Walking

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.

Essential Information – Recommended Reading 

Kielder is largely open and free to roam for walkers, cyclists and horse riders but we advise that you do not get carried away and are too ambitious. Kielder is vast. The distance around Kielder Water is 26 miles and Kielder Forest is made up of over 150 million trees across 250 square miles.

As well as being a place for enjoyment, Kielder is a place where people live and work. From time to time some trails and areas may be closed for reasons such as tree felling and site restoration. It is always advisable to check at one of our visitor centres for updates.

It is advisable to check the weather forecast before you set off as conditions can change rapidly, and during extreme weather trails may not be passable.

For your own safety and enjoyment, please observe signs and barriers and respect local communities by staying on trails and parking in designated visitor car parks.

Following these simple rules will ensure a safe and pleasant experience for all. 

The Gruffalo Trail

The Gruffalo Party trail celebrates The Gruffalo’s 25th birthday and everyone is invited to take part in a brand-new forest adventure.

The interactive family trail, starting from Kielder Castle, features all sorts of party-themed activities and games, along with fun facts to teach you about life in the forest for the Gruffalo and other creatures. Follow the trail to help find the missing party items to give the Gruffalo a birthday to remember. Search for balloons, pinecones, apples and the Gruffalo himself, and complete fun activities and rubbings as you go along.

Pick up a Gruffalo Party Trail pack from the Street Diner or from Kielder Castle visitor centre for just £4. It is packed with fun things to do on your party adventure. 

Walks from Kielder Castle

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.

Please see the following link for some suggestions.

Other Suggested Walks

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. 

Wild Walks

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 Water & Forest Park Wild Walks. You can then easily download the free route and information on a smartphone before you visit.

Please note, that due to storm damage, the Kielder Castle & Bakethin and Kielder Salmon Centre Wild Walks are currently closed for safety reasons.

Reiver Trails

A series of routes, the Northumberland Reiver Trails are being created in west Northumberland and will open more immersive, scenic and natural heritage experiences for people of all abilities and, like the Lakeside Way, will also be available to walkers and horse riders.

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: