For 2 years running, I have set myself a challenge and this years is called “Keith’s Double Challenge” and it will include31/08 Middlesbrough 10K7/9 Great North Run28/9 Loch Ness Marathon5/10 Kielder MarathonI will be raising funds for MNDA (Motor Neurone Disease Association) in memory of a close family friend, Colin Brown of Normanby, Middlesbrough who died of the disease in 2009. “Uncle Colin” was greatly involved with the Methodist Church and was youth club leader for over 40 years. Since his passing I have raised over £8000 in aid of the association and my biggest achievement was in 2012 when I completed the London Marathon, my first and raised over £3000. I will be hoping to raise around £500 this year.I built on my last year’s challenge by adding the Kielder Marathon onto my plan on the way home. I love running in beautiful surroundings and after all the press coverage of a few years ago I earmarked it. Also I have never run a marathon off road so I'm looking forward to the challenge. I am not interested in times this year just completing them after suffering 2 chest infections since late April. In July I thought I would never do anything this year.I started training again on 3rd August and did 10K at my marathon pace and as long as by mid – September I have run over 21 miles I will be pleased.Kielder Marathon Weekend is taking place on 4th & 5th October and with a 10K, Run Bike Run, Marathon and Junior Runs there is something for all the family! Sign up today at www.kieldermarathon.com.

A North East swimming champion has made history by being the first person to swim from one end of northern Europe’s largest man-made lake to the other – and without a wetsuit.UK & former world winter swimming champion and channel swimmer, Colin Hill, swam the length of Northumbrian Water’s Kielder Water in Kielder Water & Forest Park, Northumberland on Tuesday July 15, 2014.In temperatures around 17 degrees Celsius, and depths of up to 170 feet (52 metres), the 10k dam to dam swim took Colin a speedy two hours to complete.The 43-year-old from Hexham who now lives in Ambleside, Cumbria, swam the English Channel solo in 10 hours 30 minutes in 2009. He was also the Marathon Swimming Technical Operations Manager at the 2012 London Olympic Games.Colin is the first person to ever swim across the reservoir and he tackled it to launch Kielder’s first Open Water Swim which will take place in September, organised by Vital Events.He said: “I’ve wanted to swim Kielder Water for many years and I’m thrilled that I was asked to undertake this unique swim across the biggest reservoir in northern Europe. You don’t get to do that every day!“It was a great swim, the conditions were good and it was amazing to see the dam getting closer and closer. To touch the wall at the end was really special, I’m proud that I’ve done it.“Open water swimming is an increasingly popular sport and to do open water swimming in Kielder is a special thing to do – I recommend that people embrace these events when they can but remind them that nobody should swim in open waters without proper training and support.”Anyone who has ever fancied testing the waters of the giant reservoir, which has a 27.5 mile shoreline, will get the one-off opportunity to do so on Sunday September 7, 2014.Entrants can choose from the classic mile swim, a 3.8km Iron Distance swim or the ultimate test – a 10km swimming Marathon.Peter Pattinson, Guest Services Manager for Operations at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re delighted to be holding such an exciting event and a first for Kielder Water. While our reservoir can be great place to enjoy organised activities like this, it is very deep and cold and is a dangerous place to swim.“Under normal circumstances public swimming is never allowed. The Kielder Open Water Swim is a unique event organised by professionals and we are working in partnership with Vital Events to make sure that special safety measures are in place and all our participants must wear wetsuits.”THE RACES1 mile Classic(age 15 years+) £243.8k Iron Distance(age 17 years+) £3010k Marathon(age 18 years+) £69To book a place, log on to the event website at www.vitalevents.co.uk. For enquiries telephone 01695 351007 or email [email protected].

