Kielder Water & Forest Park won gold to be officially recognised as the best tourism experience in the country.The park won the prestigious honour at the VisitEngland 2013 Awards for Excellence held last night (May 20) at Old Trafford, Manchester.Elisabeth Rowark, Director, Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, said: “We are thrilled to have been recognised as the very best tourism experience in the whole of the country and it was a great honour to represent North East England at these top national awards.“Our members across the Park in the last year have enjoyed an increase in the number of visitors to their attractions to nearly 370,000 and the best has yet to come.“This year will see exciting developments including our bid for Dark Sky Park status, growth of the art and architecture programme, capital developments across several of our visitor centres and an ever growing, action packed event programme that is attracting visitors from across the UK.”Stacy Burlett, Head of Customer and Cultural Services for Northumberland County Council, said: Tourism is a vital economic generator for our county providing 11% of our employment and an area the Council is committed to growing. We are proud to be a core partner on Kielder Water & Forest Park and celebrate its success as a key destination for Northumberland.”Kate Priestly, Chair of Northumberland Tourism, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Kielder Water & Forest Park has been recognised in the National Tourism Awards as one of the must visit destinations in Northumberland.“More than nine million people visit the county each year contributing a staggering £706 million to our local economy.“There is no doubt that Kielder Water & Forest Park is an outstanding tourism experience, offering unrivalled events and playing a significant part in the success of tourism in Northumberland.”Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information go to www.visitkielder.com.‘Like’ Kielder Water & Forest Park on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/kielderFollow Kielder Water & Forest Park on Twitter - @visitkielder

Making the Wooler area the cycling capital of north Northumberland is behind this year’s extended programme of events organised by Wooler Cycle Hub.With thousands of riders, supporters and their families expected to visit the area to attend the main events in May and October, the organisers have urged local businesses to take advantage of the increased footfall in the area.After the hugely successful Wooler Wheel 100km cycle ride last October, the requests from entrants for a ride earlier in the year has prompted the organisers to set up a three new events this May.On Saturday, May 11 the first Wooler Wheel 160 will take place, extending last year’s 100km route southwards to Coquetdale and into Northumberland National Park. There will also be a 100km and 80km route on offer too.Beth Mills, chairperson of Wooler Cycle Hub, said: “Last year’s event brought in 350 riders to the area, and all their families, so the events are a great opportunity for local businesses to get on board and generate increased footfall through their doors.“The events in May and October are an opportunity to showcase the region, our businesses and the friendly welcome people receive in north Northumberland. If we can do that successfully then people will come back to Wooler and the surrounding area again and again of their own accord.”Beth added: “We have already had some support from local businesses, in terms of items and discount vouchers for the riders’ goody bags. The events are the perfect vehicle for local firms to generate increased business around the actual events themselves, and subsequently, and we would love more businesses to get on board.”A simple 10 per cent voucher off accommodation, a meal or a shopping bill could be just the thing to tempt riders and their families to spend money at local businesses, stay for a weekend later in the year, or recommend a great pub or restaurant to friends.The events have attracted a high-profile sponsor in the form of Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, but more are always welcome to join them.With a website (http://woolerwheel.com), a Facebook page and Twitter, the events also offer online promotional opportunities for businesses actively supporting the rides.Also in this year’s programme are free on and off-road guided leisure rides, including ones tied in with the Glendale Festival, the exhibition of the Lindisfarne Gospels at Durham Castle and the Flodden 500th anniversary.The Wooler Wheel 100 and 50 events will again take place in October.The not-for-profit Wooler Cycle Hub and the Wooler Wheel events have already gained the backing and support of Northumberland National Park, Northumberland Tourism and Northumberland County Council.For more information on the events programme see http://woolerwheel.com

