Horse riding

Horse riders bringing their own horses can safely enjoy a good network of bridleways and forest tracks in Kielder Water & Forest Park with open access to most.

From time to time there are operational works in sections of the forest so it is wise to contact the Forestry Commission before you set off on 01434 220242.

The local horse riding group, the Kielder Area Horse Trails (KAHT), can give up to date advice on which trails are suitable for your level of experience. Please contact chair, Paul Axcell, on 01434 674757 or secretary, Janet Lennard, on 01434 605926.

The group produces a local newsletter that allows information on events and walks to be shared. New for 2009 is www.kielderareahorsetrails.org.uk.

For safety information Please contact or visit one of the following:

Leaplish Waterside Park, tel: 01434 251 000
Tower Knowe Visitor Centre, tel: 01434 240 436
Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre, tel: 01434 250 209
Bellingham Tourist Information Centre, tel: 01434 220 616

It is always advisable to check at one of our visitor centres before starting your journey. As the Park is also an operational forest, small sections of tracks might be closed from time to time for forestry purposes or further development work.

Due to the busy Kielder Marathon weekend of activities, the Lakeside Way will not be open for general use on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 October 2010. It will re-open on Monday 18 October 2010 and we apologies for any inconveniece caused. For more information on the exciting events and activities in the Park that weekend, please click here.