Explore your passion for Mountain Biking adventures in the heart of Northumberland and right on the border with Scotland, close to Hadrian’s Wall, Kielder Water & Forest Park is an ideal base for Mountain Biking across Northumberland and into Scotland, where our trails join up with Newcastleton 7Stanes trails or also onwards to the Reivers Route to either East or West Coast.
Mountain Biking the Deadwater Trail
A Day at Kielder Forest
Experience some of the best single-track trails in the UK with breath taking inspirational views and with the addition of many adrenaline fuelled events taking place throughout the year there really is something for all riders.
Fuel your passion with a choice of trails for all ages and abilities with Blue Grade trails through to more extreme Black and Orange Grade trails. Check out the Trail Grading information below to discover which Grade is right for you.
For your safety and to ensure all of our community other visitors and Forest needs are met we ask everyone using the forest to follow the same rules. Kielder is a village of residential areas. Please respect those who live here.
Park in designated car parks only, cycle on designated cycle trails and roads – please do not cycle on pavements or paths and remember to follow the Forestry Cycling Code and respect others and wildlife.
www.forestryengland.uk/article/mountain-bike-trail-grades-and-safety
- Check the weather before you participate, weather conditions change rapidly, and during extreme weather trails may not be passable.
- Be prepared to alter your plans in response to changing weather on high ground forested areas can be unsafe in high winds and wintery weather!
Please park in formal car parks only - thank you!
Please note:- It is advisable to check at one of our visitor centres before starting your journey. As the Park is an operational forest, small sections of tracks might be closed from time to time for forestry purposes or further development work.
Click here to check for any trail updates
- Bull Crag Peninsula car parks are no longer open.
You can also try the Castlewood Training Loop at Kielder Castle. It is packed full of short trail sections that will give you a taste of what the different grades of trails are like to ride out there in the wider Kielder Water & Forest Park.
Easy and suitable for beginner and novice cyclists
The Borderline trail starts from Kielder Village and is perfect for all the family. This cycle trail follows the former Border Counties Railway.
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Moderate and suitable for intermediate cyclists and mountain bikers
The Osprey trail starts from Kielder Castle and is a great progression for those who have used the Lakeside Way and are looking for more of a challenge.
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Difficult and suitable only for proficient mountain bikers
The Lonesome Pine trail starts from Kielder Castle. It offers thrilling descents as well as the UK’s longest, one metre wide, wooden boardwalk of its kind.
The Bloody Bush trail starts via the Lonesome Pine trail. It links Kielder Water & Forest Park to the Scottish Border and the 7 Stanes bike centre at Newcastleton.
The Deadwater red trail starts from Kielder Castle. It takes in the breathtaking Deadwater Summit – on a clear day you can see 360° views.
Severe and only suitable for expert mountain bikers
The Deadwater black trail starts via the Deadwater red trail. It is a highly technical trail that includes epic climbing and thrilling descending.
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MTB Trials Park
Packed full of advanced level features, the Trials Park is an ideal spot for riders looking to push their skill levels, style it up, learn new tricks or just hang out and ride with friends. It's located right next to the Kielder Castle car park.
The park is graded ‘orange bike park’ with a great range of features, small and large. Check out the info panels on site before riding. In addition to helmet and gloves, body armour is strongly recommended!
Riders tend to practise 'session' short sections rather than riding a whole trail in one go. 'Sessioning' is positively encouraged, but please use the Deadwater Outward trail that runs alongside the Trials Park rather than the actual trails to push back up.
Bike hire
We would recommend that visitors book bikes in advance to ensure you have the right bikes at your preferred location.
The Bike Place Kielder have two centres at Kielder; one located near to Kielder Castle and a second at Kielder Waterside. The centre offers an array of bikes, we also continue to organise MTB events. Due to the popularity of cycling at Kielder Water & Forest Park we strongly recommend that you book in advance during the school holidays.
