Kielder has an extensive network of trails which are perfect for hikes or leisurely strolls.
The Lakeside Way, a multi-user trail that follows the 26-mile Kielder Water shoreline, is our main route to unique and beautiful experiences, offering access to many of the most scenic parts of the lake shore and the opportunity to see some of the abundant wildlife. This multi-user track, which is also used by cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users also provides access to a number artwork features and to other trails and spurs which take you deeper into Kielder and onto new immersive experiences.
More than twenty pieces of outdoor public art can also be discovered along the Lakeside Way, including the futuristic Belvedere shelter and The Human Burrow sound and experience installation at Kielder Waterside. See the Art & Architecture pages for more details.
The Reiver Trails
Being in Kielder also gives you access to the new Reiver Trails.
Connecting Hadrian’s Wall with Kielder and surrounding areas, the Reiver Trails are made up of 10 way marked paths from 6 to 57 miles in length and offer walkers, cyclists and horse riders new ways to explore our spectacular scenery.
Existing rights of way and forest roads have been repurposed with future phases set to focus on accessibility, with roots designed for wheelchair buggies and balanced bikes.
Find out more on the Reiver Trails website here.
Before you head off . . .
Kielder is largely open and free to roam for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. The distance around Kielder Water is 26 miles and Kielder Forest is made up of over 150 million trees across 250 square miles, so it's a vast space.
It's also a place where people live and work, so from time to time some trails and areas may be closed for tree felling and site restoration.
Keep an eye out for signs and respect local communities by staying on trails and parking in designated visitor car parks.
Plan your walk, pace yourself, always check the weather forecast and stay safe . . .
This interactive family trail is packed with Room on the Broom themed activities, fascinating forest facts and plenty of hands-on fun.
Further information can be found at Room on the Broom at Kielder Forest.
As well as being a gateway to the Lakeside Way and features such as Kielder Viaduct and the Bakethin Nature Reserve and Wildlife Hide, there are a variety of routes, of varying length and challenge.
The Bull Crag circular walk is a favourite 6-mile trail along the Lakeside Way, starting and finishing at Kielder Waterside.
Taking in the Freya’s Cabin and Timelapse art and architecture features, the route skirts the Bull Crag peninsula with landscape offering tremendous views and peaceful woodland sections. The trail also includes a stretch of the old valley road which emerges for about 450 metres before disappearing once again below Kielder Water.
The Lakeside Way also forms the basis for a pleasant, wooded valley walk around the Lewisburn inlet on the south shore, starting from Matthews Linn. This short route takes in the unique Lewisburn suspension bridge and the inlet overlook view at Patterson’s Pause.
A 'Wild Walks' pack is available to buy (or download at bottom of this page) at the main visitor centres.
Each leaflet includes a clear route map, route description, way marking and facts on the wildlife or features you might see on the walk. There are eight wild walks in the pack.
On the back of each leaflet visitors are encouraged to download the route on popular walker’s Outdoor Active app as a virtual tour guide. Simply install the free app and search for Kielder Wild Walks. You can then easily download the free route and information on a smartphone before you visit.
Reiver Trails
The Reiver Trails will add to an already exciting series of cycle routes which encompass Northumberland National Park and Hadrian’s Wall, the Redesdale and North Tyne valleys, and Scottish Border areas as well as the 250 square miles of Kielder.
For further information about walking routes, please contact or visit one of our visitor centres:
| Kielder Waterside. Tel: 01434 251 000 |
| Tower Knowe Visitor Centre. Tel: 01434 240 436 |
| Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre. Tel: 0300 067 4228 |
