago and I'm in shock that I won't see it again. #sycamoregap #hadrianswall #heartbroken #sadnews #iconic #travelbucketlist
pindropandhop
51K likes • 1.9M views

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. Reddit

🚗 Parking Options

Consider parking at The Sill, Steel Rigg, or Housesteads Roman Fort for access to the Hadrian's Wall path. Reddit

💧 Be Prepared for Weather

Northumberland weather can change quickly. Pack layers and waterproofs, even on a sunny day. Reddit

📸 Capture the Landscape

While the tree is gone, the surrounding views of Hadrian's Wall and the Northumberland countryside are spectacular. Reddit

⏳ Allow Ample Time

The walk from The Sill is about 2-3 miles return. Factor in time for enjoying the views and the memorial. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.8
(550 reviews)

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

Beautiful landscapes
Hadrian's Wall history
Peaceful atmosphere

What People Dislike

Crowded at times
Tree is no longer there

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

📸 📸 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The walk to Sycamore Gap can be an adventure for families, but it's important to be prepared. The terrain is varied, with some steep and rocky sections, so sturdy footwear is essential for everyone, especially children. Consider starting from The Sill, as it offers a manageable distance, but be mindful of the climbs. Pack plenty of snacks and water, as facilities are limited along the trail. The historical significance of Hadrian's Wall can spark imagination, and the memorial at Sycamore Gap offers a moment for discussion about respect for nature and heritage.

🚶‍♀️ Solo Travelers & Hikers

Sycamore Gap is a fantastic destination for solo travelers looking for a scenic and historically rich hike. The well-trodden paths along Hadrian's Wall make it relatively safe, and you'll often encounter other walkers. Starting from Steel Rigg or Housesteads can offer a more immersive experience with the Roman fort. The landscape provides a sense of peace and solitude, perfect for contemplation. Remember to inform someone of your hiking plans and carry a fully charged phone.

📸 Photographers

Even without the famous tree, Sycamore Gap and the surrounding Hadrian's Wall offer incredible photographic opportunities. Focus on the dramatic contours of the landscape, the ancient stonework of the wall, and the vast skies of Northumberland. Early mornings and late afternoons provide the best light for capturing the rolling hills and atmospheric conditions. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to encompass the grandeur of the scenery and consider a tripod for sharper images in varying light. The memorial itself can also be a subject for thoughtful photography.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Story of the Sycamore Gap Tree

Sycamore Gap, once home to a solitary sycamore tree, became an iconic landmark nestled in a dramatic dip alongside Hadrian's Wall. Its fame was amplified after its appearance in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, making it a must-see for many visitors to the region. The tree's picturesque setting against the ancient Roman wall drew photographers and hikers alike, creating a unique and memorable vista.

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

The walk to Sycamore Gap is intrinsically linked to exploring Hadrian's Wall, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can choose various starting points, with The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre, Steel Rigg, and Housesteads Roman Fort being the most popular. Each offers a unique perspective and a different walking experience.

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.

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