News from Layside
Autumn has arrived, the clocks have changed and the days are getting shorter. It is not all doom and gloom though – this can be one of the best times to visit Northumberland and to take in some stunning walks such as the Sycamore Gap walk along Hadrian’s Wall – you can feel as if you have the entire National Park to yourself!
Making an early start to the day is a good idea. The sun rises can be spectacular and the morning light over the dewey fields brings the peace of mind that can only lift your spirits. Walking at any time of year is a pleasure, but when the air is still, the sun is shining and you have two black labradors for company, it really doesn’t get any better.
It is still sad to see the Sycamore Gap bereft of that beautiful tree – the landscape is missing such a big part of its identity. That being said, the stump shows very healthy signs of re-growth which can only be positive news – signs of new beginnings.
The Sycamore Gap circular walk is always one of the most popular walks along Hadrian’s Wall and a “must do” when visiting Layside. You can spend the best part of a day taking your time on this walk starting from Layside. It is a good opprtunity to drop in to the Sill Visitor Centre on the way as you pass the door walking from Layside. Here you can still find the largest part of the tree which has been turned into an exhibit to view, touch, celebrate and pay respects.
The Sill Visitor Centre is only a 15 minute walk away and also provides information and maps to help you plan your trip. The café also provides you with good refreshments and cake! From here, it is uphill all the way to Steel Rigg which is the start point on the Hadrian’s Wall route. Walking east takes you to Sycamore Gap in roughly 45 minutes, although I always take so much longer to give me time to appreciate the views.
Crag Lough is a good place to enjoy a stop. We can provide a packed lunch for you and there are some good fallen tree trunks which make ideal seating close to the water. This is a good place for bird watchers too with a number of residents as well as migrating birds stopping here for a rest.
Walking on to Housesteads is recommended to view the Roman ruins and imagine the kife back in the day – around 2000 years ago. It is well worth spending some time here and there is a good visitor centre here too at the bottom of the hill. There are 3 options from Housesteads: return on the same path walking alongside the Wall, backtracking a short way to Ranishaw Gap where the Penine Way joins with the wall (cross the wall here and you can return to Steel Rigg crossing meadows and farmland) or, from the Housesteads car park you could use the fantastic AD122 bus service taking you back to the Sill.
Allow at least 2.5 to 3 hours from Steel Rigg to complete the walk, perhaps longer should you wish to spend a good amount of time at Housesteads. In the summer months you may find the Corbridge mobile Barrista parked in the Steel Rigg car park offering a good range of hot drinks and snacks before returning to Layside. You will have earned a good rest – and why not take advantage of our meal options which are cooked and delivered to you!