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Leave Steel Rigg car park through the wicket gate and follow Hadrian's Wall east. The steep steps up Peel Crags soon give a wide view across the moors. Continue past Milecastle 39 and through Sycamore Gap, where the tree was felled in 2023. The next stretch runs along Highshield Crags above Crag Lough, with the lake lying beneath the cliffs.
Near Hotbank Farm, turn away from the Wall and return west across the fields. Gates and stiles lead onto the farm track near Peatrigg, followed by a short uphill road walk back to the car park.
Allow two to two and a half hours. There are repeated steep climbs, rocky steps, uneven grass and exposed cliff edges. Boots with good grip are useful, especially when the stone is wet. Carry a waterproof layer because the ridge catches the wind. Keep dogs on a lead around sheep and cattle, and use the gates and stiles rather than climbing the Roman masonry. Parking at Steel Rigg is charged.
From the B6318 beside The Sill and Twice Brewed, take the road north signed Steel Rigg. The National Park car park is on the right at the top of the hill. Start on its internal aisle beside the path to the wicket gate. Parking is charged; check the signs.
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