Cycling

Visit Kielder for the largest network of off-road cycling in one location in the UK.

Winding through spectacular scenery, our many trails are perfect for everyone whether you're a leisurely pedaller or into single track blasts.  

The Lakeside Way, a 26-mile multi-user trail following the shoreline of Kielder Water, is our gateway to unique and beautiful cycling experiences. This scenic route provides access to some of the lake’s most picturesque spots and offers opportunities to encounter local wildlife. Shared by walkers, horse riders, wheelchair users, and even young cyclists on balance bikes or bikes with stabilisers, it’s a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of Kielder.

Grab your bike or rent a bike and start your adventure . . . 

2025 sees some exciting cycle trail developments at Kielder. 

First up is the renewed sections (descents) of the long-established Lonesome Pine trail, giving a shorter looped trail = the Lone Star trail, red graded trail/ black graded adaptive cycle - see map for all the info. This trail is fully open.

The Lone Star trail takes in all the new trail sections and is adaptive bike friendly, following the trail signage towards Kielder Skyspace and around to the top of Oliver’s Oscar before the descents return you to exit adjacent to Kielder Garage.

During late spring, watch out for the new sections of black graded Deadwater Mile Down and renewed sections of Deadwater Downhill trail opening for use. These trail sections are currently in construction phase and not open for riding.

Easy and suitable for beginner and novice   cyclists – GREEN GRADE  The Borderline trail starts from Kielder Village   and is perfect for all the family. This cycle trail   follows the former Border Counties Railway.

A step up from the Lakeside Way and Borderline is the Osprey Trail on the lesser visited north side of Kielder Water.

Moderate and suitable for intermediate cyclists  and mountain bikers - BLUE GRADE  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.

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.

Road Cycling 

Kielder, along with the neighbouring Northumberland National Park, rural hills, dales, valleys and Scottish Borders is a fantastic base for road cycling, with scenic highways and quiet roads combining to form a variety of short loops and long loops.

Mountain Biking

Breathtaking, inspirational views, combined with thrilling challenges, Kielder has some of the best singletrack trails in the UK.

Passions for adrenaline fuelled mountain biking adventures are served with a choice of trails for all ages and abilities, ranging from Blue Grade trails through to more extreme Red and Black Grade trails (see below).

Check the Trail Grading information below to discover which Grade is right for you.

Difficult and suitable only for proficient   mountain bikers – RED GRADE  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.

Difficult and suitable only for proficient   mountain bikers – RED GRADE  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.

Difficult and suitable only for proficient   mountain bikers – RED GRADE    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 – BLACK GRADE    The Deadwater black trail starts via the   Deadwater red trail. It is a highly technical trail   that includes epic climbing and thrilling   descending.

A popular and favourite longer distance cycling trail is the Cross Border Trail from Kielder and into Scotland following a historical drover’s route.

The Cross Border trail starts using Lakeside Way at Kielder Castle, with the option of riding the trail by forest road or singletrack sections on Lonesome Pine and Bloody Bush routes (see below). Not for the fainthearted this is a cracking day’s ride, which takes in the historical Bloody Bush Toll on the border.

Bike Hire Services

Kielder Bike Shop and Hire, located opposite Kielder Castle offers the perfect gateway to explore stunning trails, breathtaking views, and the great outdoors. We have many varieties of bikes to cater towards all disciplines, such as; Full Suspension Mountain Bikes, Hardtail Mountain Bikes, Electric Bikes, Kids Bikes, Gravel Bikes and more.

Bike Hire is also offered at Kielder Waterside.

Telephone 01434 251000 for 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 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 or visit the following for updates.

Cycling and mountain biking trails at Kielder Forest | Forestry England 

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.