People Can Hug the Sycamore Gap Tree Again – A New Chapter for Walkers on Hadrian’s Wall
Walkers exploring the iconic Hadrian’s Wall trail now have a new reason to pause and reflect. A powerful new installation at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre allows visitors to reconnect, literally, with a piece of the legendary Sycamore Gap tree, almost two years after it was illegally felled in an act that shocked the world.
The Sycamore Gap was more than just a tree, it was a living landmark, a symbol of the wild beauty of Northumberland National Park, and a favourite stop for thousands of walkers on the Hadrian’s Wall route. Its silhouette, nestled in a dramatic dip in the landscape, became one of the most photographed scenes in the UK.
Now, thanks to an extraordinary piece of craftsmanship and public collaboration, walkers can once again touch, sit beside, and draw strength from the tree - or at least a meaningful part of it.
A New Landmark for Walkers
Installed just two miles from where the original tree stood, the new Sycamore Gap sculpture features a large section of the trunk, more than 6ft in length, mounted upright and surrounded by three curved wooden benches.
Created by sculptor Charlie Whinney and the Creative Communities art collective, the piece blends natural form with deep emotion. The steam-bent canopies above the benches mirror the landscape’s curves, while the benches themselves are inscribed with words submitted by the public—many from walkers who shared their personal connections to the tree.
A Touchstone for Memory and Hope
Whether you scattered ashes under the original tree, proposed beneath its branches, or simply paused there for a sandwich mid-hike, this new installation allows you to reconnect with those moments. You’re encouraged to touch the trunk, sit and reflect, and read the words that form a kind of living poem, unique to each person who visits.
As Tony Gates, CEO of the Northumberland National Park Authority, said, “To be sat here today to be part of that tree with this beautiful installation... it gives me a ray of hope for the future.”
Walkers’ Way to the Tree
If you’re planning a walking holiday in Northumberland or tackling Hadrian’s Wall Path, make time to visit The Sill Discovery Centre, just a short detour off the trail. Not only will you see the sculpture up close, but you’ll also enjoy sweeping views of the National Park and a centre dedicated to celebrating the local landscape.
For those joining us on one of our Shepherds Walks Hadrian’s Wall guided walking holidays, this is a stop we now include in many of our itineraries—both for its beauty and the poignant story it tells.
Planning Your Walk to Sycamore Gap
🥾 Route: Most walkers pass the original Sycamore Gap location on the section between Steel Rigg and Housesteads on Hadrian’s Wall Path.
📍 New Location: The sculpture is at The Sill: National Landscape Discovery Centre, just 2 miles from the tree’s original site.
📅 When to visit: Open year-round, with indoor and outdoor access.
Why It Matters to Walkers
For many of us, walking isn’t just about exercise—it’s about connecting with place, memory, and emotion. The new Sycamore Gap installation does just that. It invites us to remember, to grieve, and ultimately, to hope.
And it serves as a reminder that even in loss, landscapes, and the people who walk them - find a way to heal.
Shepherds Walks is proud to continue sharing the stories of Northumberland’s most loved landmarks and guiding walkers on unforgettable journeys through the region’s wild beauty.
Further reading
1. Walking holidays on Hadrian's Wall
2. Self-led walking guide on Hadrian's Wall - starting near The Sill
3. Day long guided walks on Hadrian's Wall