Kielder Water & Forest Park has scored a hat-trick as a third osprey nest with chicks is revealed.To have three breeding pairs so close to each other is a new record in England for the rare species, which re-colonised naturally in Kielder in 2009 after an absence of more than 170 years.Tom Dearnley, Forestry Commission Ecologist, said: “This is fantastic news, the Kielder ospreys continue to go from strength to strength, thanks to the natural environment of Kielder, work of the Wildlife Rangers to provide safe nest locations and superb volunteers.”Since 2011, visitors to the Park have delighted in following the story of the two breeding pairs and for a couple of seasons, an artificial nest platform erected by the Forestry Commission had attracted a third pair of ospreys.Tom explained: “Everything seemed to be progressing towards successful breeding in 2013, but for unknown reasons no eggs were laid. This is not unusual for young, inexperienced osprey pairs.“This year, mating was observed during April and the female was seen incubating thereafter. By mid-June it was confirmed that there was at least one chick on the nest.”At over 250 square miles, the mix of forest and water is perfect for the species. The ospreys feast on trout from the largest man-made lake in northern Europe, Northumbrian Water’s Kielder Reservoir, and nest among England’s largest working forest.Tom added: “We are also delighted to announce that thanks to several generous donations, we will be able to find out much more about our ospreys after they leave Northumberland as we will be fitting three young birds with GSM transmitters. These tiny ‘backpacks’ communicate with the mobile phone network and tell us where the birds are year round.”With the other two well established nests having six healthy chicks between them, everything is on track for a record number of chicks to fly away from Kielder on their long migration to Africa in September. In the meantime, cameras installed in the nests mean visitors can watch the action unfold on CCTV footage beamed live into Kielder Castle and Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park.Fans of the famous birds can also keep up to date with them and the progress of the chicks by checking the blog at kielderospreys.wordpress.com.Kielder Osprey Watch 2014 will run every weekend from 11am - 4.30pm until the chicks fledge in August, behind the Boat Inn restaurant at Leaplish Waterside Park.This season, the Osprey Watch has a powerful new telescope generously funded by the Northumberland and North Tyneside Bird Club.The Osprey Watch is organised by Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust and Northumberland Wildlife Trust, with support from the RSPB. The partners are working hard to ensure that the ospreys are here to stay by maintaining a high quality habitat in Kielder Water & Forest Park and safeguarding and monitoring the nest site.To find out more, go to www.visitkielder.com.

Mums, Dads and Kids! Get outdoors and active this summer in the natural adventure park of Walltown on Hadrian’s Wall, near Haltwhistle. • Fly through the air on a zipwire • Test your strength and accuracy at archery• Take to the water in zorb or canoe• Go wild with frisbee golf• Wow the crowds with circus skills• Dig in to an Archaeology scavenger hunt• Have a go a forest crafts• Solar-gazing with the pros, food, stalls and a great big beautiful park to run, jump, play and picnic inHave a look at our video of the fun we had last year and download the flier.Look out for the latest information on tickets and promotions, or on Facebook and Twitter @NorthumberlndNP #NlandFUN (Voucher in Raring2Go)

In recent years scientists have gained great insights into our Universe and now is a fantastic time to bring your own knowledge and understanding up to date through our Cosmology Workshops hosted at Kielder Observatory.Communicating science at all levels is our passion and we'll be presenting the latest scientific theories in ways that are both accessible and readily understood, no matter your background or experience in Astronomy.From the big bang to star formation and black holes to supernovas these courses will broaden your knowledge and open your mind to a whole Universe you may never know existed! Delivered using a concept-based approach avoiding jargon and complex mathematics we'll bring you closer to Cosmology through the use of animations and amazing imagery – then when darkness falls you'll be able to see it in action for yourselves through our large aperture telescopes!Expert tuition will be given by experienced lecturers including observatory Director Gary Fildes and Dr Fred Stevenson (formerly of Durham University), also on hand will be experienced Astronomers to answer all of your questions and guide you around the night sky.Come and join us for an evening that will leave you inspired.The Cosmology Workshops run on the following dates:08/06/14 from 18:00 to 23:0015/06/14 from 18:00 to 23:0022/06/14 from 18:00 to 23:00Book your place on one of our events via the Kielder Observatory website. Normal 0 false false false EN-GB X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable{mso-style-name:"Table Normal";mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0;mso-tstyle-colband-size:0;mso-style-noshow:yes;mso-style-priority:99;mso-style-qformat:yes;mso-style-parent:"";mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt;mso-para-margin:0cm;mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt;mso-pagination:widow-orphan;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri;mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast;mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;}

Spend the evening around the camp fire at our once-a-year Star-BQ and enjoy the fabulous sunset over Kielder reservoir from our perfect vantage point high upon Black Fell. We'll be observing our closest star the Sun through special solar telescopes and perhaps catch a glimpse of the elusive planet Mercury, a sight not often seen due to its close proximity to the sun.Then as the skies darken and as we enjoy our food the stars will begin to appear and you'll be given a tour of the constellations and what to look out for in the summer skies.The majestic planet Saturn will be well placed and with its moons and ring system looks amazing through a telescope, a must see! The event is timed to allow plenty of opportunity observing this (and many other) celestial wonders.Reserve your place via the Kielder Observatory website, be quick as this event always sells out! It will be a wonderful night and one that you'll never forget!

