Steel Rigg
Iconic section of Hadrian's Wall atop dramatic crags, offering breathtaking views and access to Sycamore Gap.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Steel Rigg
Best Time
Beat the crowds and secure parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic section of Hadrian's Wall atop dramatic crags, offering breathtaking views and access to Sycamore Gap.
"Perfect location for walking Hadrian’s Wall with an impressive landscape."
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Steel Rigg car park fills up quickly. Aim for early morning to guarantee a spot. Parking fees apply.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be steep. Wear boots or sturdy walking shoes for comfort and safety.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sycamore Gap Tree
Short walk from Steel Rigg
The iconic lone tree nestled in a dramatic dip along Hadrian's Wall. A must-see for photographers and fans of the landscape.
Hadrian's Wall Path
Directly accessible from Steel Rigg
Walk sections of this ancient Roman frontier, experiencing its impressive scale and the stunning Northumberland countryside.
Panoramic Views
Along the wall and surrounding crags
Breathtaking vistas of rolling hills and the dramatic landscape that Hadrian's Wall traverses. Perfect for soaking in the scenery.
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Planning Your Visit
Arrive Early for Parking
Gear Up for the Elements
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Insider Tips
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Do you have any tips or guidance for planning a walking & camping trip across Hadrian's Wall?
🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Steel Rigg car park fills up quickly. Aim for early morning to guarantee a spot. Parking fees apply.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be steep. Wear boots or sturdy walking shoes for comfort and safety.
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What are the most interesting parts of Hadrian’s wall to visit with kids?
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Expect wind and changeable conditions. Layers and waterproofs are highly recommended for this exposed area.
💧 No Facilities at Car Park
Bring your own water and snacks. Toilets are not available at the car park itself.
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Tips
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🚗 Arrive Early for Parking
Steel Rigg car park fills up quickly. Aim for early morning to guarantee a spot. Parking fees apply.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear Essential
The terrain is uneven and can be steep. Wear boots or sturdy walking shoes for comfort and safety.
🧥 Pack for All Weather
Expect wind and changeable conditions. Layers and waterproofs are highly recommended for this exposed area.
💧 No Facilities at Car Park
Bring your own water and snacks. Toilets are not available at the car park itself.
🚶♀️ Plan Your Walk
Steel Rigg is a great base for walks to Sycamore Gap or Housesteads Fort. Choose a route that suits your fitness.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Steel Rigg as a stunning and essential stop for experiencing Hadrian's Wall, particularly for its direct access to the iconic Sycamore Gap and breathtaking panoramic views. While the parking is convenient, it's noted as being small and filling up quickly, with limited amenities on-site. The terrain is beautiful but requires sturdy footwear and preparedness for the weather.
"Steel Rigg Car Park is in Northumberland National Park, off the B6318 (the Military Road), near the hamlet of Once Brewed / Twice Brewed.
Postcode: NE47 7AN.
The area is very close to key Hadrian’s Wall features: Sycamore Gap, Crag Lough, Hotbank Crags, Housesteads etc. It’s a great base for walks along Hadrian’s Wall.
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Facilities & Practical Info
Parking fees: Rough guideline is £4 for 3 hours, with additional time charged, and a maximum ~£10/day.
The car park is fairly large, but can get busy, especially in good weather and on weekends.
It is a pay and display car park.
Open 24 hours.
Limited amenities at the car park itself: no toilet facilities, limited shelter; walk paths lead to more amenities/tools.
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What You Can Do From There
Steel Rigg is a very good starting point for several walks:
Walk / Feature Distance / Type Notes
Sycamore Gap Walk ~5.5 km (3.4 mi) round trip from Steel Rigg Iconic tree beside Hadrian’s Wall. Scenic, moderate terrain.
Steel Rigg to Housesteads Fort ~6–10 km depending on route More of a hike, with historic Roman ruins, varied terrain and good views.
Circular Walks Various (~4 miles etc.) Paths combine wall walks, cliff / crag views, ridges; good for moderate fitness.
There are also viewpoints & ruins close to the car park: part of the curtain wall (Hadrian’s Wall), Roman turrets, crags etc.
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Things to Be Aware Of / Tips
Arrive early: the car park fills up quickly during busy periods.
Footwear & Gear: boots or sturdy walking shoes are advised. Some uneven/steep terrain.
Weather: exposed ridges and windy conditions are common; bring layers and waterproofs.
Facilities: since the car park has minimal amenities, plan ahead (toilets, food, water). The Twice Brewed Inn is a nearby pub / facility.
Wildlife & Scenery: great views, potentially varied wildlife, and historical interest. Photographic opportunities especially at Sycamore Gap and along the wall."
Tania Williams
"Great Parking super useful to visit Hadrian's Wall
The parking is really small so depending when you want to visit I would recommend coming early. If it is summer you might struggle to park. For us it was fine, really nice and not too expensive."
Paul Vivas
"Perfect location for walking Hadrian’s Wall. Straight on to the wall route from the car park with an impressive landscape to follow the wall along. We headed toward sycamore gap from the car park.
Lots of up and down and a great way to experience the wall.
The last photo is taken looking back towards the car park in the coppice of trees. Great day out.
