Standing in the Gap

A few years ago, my husband and I made a pilgrimage of sorts to see the Sycamore Gap Tree, a popular landmark in Northern England. Daylight was fading and rain was falling as we made our way along an uncertain path that, thanks to my husband’s keen navigation skills, led us up and down wet hills and slippery footpaths along Hadrian’s Wall until we reached one of the most photographed trees in England. In fact, The Northumberland National Park Authority said the site was its “most-photographed spot.” It is estimated that the tree stood in a dramatic dip in the landscape for at least two centuries.

Photo by Brian Klassen

It was beautiful, and well worth the hard walk in the rain to get there.

Though long sought after by British hikers and photographers, the tree was made internationally famous through the 1991 film, Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves, starring Kevin Costner, when it earned the nickname “Robin Hood’s Tree.”

We were saddened to learn that this popular landmark has recently been cut down in a heartless, or at least thoughtless, act of vandalism. We join with many others in mourning the tree’s loss.

photo by the National Trust

“Robin Hood’s tree” is no longer standing in the gap, but I am very grateful to have been there while it was.

Julie Klassen at the Sycamore Gap Tree, circa 2018.

Have you been there? If not, is there a similar landmark near and dear to your heart?