Kielder Castle Visitor Centre to Janus Chairs

Park at Kielder Castle Visitor Centre. From the castle follow the path which passes the Minotaur Maze and Anglers Arms pub. Cross the road and follow the signs to the north shore Lakeside Way. The north shore path starts at the side of the River North Tyne which opens out into Bakethin Nature Reserve after a short distance. There is the option to take a short diversion down the slope towards the river for fine views of Kielder Viaduct which formed part of the Border Counties Railway.

Return to the Lakeside Way down the valley past Bakethin Nature Reserve and Gowanburn. Between the path and the shore is the course of the railway which disappears into the lake shortly before Bakethin Weir. Beyond Gowanburn is a small tree covered peninsula. Here you will find Silvas Capitalis, a shelter in the shape of a giant head which is part of the art and architecture programme. Step inside and listen to the sounds of the forest.

Continuing from Silvas Capitalis artwork, the path reaches another installation in the art and architecture programme, Viewpoint, which encourages the visitor to consider the experience of looking. The path then turns to run parallel with the North Haul Road (a main artery used for the removal of timber from felling sites to the north) before winding its way to a small but very scenic peninsula on Plashetts Bay. The three unusual chairs at the end of the peninsula are the Janus Chairs, part of the art and architecture programme. These king sized seats offer visitors a variety of views.