Discover Kielder Forest
Kielder’s border forest simply oozes adventure. Thrillingly remote, yet easily accessible, it sits in Northumberland’s western outpost of Kielder Water and Forest Park which spans 250 square miles, and is the largest planted forest in England with 150 million trees. 2026 marks 100 years since Kielder Forest was first planted, and there's never been a better time to explore this remarkable corner of Northumberland. Discover more about the centenary celebrations.
Forest walking
Start your adventure at Kielder Castle, where trails suit all ages and abilities, each offering unforgettable views across Kielder Water, the surrounding forest and Northumberland's landscape. The Lakeside Way is the must-do route, a 26 mile multi-user trail encircling Kielder Water. Take on the full loop, tackle it during the annual Kielder Marathon, or pick a shorter section on foot or by bike. For something quieter, explore Sidwood, Hindhope Linn, Warksburn and Falstone, each with its own character.
Cycling and mountain biking
With over 100 miles of trails, from forest roads to technical singletrack, Kielder has something for every rider, from beginners to seasoned mountain bikers. Alongside the Lakeside Way, there's a full range of graded mountain bike routes, from the green Borderline and blue Osprey trails through to the red and black graded Deadwater, where the downhill sections reward you with views across Northumberland and into the Scottish Borders. Bring your own bike or hire one locally, including e-bikes, for even more ground covered.
Kielder's ospreys are a huge highlight for nature lovers too. Following an absence of about 200 years in Northumberland, they returned to nest at Kielder in 2009, and by 2019 the forest was home to six breeding pairs.
A perfect family day out
Get lost in the Minotaur Maze, hunt for the Gruffalo, or follow Witch along the Room on the Broom trail. With this much walking and cycling on offer, there's plenty for little legs to explore too.
Discover forest wildlife
Keep an eye out for red squirrels, roe deer, otters and bats as you explore. Kielder is also home to the largest natural colony of ospreys in the UK, and nearby Kielder Salmon Centre offers a fascinating look at conservation work protecting salmon and freshwater pearl mussels.
Make a night of it
Kielder sits within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, one of the best places in the country to stargaze thanks to minimal light pollution. Visit Kielder Observatory for an unforgettable evening, or simply take a peaceful walk under the stars, keeping an eye out for the Northern Lights. Motorhome and campervan visitors are welcome to stay overnight in selected car parks for a small fee.
Kielder Forest Drive
Kielder Forest Drive is England's longest and highest forest drive, a spectacular 12 mile route on forest roads between Kielder Castle and Blakehopeburnhaugh on the A68, open seasonally from May to December. Climbing to over 450 metres above sea level, be sure to stop at Blakehope Nick for stunning views from The Nick, designed by Newcastle University's School of Architecture. It's a budget-friendly toll road, payable at the Kielder Castle entrance or exit point. Please note the drive is an unsurfaced road, best suited to 4x4 vehicles rather than low-to-the-ground cars.
Explore the surrounding villages
Head to remote and practically hidden Kielder Village, which is encompassed by Kielder Forest’s stunning woodland. This idyllic springboard for a number of activities that the surrounding forest has to offer sits below the awe-inspiringly starry skies of the International Dark Sky Park. Turn your visit into a stay for a night or two and find accommodation in Kielder.
Experience Bellingham’s village charm, riverside setting and spectacular countryside. Traditional pubs and stone cottages give it that small village charm, while nearby waterfalls, trails and cycling routes offer ample opportunity for exploration. Take a walk around the mystical Hareshaw Linn, a wooded gorge where the Victorians held ethereal musical evenings alongside a tumbling waterfall. Do lunch at the Carriages Tearoom at Bellingham Heritage Centre, where local fare is served aboard restored 1950s train carriages.
Also surrounded by stunning woodland is the small village of Falstone which is nestled between Kielder and Bellingham. It is an excellent spot to explore Kielder Forest, Northumberland National Park and even the Scottish borders, and to experience local and traditional village activities including its annual agricultural show.
Nearby Otterburn village is another spot worth visiting, boasting a vibrant, welcoming community and picturesque setting. Not to mention a violent history which is almost undetectable against the peaceful landscape of the Redesdale Valley, where birds and animals thrive on Otterburn Ranges. Why not stretch your visit over a night or two and find places to stay in Otterburn.
Kielder Forest is cared for by Forestry England, who manage the trails, forest drive and wider woodland. Visit their site for the latest on trail conditions, walking routes and deeper detail on the forest's history.