Pictured - Kielder Marathon founder calls on his friend and Olympic Champion Daley Thompson to help launch the 2013 eventEntrants into a popular north east event are set to go head to head with a double gold Olympic medallist. Daley Thompson, CBE, visited the region today and pledged to take part in the Kielder Run-Bike-Run, one of the Kielder Marathon weekend of activities taking place on Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 October 2013 in Northumberland. Founded by world champion and popular athletics commentator, Steve Cram MBE, the Salomon Kielder Marathon has grown over the last three years to become a firm favourite in the racing calendar thanks to its spectacular location and almost entirely off-road course around northern Europe’s largest man-made lake, Kielder Water, with many naming it Britain’s Most Beautiful Marathon.Daley said: “Official NHS obesity statistics have dominated the media in recent weeks. To learn that one in ten children is obese is alarming to say the least. But thanks to last year’s Olympic fever, the nation is beginning to embrace more sporting activities and what better way to encourage and inspire our children to get fit, than to attend home-grown events? “I’m delighted to be involved with the fourth Kielder Marathon and the beauty of the events is that there’s something for the whole family to take part in.”Fondly considered to be one of the greatest athletes of all time, Daley has two young sons so he knows all too well the importance of keeping them active with fun, exciting challenges that work for all the family. Steve Cram added: “Kielder Marathon weekend has grown year on year and I’m delighted we already have some ‘ever presents’, loyal participants who have competed in the marathon every single year since the event began in 2010 and who intend to maintain that record as the event continues to develop.“This year we’re offering an early bird discount for anyone entering the marathon, 10K or Run-Bike-Run before midnight on Wednesday March 13, 2013 so the message is book now to make the most of the special offer.” Sarah Stewart, Chief Executive of NewcastleGateshead Initiative said, “The Kielder Marathon and activities across this weekend are a great example of the brilliant events we have going on this year in the North East. We have a fantastic reputation for hosting sporting events and we know that they give a real boost to visitor numbers and to the local economy. I am sure the Kielder Marathon will attract people from all over the UK and beyond and will bring benefits to businesses across the whole region.”Billed as ‘Britain’s most beautiful marathon’, the events follow the Lakeside Way, a trail that stretches right around the shoreline of Kielder Water. The organisers expect to attract runners and outdoor adventure enthusiasts from around the UK, and further afield, to the dramatic setting and unique course.With the water’s shoreline being approximately 26 miles long, Kielder Water in North East England is the ideal venue for the ultimate running challenge, the marathon, 26 miles 385 yards. Most of the course is off-road and it offers a test for trail runners, adventure racers and marathon enthusiasts alike.Once again this year there will be a small elite field including Salomon’s international trail team athletes, Angela Mudge and Ricky Lightfoot.Salomon, the event’s naming partner of the last three years, is a leading force in trail running across the globe. Rich Philip, head of marketing for Salomon, added: “The Salomon Kielder Marathon has proven over the years to be one of the most challenging and awe inspiring marathons in our calendar. As a brand, our tagline ‘Designed for Freedom’ fits the route, environment and spirit of the event perfectly.” The Lakeside Way is a £3m project in Kielder Water & Forest Park that forms the marathon course. It is a multi-user trail suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair and pushchair users. The trail offers visitors new views and the opportunity to interact with even more of the park’s abundant wildlife and take in its scenic landscape.THE EVENTSKielder 10K on Saturday 5 October 2013 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 13 March: £21 for both affiliated/unaffiliated runnersOsprey Offer price – book before midnight 6 May: £23/25General Grouse Price – from 7 May onwards: £25/£27 Kielder Run-Bike-Run on Saturday 5 October 2013 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 13 March: £50 for individuals, £70 for teams Osprey Offer price – book before midnight 6 May: £55/£75General Grouse Price – from 7 May onwards: £60/£80Salomon Kielder Marathon on Sunday 6 October 2013 Early Eagle price – book before midnight 13 March: £30 for both affiliated/unaffiliated runnersOsprey Offer price – book before midnight 6 May: £33/35General Grouse Price – from 7 May onwards: £35/£37Kielder Junior Runs on Sunday 6 October 2013£8 for all age groups The Osprey (880m race for children aged seven to nine)10: The Roman Mile (1.48km race for children aged ten to twelve) 1 The Centurion (2.5km race for children ages thirteen to fifteen) Marathon places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis – there is no ballot this year. To book a place log on to the event website at www.salomonkieldermarathon.com. For enquiries telephone 01434 689 040 (Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm). Northumbrian Water is once again hosting the event which will be organised by DS Media and Events. ENDSFor more information contact Philippa Clark, communications advisor (Kielder Water & Forest Park) on 0191 301 5538, 07970 897 756 or [email protected]. Notes to editor:Kielder Water & Forest Park, which spans 250 square miles, is home to the largest forest in England and the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. It was voted the most tranquil place in England by the Campaign to Protect Rural England. For more information go to www.visitkielder.com. Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust is a registered charity working at Kielder to promote sustainable development, provide recreational facilities, improve knowledge of the natural environment and encourage the arts. The Trust works with the range of communities to benefit from these activities. Members, who have appointed directors/trustees to serve on the board, are Northumbrian Water, Forestry Commission, Calvert Trust Kielder and Northumberland County Council. Affiliate organisations that are not members but have a close working relationship with KWFPDT include Arts Council England, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Environment Agency, The Scout Association and local decision making bodies such as the parish councils. Kielder Marathon Launch - 27/02/2013You can view and download photos of the 2013 launch. Gallery one - view or download zip folder Gallery two - view or download zip folder

