Walking to Sycamore Gap with Dogs - Easy Route

There are two main ways to walk to Sycamore Gap. The first way is climbing up and down a couple of hills, following the line of Hadrian's Wall. It's a little steep in parts but not too bad and there are natural steps along much of the route. 

There's also a much easier flat route which is what I'm going to share with you today. We visited on a wet and muddy day and Fozzy does pull on his lead sometimes so we weren't keen on being dragged down a hill in the mud. 

Walking to Sycamore Gap - Easy Route Directions 

There are a few places to park nearby. We like to park at The Sill as there are public toilets here and we always manage to get a parking space here no bother, even when other car parks are full. Use postcode NE47 7AN.

If you wanted a shorter walk, park at Steel Rigg and if you wanted a little longer, park at Housesteads (or anywhere further along the wall). 

Parking is £2 for up to 2 hours which will give you more than enough time for this walk (£1 per hour up to a max of £5 after this). You pay at the machine just before you leave. 

The AD122 bus stops right outside the Sill. 

Pet dogs are sadly not allowed inside the Sill building but if you're with someone, it's a good ideas to take it in turns to visit the loo here before your walk and if you're unsure of the route, ask at the welcome desk and they can help with directions and maps. There is seating outside and dog water too. If you get a chance, pop your nose into 'The Lost Spells' exhibition en-route to the loo. It's gorgeous! 

Turn left out of the Sill Car Park and then cross the main road (B6318) at the crossing point, pass through two gates and walk straight ahead along the path next to the road. You will pass a National Trust Cottage (Springwell Cottage) on your left. 

Continue along this path/road for around 10 minutes and you will see another National Trust Cottage (Peel Cottage) across the road. Cross over next to the cottage and you will see a gate and signs for Hadrian's Wall Path. Pass through the gate and then through the gap in the wall in front of you. 

I don't know why google maps has added the little loop on the walk around Peel Cottage - you just need to cross the road after the cottage and you will see the gate to walk through. 

This area was VERY muddy on the day of our visit - waterproof walking boots are a must. Definitely don't bring your white trainers for this walk!  

When you see the sign below, this is when you can pick the hilly route (slightly to the left - you will see the steps up the hill) or the flat route (slightly to your right running right alongside the hills).

There is a section where you can climb up the hill but you can just stay on the flat section the full way. It follows the exact same route as the hilly route, it's just on the ground below. It's difficult to get lost and although you are walking through a field, the path is very well worn - just follow it. 

Dogs do need to be kept on a lead as there are livestock in the area. It hadn't really been raining when we visited but a lot of the route was a bit boggy - Fozzy had a whale of a time splashing though muddy puddles. 

There is one kind of natural stile to step over through a small wall but this was fine for Fozzy, he just climbed over it. You might need to lift smaller dogs though. 

After around 10-15 minutes of following this straight path, the famous tree comes into sight. Your arrival position gives you the perfect vantage point. 

There aren't any facilities here but people do like to bring a picnic rug and a picnic to enjoy around the tree. The ground wasn't too bad here actually so it would have been fine for us to do this. 

We went right up to the tree - I'm not sure Fozzy knew what all the fuss was about but he had a good time. There are no bins along the route so you will need to carry any waste/rubbish with you until you're back at the Sill. 

Then it's just a case of retracing your steps back to the car park. Our walk was 1.7miles in total and took around an hour including plenty of time at the tree taking and posing for photos. 

Dog Friendly Places to Eat near Sycamore Gap 

There is a little takeaway kiosk at the entrance of the Sill where you can order drinks and snacks without going inside. We ordered coffee from here and brought a picnic which we enjoyed on the picnic tables in the grounds of the Sill. There is a playground for kids to enjoy near the picnic benches. 

To be honest, Fozzy (and us) we pretty muddy and I would have felt uncomfortable going inside most establishments incase we got mud everywhere. I would say if you're visiting after rain and fancy a nice meal alongside your walk, you're probably better off enjoying a meal before your hike. 

Twice Brewed Inn is a lovely dog-friendly pub next door to the Sill (you can also park here too) which is worth popping into. I would also highly recommend Greenhead Hotel which is less than a 10 minute drive away. It's a 10 minute drive from the Sill and the food is out of this world. Dogs are welcome in the bar and there is usually a nice fire going. 

Greenhead Hotel 

For a more low-key option, dogs are welcome in the cafe at Housesteads Roman Fort (free entry for both NT and EH members). There is outdoor seating and a small playground here too. Or there is a tearoom at Chesters Roman Fort (free entry for EH members) where dogs are welcome too. 

Looking for somewhere to stay? We highly recommend Herding Hill Farm nearby. Read about our dog-friendly stay at Herding Hill Farm here. 
 

There are loads of other walks to try in the area along Hadrian's Wall or aound some of the Roman Forts. We like Housesteads for a dog-walk and Walltown Country Park is fab.