The Sill To Housesteads

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Walk Metadata

Attribute

Value

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

13.4 km

Duration

4 - 5 hrs depends on how long you take to explore Housesteads Fort

Type

Circular

Elevation Gain

320 m

Terrain

Lots of up and down the crags; return path is very boggy (Feb)

Can be done by public transport

Yes

Getting There

Start and End: YHA Hadrian’s Wall at the Sill. You can also start at the Steel Rigg car park

  • Train: Nearest stations at Haltwhistle and Hexham

  • Bus: AD 122 from Haltwhistle or Hexham

  • Parking: Parking at the Sill or at Steel Rigg car park

Route

AllTrails link: The Sill to Housesteads Fort and back

Description

This circular walk takes you along Hadrian’s Wall, one of Britain’s most iconic UNESCO World Heritage sites. Starting from The Sill (YHA Hadrian’s Wall) or Steel Rigg car park, you’ll hike through the dramatic landscape of Northumberland’s crags and moorland.

The route follows well-defined paths with some steep ascents and descents as you traverse the famous Roman wall. Key highlights include:

  • Housesteads Roman Fort - One of the best-preserved Roman forts on Hadrian’s Wall with excellent visitor facilities

  • The Roman Military Way - Walking alongside the ancient 2,000-year-old defensive structure with expansive countryside views

  • Sycamore Gap - The iconic gap in the wall with a famous tree (the original was felled in 2023, but the stump remains)

  • Varied Terrain - Rolling moorland with dramatic crags, stoney sections, and boggy return paths

The walk offers stunning vistas across Northumberland’s countryside and is accessible by public transport via the AD 122 bus service from Haltwhistle or Hexham. Note that the terrain can be boggy, especially in winter months, so appropriate footwear is essential. Dogs should be kept on leads due to livestock in the area.

Notes

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