The first house in the world to be lit by hydroelectricity is once again to be powered by water, 150 years after the pioneering engineer Lord William Armstrong built his visionary Northumberland home.This year the National Trust will install a modern hydro system that will produce enough energy to light the house, and enable the conservation charity to re-tell the story for which Cragside is famous. Cragside house, built in 1863, was first powered by hydroelectricity in 1878 when Lord Armstrong used water from the lakes on his estate to generate electricity through a turbine. In a year they’re calling ‘Building Dreams’, the reinstatement of Hydroelectricity is just one of the major pieces of work taking place at the National Trust attraction to mark the 150th year of Cragside.Andrew Sawyer, Conservation and Interpretation Officer at Cragside told us:“Lord Armstrong was an exceptional man with a genius mind and the prospect of bringing his vision for Cragside into the 21st century is a dream come true. Hydroelectricity is the world’s most widely used form of renewable energy, so we are looking forward to sharing this very special part of its heritage. In the year of building dreams at Cragside, as well as powering the house by Hydroelectricity once more, later in the year we plan to open a new exhibition in the house which tells how the Armstrong’s ensured their dreams had a legacy and in June we’ll have three major art installations on the estate, all inspired by Lord Armstrong’s achievements.”The National Trust will be starting work to install an Archimedean screw hydroelectric turbine in this spring. The turbine will be placed at the southern end of Tumbleton lake, the lowest of the five lakes on the Cragside estate, at an angle that allows water to pass between the lake and the burn below. As water passes through the spiral blades it causes the screw to turn, thereby harnessing the energy of falling water. The energy is then converted into electricity using a generator. The technology is well proven with over 100 installations in Europe and was chosen by the National Trust for its many advantageous features. Andrew explains:“The Archimedian screw is technology that is easy to install and maintain due to the simple mechanics, and because it works at low speed, it’s possible for fish to pass through the turbine unharmed. The best thing about the screw is that it’s visible and we hope this will add to people’s understanding of why Cragside is so special. Visitors will be able to view the technology from the lake side.”The National Trust hopes that in the longer term they will be able to transform the boat house on Tumbleton Lake into an area where visitors can read about hydroelectric power at Cragside, as well as creating a viewing platform.Also taking place at Cragside in 2013 is an exhibition and major art installations which make the National Trust estate a ‘must see’ attraction this year in the North of England. The exhibition opening later in the year ‘Captured on Camera’ will show for the first time, images from a personal photograph album of Lord Armstrong’s great nephew and his family, who took over as owners of Cragside when Lord Armstrong died. The exhibition gives a rare insight into the family life of the Armstrong’s and helps to explain how the childless first Lord Armstrong ensured his dreams had a legacy.In June, a number of temporary major artworks will be installed at various locations on the Cragside estate as part of the Festival of the North East. The artworks will give a modern interpretation of the pioneering vision of Lord and Lady Armstrong.Andrew concluded:“I have worked at Cragside for many years now and have always been fascinated by Lord and Lady Armstrong’s pioneering dreams for Cragside. When they came to Cragside it was nothing but a barren hillside. They set about building their dream, creating a magnificent home that was years ahead of its time set within a fantasy landscape where Northumberland meets North America and the Himalayas to stunning effect. A century and a half later, visitors can step into their dream to discover the wonders of this amazing place and the people who created it.” For more information about Cragside log onto www.nationaltrust.org.uk/cragside or call them on 01669 620333.You can keep up to date with what’s happening at Cragside by liking their facebook page www.facebook.com/NTCragside or following them on Twitter @NTCragside

Moves to gain Dark Sky status for up 400 square miles of Northumberland are gathering pace as stargazers reveal the stunning beauty of the region’s starry skies.An audit of external lighting is underway in Kielder Water & Forest Park and parts of Northumberland National Park and residents in selected areas have been sent letters to explain the process and ask for their co-operation. The exercise is a key step in an application process which will eventually be adjudicated by the Tucson-based International Dark Skies Association. The aim is to demonstrate a commitment to tackling wasteful light pollution and helping us maintain the rural character of the area.If successful, Kielder Water & Forest Park would become England’s only Dark Sky Park and the National Park would assume the mantle of Europe’s biggest Dark Sky Reserve. The ambitious project is a joint bid by the Kielder Water & Forest Park Development Trust, Northumberland National Park and Kielder Observatory Astronomical Society.Meanwhile, high profile support has been received from the Royal Observatory Greenwich. Director Dr Kevin Fewster said:“The creation of a Dark Sky Reserve in the north east will help increase awareness of astronomy across the region as well as securing access to dark skies for future generations.”And with visitors still flocking to the acclaimed Kielder Observatory, amateur stargazers attending the Kielder Forest Star Camp have captured staggering images of celestial objects above the 155,000 acre wilderness. Nearly 150 people from across the UK camped out for up to five days drawn by some of England’s darkest skies, where light pollution doesn’t snub out the beauty of the stars.To find out more go to www.visitkielder.com – the official website for Kielder Water and Forest Park.

Be sure to take a trip to see “Peace Camp” one evening this weekend at Dunstanburgh Castle.Park for free in the Craster visitor car park – Craster Tourist Information Centre is open until 11pm for refreshments and gifts. It takes approx 10 minutes to walk from the village of Craster to the event, and there is a an electric buggy shuttle service for people with restricted mobility.The exhibition takes place between 9:30pm and 5am.