Kielder Forest Border Railway Trail

START: Kielder Castle Forest Park
Centre/Kielder Bikes Cycle Hire
DISTANCE: 7 miles/11 km
HEIGHT LOST AND GAINED: Very low - flat route
OS EXPLORER MAP: OL42

DESCRIPTION
Kielder Forest, the largest forest in Britain, surrounds Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in Europe with a whopping 27 miles of shoreline. The combination of towering forest and sheer expanse of water creates a spectacular environment for outdoor enthusiasts, and its reputation as one of England's premier mountain-biking areas is well-earned. The site, mountain bike trails and facilities are open all year round and there are 13 way-marked trails to try, which vary from easy to demanding. If you stop for a breather you'll find a host of things to do and see in and around the forest, from spotting wildlife (the forest is home to the increasingly rare red squirrel), discovering a sculpture trail of hidden artworks among the trees, sampling a wealth of watersports or enjoying a quiet cruise around the lake. With nearby accommodation and attractions including Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre, delightful Hareshaw Linn Waterfall near Bellingham, Northumberland National Park and Hadrian's Wall, there is more than enough here to keep everyone interested.

ROUTE INFORMATION

From Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre follow the signs for the main road passing the forest depot on the left.

At the junction with the main C200 road turn right passing the old Kielder Station which is now part of the garage.

Cross the bridge, turn left off the main road and after 25 metres turn right before the cottage onto the old railway line.
After passing Kielder Church and another cottage, the line passes through a tree-lined cutting.
After 1 mile the route emerges at Bellsburnfoot, here the route goes onto grazing land (remember to close all gates).
When the trail reaches Deadwater Station the Scottish border is only a few metres away.
To return to Kielder retrace your route along the railway path, or turn right just after Deadwater station and right again onto the road. Follow the road back to Kielder.

KIELDER FOREST INFORMATION

OS GRID REFERENCE: NY632934
ACCESS POINTS & CAR PARKING: Parking is available at Kielder Castle,
Butteryhaugh, various points around the reservoir and Leaplish Waterside Park
CONTACT DETAILS & FURTHER INFORMATION: Kielder Forest Recreation Ranger, Forestry Commission England Tel: 01434 250209 Kielder Partnership at Bellingham TIC Tel: 01434 220643
BIKE HIRE: Kielder Bikes Cycle Hire (bike wash and repair service also available). Use the Cycle Hire section to find more information