It’s official! Northumberland has England’s Best B&B and Holiday Village! Two Northumberland businesses have been awarded Gold as winners of their categories at the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014 ceremony.The Gold award is the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism in England which VisitEngland can bestow, the awards being presented at a glittering awards ceremony held on 12th May 2014 at The Jockey Club at Cheltenham Racecourse. Both winners are from the seaside town of Seahouses, making it the new must-visit destination in England. St Cuthbert’s House won the B&B/Guest House of the Year category and Seafield Park won the Holiday Village of the Year category, meaning visitors to Northumberland are spoiled for choice when it comes to quality accommodation.Also recognised in the awards was Leaplish Waterside Park at Kielder, who received the Bronze award in the Holiday Village of the Year category. Commenting on the Awards, James Berresford, VisitEngland’s Chief Executive said “We received hundreds of applications of an exceptionally high quality making the competition for a Gold Award extremely tough. It is therefore a tremendous achievement for two Northumberland businesses to win a Gold Award, the highest accolade for Excellence in Tourism which VisitEngland can bestow. They have raised the bar for excellence for others to aspire to and I warmly congratulate them both on their exemplary contribution to tourism in this country." Jude Leitch, general manager of Northumberland Tourism added “I’m delighted that three of Northumberland’s accommodation providers have been recognised as the best in England, and congratulate all of them on their hard work and dedication to providing the highest levels of quality and service. Their success in the Visit England Awards for Excellence proves that visitors to Northumberland can expect a welcome that is second to none!”

Windsurfing at Kielder Water Sailing Club (KWSC) was given a boost earlier this week in the form of a £9000 grant from Sport England.Over the past few years, windsurfing at Kielder has been on the crest of a wave, as Windsurf Instructor Brian Coates explains: "In just a few short years Kielder Water Sailing Club has gone from no windsurfing to a successful Team15 youth racing team and Royal Yachting Association (RYA) Training Centre recognised for all levels, from Start Windsurfing through to freestyle, racing, intermediate and advanced skills.""The £9000 Sport England grant is for our windsurfing project "More Families Afloat More Often," said KWSC Chief Instructor, Julie Gibbon. "This builds on our "Families Afloat" project which began in 2012.""The new grant will allow us to buy a number of intermediate windsurfing boards and rigs and a trailer to transport up to 10 boards and rigs to windsurfing events, both in the north east and country wide."One windsurfer at Kielder who also loves competing around the country is Jane Vallance, Captain of the KWSC RYA Team15 youth racing squad:"I love windsurfing because it's an exciting sport that anyone can do. Kielder is a great place to windsurf and, because the lake is shared with other water sports, it gives you the chance to try new things. There's a lot of equipment available that anyone of any age can use; there are opportunities to become an instructor and/or race in a team and everyone is very supportive.""Kielder Water Sailing Club is also a friendly and family orientated club with an active social calendar," continued Brian Coates. "New members, whatever their experience, are always welcome. So if you are a windsurfer already, or just fancy having a go, please come along to the club and see it for yourself."May 2014 is National Watersports Month and Kielder Water Sailing Club is one of many clubs around the region taking part in the RYA Push The Boat Out weekend on 17/18 May 2014. The club will be open to visitors from 10am to 5pm on Saturday 17th May. Visitors can take a trial sail on the lake with an experienced club member and afterwards enjoy food and drinks from the club galley and soak up the friendly, family atmosphere. Anyone wanting to sail, please bring some old clothes and a wet or drysuit, if you have one. Buoyancy aids will be provided.For more information about Kielder Water Sailing Club visit www.kielderwatersc.organd to find out more about Push The Boat Out and your nearest RYA sailing club or training centre visit:http://www.rya.org.uk/programmes/pushtheboatout/map/Pages/NorthEast.aspx