Cost was £5 for 3 hours parking. Please note there a no amenities such as toilets and bins."
Adam Walker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Steel Rigg Car Park is located in Northumberland National Park, off the B6318 (Military Road), near Once Brewed. The postcode is NE47 7AN. It's accessible by car, but be aware the road can be narrow.
Public transport options are limited. While buses may run along the B6318, it's best to check local timetables. Driving is the most common and convenient way to reach Steel Rigg.
From the A69, take the B6318 (Military Road) west. Steel Rigg car park is signposted off this road. Be mindful of the narrow, winding nature of the B6318, especially if driving a larger vehicle.
Yes, there is a pay and display car park at Steel Rigg. However, it is quite small and can fill up very quickly, especially during peak times. Arriving early is highly recommended.
Parking fees are typically around £4-£5 for 3 hours, with additional charges for longer stays, up to a maximum daily rate. Prices can vary, so check the pay and display machines for current rates.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no tickets required to access the Steel Rigg area or walk along Hadrian's Wall. You only need to pay for parking if you are arriving by car.
The Steel Rigg car park is open 24 hours a day. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to enjoy the views.
Access to Hadrian's Wall itself is free. The only cost associated with visiting Steel Rigg is the parking fee for your vehicle.
Advance booking for parking at Steel Rigg is generally not available. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis, so arriving early is the best strategy.
Information on specific discounts for parking at Steel Rigg is not widely available. It's best to assume standard rates apply and check the pay and display machines.
🎫 🚶♀️ Onsite Experience
Steel Rigg is a prime location for walking Hadrian's Wall, with access to iconic spots like Sycamore Gap. You can also see parts of the Roman wall, turrets, and enjoy stunning panoramic views of the Northumberland landscape.
Popular walks include the ~5.5 km round trip to Sycamore Gap, or a longer hike towards Housesteads Roman Fort. Various circular walks are also available, offering diverse scenery and terrain.
The car park has very limited amenities. There are no toilets or bins directly at the car park. You'll need to plan for these facilities beforehand or at nearby locations like The Twice Brewed Inn.
The terrain can be uneven and include some steep sections, especially along the wall. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are essential. The walks are generally considered moderate.
Late afternoon, during the 'golden hour,' offers beautiful light for photography, especially at Sycamore Gap. However, this is also a popular time, so consider weekday mornings for fewer crowds.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The nearest convenient option is The Twice Brewed Inn, a pub located a short distance from the car park, offering food and drinks. It's advisable to check their opening times.
No, there are no food or drink vendors directly at the Steel Rigg car park. It's recommended to bring your own provisions or plan to visit a nearby establishment.
If you walk to Housesteads Roman Fort, there is a visitor centre with a cafe. This is a good option for refreshments after a longer walk.
Yes, you can have a picnic in the area. However, please remember to take all your litter with you as there are no bins at the car park.
The Twice Brewed Inn typically offers pub-style food, including meals, snacks, and drinks. It's a good place to refuel after a walk.
📸 📸 Photography
Sycamore Gap is a prime photography location. Other great spots include various points along Hadrian's Wall offering panoramic views and the Roman turrets.
Early morning or late afternoon (golden hour) provides the best light for landscape photography. However, these times can also be busy.
A good quality camera or even a smartphone with a decent camera will suffice. The natural beauty of the landscape is the main draw.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks and near historical sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in the area.
Sycamore Gap offers iconic shots of the lone tree against the backdrop of Hadrian's Wall and the rolling hills. It's particularly photogenic in different seasons and weather conditions.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Ensure children wear appropriate footwear for the uneven terrain. The open landscape can be exciting, but always keep a close eye on them, especially near the edges of the crags. Consider a shorter, out-and-back walk to Sycamore Gap rather than a longer circular route to keep younger ones engaged and prevent fatigue.
🚶 Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own food and drinks for a picnic. Instead of staying in nearby accommodation, consider it as a day trip or part of a larger walking and camping trip along Hadrian's Wall, as suggested by some travelers.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Walking Hadrian's Wall from Steel Rigg
For those seeking a more substantial hike, the walk west from Steel Rigg towards Housesteads Roman Fort is a popular choice. This route can be longer, depending on the exact path taken, and offers a deeper dive into Roman history with the well-preserved fort as a destination. The landscape continues to impress, with varied terrain that keeps the walk interesting. Remember that this is an exposed environment, so checking the weather and dressing appropriately is crucial for an enjoyable walk.
Circular walks are also a great way to experience the area. These routes often combine sections of the Wall Path with trails along the crags and through the valleys, providing a diverse perspective of the Northumberland National Park. These walks are generally suitable for those with moderate fitness levels and offer a comprehensive taste of the region's natural beauty and historical significance.
The Significance of Steel Rigg and Hadrian's Wall
The area around Steel Rigg is rich in historical interest, featuring not only the wall itself but also remnants of Roman turrets and milecastles, which served as observation posts and garrisons. Walking this section allows you to connect with centuries of history, imagining the lives of Roman soldiers stationed at this remote outpost. The natural beauty of the Northumberland landscape, with its rolling hills and rugged terrain, complements the historical significance, making it a captivating destination for both history buffs and nature lovers.
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