Wheely Good Time

Download PDF
Wheely Good Time

Overview

Intermediate cyclists or mountain bikers who have basic off-road skills and reasonable fitness will love the blue graded Border Counties Railway route. There are small amounts of challenging features (man-made and natural) but most of the gradients are moderate. Some short steep sections may have to be walked.

Distance 5.5km (return using same trail) = 11km Route follows 80% former railway line.

This is a short trail on mainly level terrain making it ideal for a family day out. The trail uses the former railway line to Scotland and when cycling along you can see how the former railway line carved its way through the landscape. As this trail goes through open farmland the scenic view is different to anywhere else in the Park and in the distance you may even be able to see the Scottish Border hills.

Begin your day at Purple Mountain or the Bike Place Kielder - both offer cycle hire but also great advice and tips on mountain biking in the Park. Once you’re kitted out, make your way to Kielder Castle car park where the trail begins.

It heads downhill for a short section and from here the trail goes through the Kielder campsite. A short section follows the C200 road (Bellingham to Newcastleton/Jedburgh) and then you will enter the forest to rejoin the former railway line.

The trail then follows the former railway line until you enter Scotland. You can return using the same route. (Note, as you will be cycling through a working farm and most likely see farm animals along the way, please remember to shut all gates behind you and keep any dogs on leads at all times.)

The ride should take around an hour and a half (depending on how often you want to stop and enjoy the view). Back at Kielder Castle, drop in at the Duke’s Pantry tearooms for a hearty and well earned lunch.

For more information on the former railway line, why not pop into the Bellingham Heritage Centre that afternoon. 

Places and distances

(click attraction name for more details)
NE48 1ER

Kielder Castle Visitor Centre

FOREST DRIVE IS NOW CLOSED and will re-open 1st April 2023. 

Kielder Castle is also closed until further notice. Take-away food open from 1st April 2023.

Picnic bench
NE48 1EJ

Kielder Caravan & Camping Site

Relaxing 70 pitch, riverside site ideal for tents, touring caravans and campers in England's most remote Village.

Approx 0.48 mile(s) between Kielder Castle Visitor Centre and Kielder Caravan & Camping Site
Kielder Caravan & Camping Site
NE48 2GR

Bellingham Tourist Information Centre

Operated by the Heritage Centre; Bellingham Tourist Information Centre offers information on the local area including Hadrian's Wall and Kielder Water & Forest Park.  We supply infomation on local walks attractions, events, eating out, accommodation, walks, and much more, for Northumberland

Approx 14.92 mile(s) between Kielder Caravan & Camping Site and Bellingham Tourist Information Centre
Bellingham Bridge