The Northumberland Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Partnership is holding a photography competition this summer to find a cover-shot for their 2015 Northumberland Coast Visitor Guide.The image on the front cover of current Visitor Guide, of an Arctic Tern on Inner Farne, was taken by last year’s winner, Robert Birnie from Suffolk. Robert said “It's great to think that forty-thousand copies of my shot have now been reproduced on the cover of the Visitor Guide and that it will encourage people to explore more of the Northumberland coast”Cllr John Woodman, Chair of the AONB Partnership, who helped to judge last year’s competition said “It was really interesting to look through the entries and such a difficult job to choose a winner. First impressions count, so it is really important to have a stunning front cover that will encourage visitors to pick up a copy and read it.”The winner will not only have their photograph on the front of forty-thousand Visitor Guides but will also receive a half-day photographic experience with local photographer Andy Craig.Photos submitted can be of virtually anything, but to be eligible, the photo must have been taken within the Northumberland Coast AONB in 2014.Images need to be submitted in an electronic format and be of a high enough resolution to be used on the cover of the guide. More advice, previous visitor guide covers and the full set of rules are on the AONB website www.northumberlandcoastaonb.org. The closing date for entries is the 1st October 2014.

St Cuthbert’s House has been named as a finalist in the Guest Accommodation category of the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014.As a finalist St Cuthbert’s House now goes forward to the glittering Awards Ceremony which is being held on Monday 12 May 2014 at Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire.Owners Jeff & Jill Sutheran will have to wait until the Awards Ceremony to find out which award they will receive – but as finalists are guaranteed to receive either a Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended Award.James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland said “We receive hundreds of applications each year, of an extremely high standard, so it is a tremendous achievement for St Cuthbert’s House to be named as a finalist and to represent the top five in their category in England.”After a long and painstaking restoration and conversion of the disused church - which carefully integrated many original features like the pulpit and communion table - the business opened seven years ago, providing high-quality guest accommodation in six ensuite bedrooms. It has built a strong reputation, bolstered by its 5-star grading from VisitBritain and recommendations on peer-review websites like Tripadvisor.Owner Jill Sutheran said: “It’s a real honour for us to be selected as a finalist for the National Award. There are some fantastic tourism businesses from around the whole country in the mix, and to be named amongst the top five is just wonderful. It’s good for our business of course, but we’re also pleased to be talking about the Northumberland coast as a wonderful place to visit!”

Former British Olympian and world record holder Steve Cram has unveiled plans today for the fifth Kielder marathon.This year, Britain’s most beautiful marathon, will take place on Sunday October 5 2014, and will once again follow an off-road route around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water in Northumberland.Hugely successful and popular with outdoor adventure enthusiasts around the UK and further afield, Kielder marathon returns with new headline sponsors, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.Popular athletics commentator and event director, Steve Cram, said: “I’m delighted that we’re back for a fifth time, maintaining our long running title as ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’.“This year I’m pleased to welcome on board our new partners, Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council. We very much look forward to working with them to continue developing the Kielder Marathon weekend as a real destination event for all active people across the UK.“The star of the show continues to be Kielder Water, a perfect stage for the most beautiful running and cycling event in the UK.”Councillor Val Tyler, policy board member for community infrastructure and culture at Northumberland County Council, said: “I can’t think of a more beautiful or inspiring place than Kielder to walk, run or cycle as part of a day out or holiday with the family.“Kielder Marathon is going from strength to strength each year and I am very proud that Northumberland County Council is supporting Active Northumberland to sponsor this year’s event. We want to encourage more people to get active and experience the brilliant outdoors offer we have on our doorstep.”The marathon has become a firm favourite in the racing calendar thanks to its spectacular setting and unique course. At approximately 26 miles long it is the ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge. Event organisers are expecting up to 3,000 runners to take part in the gruelling event.The event will start and finish at Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park and be part of a whole weekend of activities for all ages and abilities, including the Kielder 10K which takes place on Saturday October 4. The other events are Kielder Run Bike Run relay and the Kielder Junior Races for children.Last year a record breaking number of entrants took part in the Run Bike Run, which saw more than 200 bikes in use at the transition stations!Maxine Mayhew, Commercial Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “We’re thrilled to be able to host this hugely successful event year on year, and in such a spectacular rural environment.“Held over two days, the events of the whole weekend can give a boost to the local economy and showcase all that the region has to offer.”Marathon places will be allocated on a first come first served basis – there is no ballot this year. Runners who deferred their place last year will be contacted separately. To book a place log on to the event website atwww.kieldermarathon.com. For enquiries telephone 01434 689040 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm).Last year’s winner was champion Ceri Rees, who retained his title from 2012 with a winning time of 2hr 43min 55sec. The first female to cross the finish line was Victoria Nealon from Warwickshire with a winning time of 3hr 22min 41 sec.The Kielder Marathon team is delighted to be working with Active Northumberland and Northumberland County Council.Bruce Ledger, Head of Leisure Services, from Active Northumberland, said: “Active Northumberland is proud and delighted to sponsor the 5th Kielder Marathon. “We are keen to support and encourage the success of this great event as we are passionate about inspiring local people to live healthier and physically active lives.”Northumbrian Water is once again hosting the event in Kielder Water & Forest Park which will be jointly organised by DS Media & Events.THE EVENTSKielder 10K on Saturday 4 October 2014 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £20 for affiliated/ £22 unaffiliated runners General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £23 for affiliated/ £25 unaffiliated runnersKielder Run-Bike-Run on Saturday 4 October 2014 For individuals or teams of three – the marathon route in three stages. First, an 11k run, second a 26km cycle ride and finally 5km sprint. Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £50 for individuals/ £70 for teams General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £60 for individuals/ £80 for teamsActive Northumberland Kielder Marathon on Sunday 5 October 2014 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 18 April: £30 for affiliated/ £32 unaffiliated runners General Grouse Price – from 19 April onwards: £35 for affiliated/ £37 unaffiliated runnersKielder Junior Runs on Sunday 5 October 2014 £8 for all age groups The Osprey (880m race for children aged seven to nine) The Roman Mile (1.48km race for children aged ten to twelve) The Centurion (2.5km race for children ages thirteen to fifteen)

