Kielder Activities
Kielder Water and Forest Park is perfect for those who enjoy nature, wildlife, walking, cycling, fishing, water sports, exploring, stargazing and much much more. Lakeside Way is a 26 mile multi-user trail suitable for walkers, cyclists, wheelchairs, pushchairs and horse riders. Kielder visitor centres with shops and cafes are located at Tower Knowe, Kielder Waterside and Kielder Castle. For full details on Kielder forest park facilities and activities see visitkielder.com
For those wanting to travel further afield, Kielder is a great base for exploring Scotland and the Borders together with Northumberlands beautiful coastline, castles and market towns. Hadrians Wall is close by or take a day trip to visit Alnwick, Bamburgh or Holy Island. visitnorthumberland.com
Kielder Dark Skies
Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, is the largest Gold Tier Dark Sky Park area of protected night sky in Europe. The first of its kind in England and one of the largest in the world.
Visit Kielder Observatory with its exciting programme of astronomical events throughout the year.
Kielder Art and Architecture
Kielder Forest Park is home to an impressive range of unique art installations including Silvas Capitalis "Forest Head" and recently installed "The Nick".
Download art trail routes and details of the artworks from kielderartandarchitecture
Walking, Cycling and Running
Kielder Forest offers fantastic opportunities for cyclists, walkers and runners with over 100 miles of traffic free trails.
Lakeside Way is a 26 mile circular route accessible to all including wheelchair users. There are also more challenging routes including a number of advanced MTB trails and tracks.
Cycle hire is available at Kielder Castle www.thebikeplace.co.uk
Various competitive events are held throughout the year including Kielder Marathon and Cycle events.
A map of Kielder Water and Forest Park featuring footpaths, cycle trails and tracks, together with artworks, can be downloaded from visitkielder.com
Kielder Wildlife
2024 is the 16th successive year of ospreys breeding in Kielder Forest. Cameras are installed on 7 nest platforms erected by Forestry England. Follow Kielder Ospreys.
Watch out for Red Squirrels as Kielder Forest Park is the home of around 50% of England’s native population. Water Voles were recently reintroduced at Kielder. Follow Restoring Ratty. Visitors may also see roe deer, badgers, otters, shrews, bats and a wide variety of woodland birds. Visit Bakethin Hide for wildlife viewing experience or Kielder Bird of Prey centre to see one of the largest collections of birds in the north of England.
Kielder Park hosts many wildlife events throughout the year including family nature walks and bat nights.
On the Water
Kielder Water is the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. Book a cruise on the Osprey Ferry, departing from Kielder Waterside www.bookwhen.com/kielderwatersideferry.
Seasonal water activities such as canoeing, sailing, and water skiing are provided by professional clubs, Calvert Kielder & Kielder Waterside. kielderwaterside.com
Fishing
Northumbrian Water trout fisheries in the north east of England has built up an excellent reputation for offering top quality fishing. The lake offers top quality fishing fishing for both the enthusiast and competition anglers alike.
With a shoreline of approximately 20 miles bank anglers are spoilt for choice. Fishing permits can be obtained from Kielder Waterside or Tower Knowe Visitor Centres kielderwaterside.com