If you feel the need of challenge and the need to get the adrenalin pumping, then Kielder is not going to disappoint.
We host some of the most iconic challenge events in the UK.
The Kielder Marathon, Britain’s most beautiful marathon, which is taking on legendary status. The Marathon weekend, which takes place in early October, includes 10km and half marathon runs, junior events and a Run Bike Run Gravel Duathlon.
The Northumbrian, a full and half iron-distance triathlon series takes place in and around Kielder in late June.
The 200km Dirty Reiver off-road cycle challenge which traverses forest access roads over vast areas of the forest covering the border region of England and Scotland, taking in remote areas and outstanding viewpoints. The April festival also includes the Dirty 65-er and the Dirty 130.
The Dark Skies Run series, takes place in Kielder each March and features nighttime trail run challenges ranging from 10Km to marathon distance.
If you want challenge but not competition, Kielder has some of the most technical and demanding single track mountain biking trails in the country. These includes Deadwater Fell, the highest mountain bike trail in England at approximately 1900ft, with (clear day) iconic views, from coast to coast taking in Northumberland, Cumbria and the Scottish Borders.
The Lonesome Pine Trail gives excellent views south over Kielder Water and also overlooks the Kielder Observatory.
The Osprey Trail is a less challenging but fine flowing trail with a finish on the Lakeside Way South Shore.
More details on cycling at Kielder can be found on our cycling page.
If you would rather walk or run than ride, Kielder has over 250 square miles of forest with 26 miles of scenic shoreline. There are plenty of trails which makes Kielder perfect for walking and hiking holidays or family days out.
More details on walking routes can be found on our walking page.
If you want to sample something different, head to Calvert Kielder for climbing walls, zip coaster, King Swing, high ropes course and other adventure activities.
Alternatively, enjoy a range of activities at Kielder Waterside including archery, crossbows, tomahawk throwing, Water Walkerz, Sea Scooters, Segway excursions, paddle boarding, canoeing and more.
If you are seeking a longer distance, longer duration experience, Kielder has some free to use Mountain Bothies. Access is by foot, bicycle or horse. There is no vehicle access.
