Hadrians Wall

Walk HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS

Duration

4-6 hrs

Total Distance

9.5 miles / 15 kms

Total Ascent

288m

Fitness Level

Good

Discover the history of Hadrian’s Wall

Hadrian’s Wall was built by the Emperor Hadrian in AD122 – AD128 as a military defensive barrier on the northern edge of the Roman Frontier in Britain. It was originally a 73 mile long, heavily defended and fortified wall that spanned from coast to coast. Forts and turrets were positioned along its entire length and the remains of many can still be seen on the Hadrian’s Wall walk today.

Our day walk will start from The Sill Visitor Centre and heads up onto some of the best sections of the Wall, heading east over the rocky outcrop of Steel Rigg, along the route of the wall to Sycamore Gap (sadly now felled) and onwards to Housesteads Fort the return route is along a farm track to the north of the Wall, with some great views from a different angle.

Gallery

Route Highlights of Hadrian’s Wall

Housesteads

Found atop Hadrian’s Wall Heritage Site, Housesteads Roman Fort takes you back to the Roman Empire. Take a journey through time as you visit the old barrack blocks and hospital, with panoramic views and history round every corner it is easy to see why Which? Consumers rated it so highly in a recent survey!

Sycamore Gap

The Sycamore Gap Tree or Robin Hood Tree was a Sycamore Tree standing near to Crag Lough.

It was located in a dramatic dip in the landscape, which was created by glacial meltwater and was a popular photographic subject, described as one of the most photographed trees in the country and an emblem for both Hadrians Wall and the North East of England.

It derived its alternative name from featuring in a prominent scene in the 1991 film Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves

The tree also won the 2016 “England Tree of the Year” award.

On the early morning of 28th Sept 2023 it was deliberately felled in what the authorities described as “an act of vandalism”. The felling of the tree led to an outpouring of anger and sadness.

The Sill

A National Landscape Discovery Centre, The Sill encourages people to explore the landscape, history, culture and heritage of Northumberland and it’s National Park.

Itinerary

Meet – The Sill Visitor Centre, Once Brewed ousesteads Visitor Centre NE47 7AN

What3words Location –

Distance – 9.5 miles / 15 kms

Ascent -288m

Terrain – Rocky paths, Moorland, Farm tracks

Maps and Information

The route is very well way-marked and you will be provided with the relevant maps, route notes, GPX files and accommodation information.

However, we always recommend that on all of our trips everyone is competent with navigation, especially if the weather changes and you need to make an unscheduled diversion off the route.

Terrain

The terrain of all our routes can be very varied, below is a general guide to what you can expect, and not expect, on this walk:

Minor Roads (Tarmac / Asphalt)
Paved Footpaths
Way-marked public footpaths / bridleways
Grassy unpaved open fields
Areas of mud / standing water

Sandy Beaches
Tidal Water
Rocky uneven ascents / decents
Requirement for “Scrambling”
Streams / Water Crossing (wider than 1m)
Risk of Slipping

Some of the steeper climbs around Steel Rigg/Housesteads can be bypassed by following the alternative route (Pennine Way).

MAP & LOCATION

Please use our booking form to choose your preferred option, and remember if theres something you don’t see here don’t hesitate to ask!

Duration Options

Optional Extras

Grab your Walking Equipment Packing List

Not sure what to bring? Don’t fret! We have an essentials list so you don’t forget a thing!

Download

+44 (0) 1665 713 448

info@northernadventures.co.uk

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Hadrians Wall – Housesteads & Steel Rigg