THIS FOREST IS CURRENTLY CLOSED DUE TO THE RECENT STORM. WE HOPE TO BE OPEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE
There is so much to access at Kielder.
Forest Walking
A number of forest walks radiate out from Kielder Castle (NE48 1ER), Dukes, Duchess, Deadwater, Viaduct and Gruffalo (family friendly) Walks can all be started from the Castle, each walk a different experience with epic views or more close up and peaceful parts of the forest.
On Lakeside Way you will find most of the award winning artworks such as the Forest Head.
More remote forest walks are also found at the following locations- these are usually very peaceful and away from the busier main area Kielder Water in the centre of the park.
Walks can be found at Sidwood, Hindhope Linn, Warksburn, Pundershaw and also a short walk at Falstone village.
Cycling/ Mountain Biking
The largest collection off road cycling/ mountain bike trails in one location in the UK are at Kielder,
with trails to select from-Borderline, Lakeside Way, Osprey, Lonesome Pine, Bloodybush (which links to Newcastleton 7 stanes trail) and finally the awesome Deadwater trails network (highest trail within England at 1900 ft).
Located adjacent to Kielder Castle is our on site cycle centre operated by The Bike Place- with an excellent range or modern cycles for hire and a large range of new and latest in market electric bikes for leisure and mountain biking- this is a real must visit if you are into cycling, also the centre has all the information on all the trails, events and any diversions in place due to operational works in the forest.
Horse Riding
Horse riding is welcomed on Lakeside Way and the forest road network throughout the 250 square miles, but as this is a major working forest in the UK, horse riders tend to use the quieter areas such as Pundershaw or Sidwood which are closer to Bellingham.
Wildlife
Wildlife and nature watching @ Kielder is a must do visit in Northumberland, with Ospreys in summer months, Red Squirrels, Water Voles, Roe Deer, Buzzards, Gos Hawks, Feral Goats, Adders- the challenge is to keep quiet to see some of our native residents.
Top tip- dawn and dusk is a really great times to see nature at it's best compared to main daytime with more people moving about and the wildlife keeping out of sight.
Overnight Camper Van Parking
Forestry England allows overnight Camper van parking for only £10.00 per evening at the following car parks- note day time charge apply up until 9pm in addition to the overnight charge,.
Elf Kirk View Point, Skyspace/ Observatory car park, Kielder Castle main car parks.
Kielder Forest Drive
The longest forest drive is here at Kielder linking through from Kielder Castle in the North Tyne Valley going over the higher lands of Kielder to Blakehopeburnhaugh in Redesdale valley where you can find the Hindhope Linn Waterfall Walk.
Food to go
Food to go is available during 2021 from our partners The Street Diner at Kielder Castle (NE48 1ER) 7 days a week from April - October.
What else?
Kielder is a vast working forest and you may see forest operations in your visit, although these can be really exciting to see with large machines felling trees but it is important to always observe all signage and instructions to keep everyone safe.
Timber Lorrys are large vehicles on forest roads so again being mindful the forest is also a working environment as well as a visitor attraction is really important.
Events
Kielder Forest hosts 100's of event per year from motorsport, mountain biking, Kielder Marathon through to the more easy going annual vintage and classic vehicle show. Events