Hadrian's Wall: Steel Rigg to Housesteads
The finest stretch of the Roman wall, along the crags of the Whin Sill to Housesteads fort.
- Distance
- 10.1 km
- Ascent
- 180 m
- Time
- 2.5–3.5 h
- Grade
- Moderate
- Route
- Out and back
- High point
- 304 m
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Route mapped on from OpenStreetMap paths, with heights from EU-DEM terrain data; not yet checked on the ground by TRXO. Added to TRXO on . For planning only: always navigate with an up-to-date map such as OS Explorer or Harvey. How we make our routes.
About this walk
Hadrian's Wall: Steel Rigg to Housesteads is a moderate 10.1 km out-and-back walk with 180 m of ascent, taking 2.5 to 3.5 hours. It starts at Steel Rigg (grid reference NY 750 676).
The central section of Hadrian's Wall runs along the top of the Whin Sill, a line of dark crags with steep drops to the north. From Steel Rigg, the path follows the wall up and down over the crags, past Sycamore Gap, where the famous tree was felled in 2023 and only the stump remains, and above the waters of Crag Lough.
It ends at Housesteads, the best-preserved fort on the wall, now looked after by the National Trust and English Heritage (entry charge). The walk returns the same way. Please don't walk on the wall itself.
Route
-
1
Sycamore Gap
Follow the wall east over the crags to Sycamore Gap.
-
2
Crag Lough
Continue along the cliffs above Crag Lough and through the woods.
-
3
Housesteads
Climb to Housesteads fort, then return the same way.
Summit
Questions about this walk
- How long does Hadrian's Wall: Steel Rigg to Housesteads take?
- Most walkers take 2.5–3.5 hours for the 10.1 km route, which has 180 m of ascent. That allows for short stops; give yourself longer in winter, in poor weather or with a group.
- Where does the walk start, and where can I park?
- It starts at Steel Rigg (grid reference NY 750 676). Pay car park at Steel Rigg.
- Can I get there by public transport?
- The AD122 Hadrian's Wall bus runs in summer. Check times on Traveline.
- How hard is it?
- It's graded moderate. Constant short, steep climbs and descents on stone steps and grassy paths along the crags.
- Can I take my dog?
- Yes, dogs are welcome on this walk. Before you go: Keep off the wall itself, and in wet weather walk beside the worn line of the path to protect the archaeology.
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