Cycling

As visitors may be aware, Kielder Water & Forest Park suffered significant damage from storms in late 2021 and early 2022. Teams have worked hard to make clear and make safe routes with most having reopened. See here  for routes that remain closed or have diversions. https://www.visitkielder.com/news/2022/02/access-at-kielder-water-forest-park- 

An extensive network of off-road tracks just perfect for family cycling holidays or days out awaits you. The range of routes in Kielder Water & Forest Park suit all abilities – test yourself at our skills area before you set off and you’ll discover which trails are right for you.

A favourite long distance cycling trail that takes leisure cyclists through Kielder is the Cross Border Route, which takes you into Scotland following the historical drovers route, its a trail made up using Lakeside Way, Forest Roads and Open Moorland.

One of the hidden gems of national history is found right on the Border at the Bloody Bush Toll (still stands today)- in days long gone you would have needed to pay to cross the border either way. Why not take on the challenge of the route and make an overnight stay of it in the Scottish Border village of Newcastleton before coming back into the park.

Note- this trail can be subject to snow in winter and takes cyclists through some of the most remote parts of Northumberland and Scottish Borders, riders should be competent and correctly equipped, limited mobile phone coverage in this area on both sides of the border.

Cyclists will love being in the heart of Northumberland. Situated on the border of Northumberland National Park, Kielder Water & Forest Park is an ideal base to explore opportunities for cycling at nearby Hadrian’s Wall and across Northumberland.

Kielder Bike Hire

Kielder Cycle Centre is located opposite Kielder Castle. The Bike Place is our partner cycle hire/ repair/ accessories / bike sales centre.  Cycles on offer range from  (electric -leisure and full on mtb range ) , leisure, hybrid and full range of mtb’s to match your cycling desire and budget. It is advisable to book your hire in advance of your visit. Open daily 9.30 - 5.30. For more info  01434 250 457 or www.thebikeplace.co.uk

Thanks to the Lakeside Way, a multi-user trail that follows the 27 mile Kielder Water shoreline, you can have a unique and beautiful cycling experience.

The Lakeside Way offers access to many of the most scenic parts of the lake shore, new views and the opportunity to interact with some of the abundant wildlife. The multi-user track is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders and wheelchair users.

Road cycling

Kielder Water & Forest Park is a fantastic area to base yourself for road cycling, with roads around the area into wider Northumberland and across the border into Scotland, long loops following public roads can be found among some of the best scenery in the UK.

Kielder is a village of residential areas. Please respect those who live there

Park in designated car parks only

Cycle on designated cycle trails and roads - please do not cycle on pavements or paths

Follow the Forestry Cycling Code and respect other visitors and wildlife

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

Please note:
- It is always advisable to check at one of our visitor centres before starting your journey. As the Park is also an operational forest, small sections of tracks might be closed from time to time for forestry purposes or further development work. Click here for updates.
- The Bull Crag Peninsula car parks are no longer open.
- The popular Hindhope Linn viewpoint is at the north end of the Forest Drive toll road, 12 miles from Kielder Castle.