4.6
(577)
3,815
hikers
20
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Henshaw offer access to the rugged countryside of Northumberland National Park. The region is characterized by rolling hills and dramatic crags, formed by the Whin Sill, which creates impressive escarpments. Hikers can explore areas where Hadrian's Wall integrates with the landscape, alongside serene glacial lakes like Crag Lough. This varied terrain provides a diverse backdrop for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
4.8
(66)
326
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(35)
372
hikers
Embark on an easy 3.7-mile (6.0 km) hike along the Steel Rigg & Sycamore Gap loop, offering a blend of Roman history and dramatic landscapes. You will gain 294 feet…

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4.6
(25)
166
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(10)
120
hikers
10.8km
03:06
260m
260m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.3
(3)
23
hikers
5.28km
01:28
100m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Steel Rigg is one of the most beautiful viewpoints along the high, central part of Hadrian's Wall.
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The Roman milecastle 39 is known as Castle Nick, because it lies in a niche in the hillside. The site was excavated between 1908 and 1911 and re-excavated between 1982 and 1987. In the south-east corner there was a stone oven and in the south-west corner a rectangular building with a sunken floor, associated with Roman finds. The milecastle appears to have been occupied until the end of the 4th century. In the 18th century, a dairy may have been built in the west corner. (Northumberland National Park)
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The Sill is the perfect place to explore Northumberland National Park and a fantastic location to connect with nature and the unique and special landscapes of the national park. There are interesting exhibitions, affordable parking, a café, toilets, etc. You can also enjoy a spectacular view from the rooftop terrace. It is a good starting point for walks to Hadrian's Wall.
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A great view of the Wall from this vantage. Pretend you're a Pict !
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This is simply a super good museum with great exhibits and ancillary information. Then you also have the meticulously excavated Vindolanda fort ruins. Both the museum and the fort provide a superb immersive Roman experience that is simply superb. It is mainly concerned with looking at the life of Roman soldiers on Hadrian's Wall. About 7 miles, or 11 kilometres, away there is also the Roman Army Museum. You can save 10% on your ticket purchases when you buy the saver ticket for both museums and can use them on different days.
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Housestead Fort is one of the most impressive Roman forts you can ever come across. It is super well preserved and free to enter if you belong to the National Trust, so don't forget your card. There is a small museum and shop nearby where you can get entry tickets, coffee, and snacks.
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Milecastle 39 is a super scenic and impressive place. It is a well-preserved Milecastle on Hadrian’s Wall. It is immediately to the west of the Sycamore Gap and is just one of many outstanding features on this stretch of wall.
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The Sycamore Gap tree was an iconic tree that was over 200 years old and located in a dramatic dip along Hadrian's Wall. It was made famous in the film Robin Hood, which featured a scene where Kevin Costner and Morgan Freeman acted out a scene at this exact location. Unfortunately it could not stand up to a malignant, vengeful human with a chainsaw.
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There are over 20 hiking trails around Henshaw that you can easily access directly from bus stations, offering a convenient way to explore the Northumberland National Park without a car.
The trails accessible from bus stations around Henshaw cater to various fitness levels. You'll find 6 easy routes perfect for a relaxed stroll, 12 moderate trails for a more engaging hike, and 2 difficult options for experienced hikers seeking a challenge.
Yes, several easy routes are suitable for families. A great option is the Steel Rigg & Sycamore Gap loop from The Sill. This 6 km (3.7 mi) easy hike offers stunning views of Hadrian's Wall and the surrounding landscape, making it enjoyable for all ages.
Hikes around Henshaw offer a rich tapestry of natural beauty and historical significance. You can expect to see dramatic crags formed by the Whin Sill, sections of Hadrian's Wall, and serene glacial lakes like Crag Lough. Iconic spots like Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall are frequently encountered.
Yes, many of the bus-accessible trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point, often near a bus stop. For example, the Steel Rigg & Sycamore Gap loop from The Sill is a popular circular option.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the convenience of car-free access, the dramatic historical landscapes of Hadrian's Wall, and the diverse terrain of Northumberland National Park.
Absolutely. Many routes directly follow or run parallel to Hadrian's Wall. The Northumberland: Hadrian’s Wall, Housesteads Crags and Housesteads Fort hike is an excellent moderate option that immerses you in Roman history and offers spectacular views.
Henshaw is renowned for its stunning vistas. You'll find numerous viewpoints, especially along the Whin Sill escarpment. The area around Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall and the Viewpoint near Steel Rigg offer particularly breathtaking panoramas of the Northumberland countryside.
The Northumberland National Park is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer provides longer daylight hours, while winter can be dramatic but requires appropriate gear for potentially challenging conditions. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
Yes, for those seeking a more strenuous adventure, there are 2 difficult routes. One such challenging option is the Walltown Quarry Nature Reserve – Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall loop from Vindolanda Fort, which covers a significant distance and elevation gain, rewarding hikers with expansive views.
Yes, the rugged landscape around Henshaw features several notable peaks and crags. You can find trails that lead to or offer views of summits like Highshield Crags, Peel Crags East Top, and King’s Hill, providing excellent vantage points over the national park.
While the iconic Sycamore Gap tree was sadly felled, the location itself remains a significant landmark along Hadrian's Wall. The Sycamore Gap (Robin Hood Tree) – Hadrian's Wall loop from Vindolanda Fort is a moderate hike that will take you past this memorable spot, offering a chance to reflect on its history and natural beauty.


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