On 26 November 2021, the north of England experienced significant northerly winds leading to storm damage which affected trees, buildings and other infrastructure. Storm Malik and Storm Corrie over weekend 29th/30th January 2022 and Storm Dudley on 16th February has led to more trees falling over and slowing down the recovery process.
Forestry England are still working through the implementation of the safe and prompt removal of windblown trees across our forests and multiple sites, including our access trails.
The good news is now we are into only 9 areas of significance remains to be impacted for access across the forests within Northumberland.
Key sites such as Thrunton Wood have several work sites underway, however these are being hampered by the public ignoring safety signage and in turn slowing down works. Additional safety fencing and even more signage has been added to ensure the work sites can continue safely.
Kidland Forest although badly affected with damaged areas does have a good forest road network leading out to the Cheviots and legal access route diversion signage is being installed and the remote Uswayford Forest in time for Easter weekend.
At Harbottle the popular Drakestone Walk is open, and the main forest car park will also be open around Easter weekend in addition the full loop of the walk (working in collaboration with Otterburn MOD Foresters) will be reopened to support local businesses.
Kielder Forest
Forest Walks
| Facility / Route name |
Open / Closed / Partially Open |
Updates |
| Skyspace / Kielder Observatory |
Open with diversion using forest road. |
Will remain closed into 2024. |
| Wild Trails (near Kielder Castle) |
Closed - currently being cleared for the summer. |
Closed until further notice. |
| Sidwood Bastle Trail |
Last section after Waterhead closed. |
Will be closed until Autumn 2023. |
Cycle Trail / Mountain Bike Facilities
| Facility / Route name |
Open / Closed / Partially Open |
Updates |
| Lonesome Pine Trail |
Partially open, however all main descents (fun parts) blocked, allows access onto Bloodybush Trail. |
Skydive section ONLY open. Long term closure on rest of trail - due to reopen in 2024. |
| Cycle Skills Loop |
Closed - new facility to be built. |
Closed until 2024. |
Information on routes available to walk or cycle are available on the Visit Kielder website: www.visitkielder.com
Wider Northumberland Forests
| Forest Name |
Open / Closed / Partially Open |
Updates |
| Wooler Common |
Forest walk and St Cuthberts Way northwards is open |
Only rights of way southside is blocked.
Opening summer 2023. |
| Harbottle |
Car park and Public Right of Way. |
Public Right of Way to Drakestone is open but car park and top section of walk around forest (to give a circular walk) being worked on for Easter 2023 opening. |
| Thrunton |
Closed to allow works to be carried out safely. |
Clear up work has commenced - summer 2023 opening timeline. |
| Kidland |
Forest roads open, legal rights of way mainly blocked. |
Rights of way blocked - Kidland is badly affected with storm damage diversions on forest roads which are all now open. |
Forestry England continue to ask that everyone stays on the main forest roads and tracks and always adhere to all information/ warning signs and barriers.
We thank you for your patience and co-operation.