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.
If you venture into the deep dark wood you may bump into the Gruffalo and the Gruffalo's Child plus other characters from Julia Donaldson's fantastic story.
Each wooden sculpture has been carved in a different position. Can you find them all.
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.
This interactive family trail follows Stick Man on his journey as he tries to get back to the family tree.
Enjoy the wonderful world of Stick Man as you complete lots of fun stick-based activities, discover tree-mendous facts and learn about forest wildlife.
Pick up a Stick Man Trail pack from Kielder Bike shop & Hire for just £4. It is packed with fun things to do on your party adventure.
Further information can be found at The Stick Man trail at Kielder Forest.
Bond with your pooch by taking on dog-tastic challenges together, solve crossword clues and have lots of fun along the way – with everyone’s favourite dog and owner duo for company.
Further information can be found at Forest Walkies with Wallace & Gromit 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 |
