A New Chapter for Sycamore Gap

The Sycamore Gap Tree: History, Legacy, and the Story of Its Felling

Few landmarks in the UK have captured the public imagination like Sycamore Gap which was one of the most famous trees in the UK. For years, the iconic tree at Sycamore Gap stood as one of the most photographed natural landmarks not just in Northumberland but across the UK. Believed to be planted in the 1800s, standing proudly beside Hadrian’s Wall in Northumberland, it featured in films, wedding proposals, and thousands of travel itineraries. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the tree, why it was so iconic, what happened during the Sycamore Gap felling, and what’s next for this beloved Northumberland symbol.

When it was tragically felled in 2023, the emotion, shock and sadness was felt far and wide, including here at our Northumberland campsite, just a short distance away. We loved the tree so much we even included it in the logo for our 5-star campsite and named one of our Running Water Wigwam cabins Sycamore Gap. This continued until the Sycamore Gap trial in the Summer of 2025.

Now all that remains of the Sycamore Gap tree is a single stump, fenced off from the public.

But there’s now a glimmer of hope on the horizon. A new trial is underway, giving visitors a new reason to return, and we’re here to welcome you at Herding Hill Farm when you do.

Where was the Sycamore Gap Tree?

The tree stood in a dramatic dip beside Hadrian’s Wall, between Milecastle 39 and Crag Lough, about halfway between Haltwhistle and Hexham. The dip in the landscape, known as the “gap,” made the tree appear even more striking, standing alone against sweeping skies. It was nicknamed the “Robin Hood Tree” after appearing in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner. For visitors to Northumberland National Park, it became a must-see attraction, symbolising the beauty and isolation of the UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Why was the Sycamore Gap Tree one of the most famous trees in the UK?

• Photographic Icon: National Trust surveys suggested it was the most photographed and most famous tree in the UK
• Romantic Landmark: Popular for proposals and weddings
• Film & TV Fame: Its role in the 1991 film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves starring Kevin Costner gave it international recognition. Afterwards it gained the nickname the Robin Hood Tree - although in reality it was some 170 miles from Sherwood Forest. The Northumberland thriller author LJ Ross also named her second novel Sycamore Gap
• Cultural Symbol: For locals and visitors alike, the tree came to represent Northumberland’s rugged landscape and enduring spirit

The Sycamore Gap tree felling

 On 28 September 2023, the Sycamore Gap tree was deliberately cut down during a storm in the night. The news shocked not only the people of Northumberland, but also tree lovers, historians, and nature enthusiasts around the globe. The felling sparked immediate police investigations, widespread media coverage and an outpouring of grief on social media. Many described it as the destruction of a “living monument.” The Sycamore Gap trial took place in May 2025 which resulted in the two offenders being jailed for 4 years and 3 months in July 2025 for the illegal Sycamore Gap felling. The summing of the Sycamore Gap trial was keenly anticipated. Many saw the tragedy as an opportunity to raise awareness of conservation, resilience, and the importance of protecting natural landmarks.

What happened after the Sycamore Gap tree felling?

The National Trust, English Heritage, and local communities quickly began discussing the future of the tree and its legacy. Steps included: 

• Preserving the Timber: Large sections of the felled tree were saved, with plans to use the wood for community projects and memorials. The largest section of Sycamore Gap is curretly on display at The Sill National Landscape Discovery Centre
• Protection of the Sycamore Gap stump: there are signs of regrowth with new shoots growing from the stump, just 10 months after the Sycamore Gap tree felling.
• Sapling Propagation: Seeds and cuttings were collected to grow new sycamores with the same genetic material, with the first already gifted to King Charles for planting in Windsor Great Park
• Memorial Planning: Options range from planting a new tree at Sycamore Gap to creating a sculpture or artwork that honours the site’s heritage

While the famous silhouette is gone, the Northumberland landscape remains as powerful as ever. Many visitors are still making the journey to experience the scenery, remember the tree, and witness the beginnings of what could be a meaningful renewal.

To learn more about the new growth, Northumberland National Park has shared updates on their official website here.

Why is Sycamore Gap still worth visiting?

Though the tree is no longer standing, Sycamore Gap and the surrounding walk along Hadrian’s Wall continue to offer some of the most breathtaking views in Northern England and there are a great selection of local walking routes. Guests at Herding Hill Farm still enjoy the walk along Hadrian’s Wall from Cawfields Quarry to Steel Rigg and beyond from Steel Rigg to Crag Lough via Sycamore Gap. With refreshments at The Sill and Twice Brewed Inn many guests prefer to stop for lunch and then take the AD122 Hadrian’s Wall bus back to the campsite. The signature real ale at the Twice Brewed Inn is named Sycamore Gap.

A symbol of pride for Hadrian’s Wall, Northumberland and the North East, Sycamore Gap was a testament to nature’s resilience and a beloved part of many lives, from marriage proposals to the scattering of ashes. Today, visitors stop not only to remember the tree but to be part of its story as it enters a new chapter. Whether you’re a history lover or a keen walker, this iconic stretch of Hadrian’s Wall still has plenty to offer.

If you are planning to visit the Sycamore Gap Tree Memorial, we would love to welcome you to our Northumberland campsite.

Check availability and book your stay today.

How do I get to Sycamore Gap from Herding Hill Farm?

From Herding Hill Farm:

• Driving: A 5-minute drive to The Sill or Steel Rigg car park, followed by a 1.5 mile scenic walk.
• Walking: Approximately a 1.5-hour walk straight from the site West to East staring at Cawfields Quarry with some great sections of Hadrian’s Wall and stunning views of the Northumberland landscape clearly visible along the way. 
  
  

Where can I stay near Sycamore Gap? 

Herding Hill Farm is a 5-star campsite just 3.5 miles from Sycamore Gap. There are lots of accommodation choices, including a Wigwam cabin called Sycamore Gap! Our Wigwam cabins are named after famous Hadrian’s Wall landmarks and our luxury en-suite Castle Pods after Northumberland castles.