Relaxing in style in one of the newly refurbished lodges at Leaplish Waterside Park. Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park has been named as a finalist in the prestigious VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2014.The lodges and caravan park at Kielder Water, Northumberland is set to go head to head with top tourism destinations nationally, at a glittering awards ceremony held at Cheltenham Racecourse on Monday 12 May 2014.The holiday destination has been recognised in the Holiday Park of the Year category, meaning it is guaranteed to receive Gold, Silver, Bronze or Highly Commended.Leaplish was awarded Gold in its category at the North East England Tourism Awards in November last year and in addition has been selected to represent the North East at the upcoming national awards.This award continues the roll of honour for the whole destination, Kielder Water & Forest Park, which scooped Gold in the Tourism Experience of the Year category at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2013.The VisitEngland Awards attracted 368 national applications for the 2014 Awards – an increase of 15% on 2013.Maxine Mayhew, Commercial Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “Leaplish has gone from strength to strength in the last few years, and to be ranked among the best holiday parks that England has to offer is a fantastic achievement.“Everyone involved has worked really hard to come this far and we are very proud to fly the tourism flag for the North East.”James Berresford, Chief Executive of VisitEngland, said: “I would like to congratulate all those nominated as finalists for this year’s VisitEngland Awards for Excellence. “We receive hundreds of applications each year of an extremely high standard, so it is a tremendous achievement for Northumbrian Water’s Leaplish Waterside Park to become a finalist and to represent the top five in their category in England. I wish all the finalists the very best of luck for the Awards Ceremony in May”The shoreline of the largest man-made lake in northern Europe is the spectacular setting for 32 luxury Scandinavian lodges and 99 touring pitches, each one boasting a panoramic view stretching over the vast lake and forest.Since the build of the giant Kielder reservoir over thirty years ago, Northumbrian Water has led the development of Kielder Water & Forest Park as a tourist destination and in the last year, overnight stays at Leaplish Waterside Park have increased from 72% to 80%.The lodges at Leaplish have recently been renovated to five star standard and offer a stargazing heaven, located within Northumberland International Dark Sky Park - the largest Dark Sky Park in Europe.‘Like’ Kielder Water & Forest Park on Facebook – www.facebook.com/kielderFollow Kielder Water & Forest Park on Twitter - @visitkielderFor more information contact Janine Scott, Communications Advisor (Kielder Water & Forest Park) on 0191 301 5538 or [email protected].