Kielder is a vast region in Northumberland, England, characterized by its expansive Kielder Water & Forest Park, which includes England's largest planted forest and the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe. This unique landscape of dense woodlands, open moorland, and extensive waterways provides a diverse environment for several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and more. The terrain ranges from gentle lakeside paths to challenging upland trails, offering varied experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Kielder's remote setting also contributes to its appeal as an International Dark Sky Park, adding another dimension to its natural features.
Kielder offers a wide array of outdoor activities and routes for all skill levels. With more than 100 routes available across several sports like hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, jogging, and more, there are extensive opportunities for exploration. More than 18,000 visitors have shared their experiences, resulting in an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars for the routes in Kielder. Hikers can explore the diverse forest trails and lakeside paths, with options ranging from easy walks to more challenging routes, as detailed in Hiking around Kielder. Mountain biking is a highlight, with Kielder providing some of the country's most technical single-track trails, including the high-altitude routes around Deadwater Fell; discover more in MTB Trails around Kielder. Cyclists can enjoy the multi-user Lakeside Way or explore traffic-free paths and road cycling routes, with further information available in Cycling around Kielder. Joggers also benefit from the scenic shoreline and dedicated running trails throughout the park.
90
Routes
4.6
(291)
Average rating
5920
People visited

4.9
(44)
451
riders
42.1km
03:29
400m
400m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(5)
78
riders
11.4km
01:28
420m
420m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

3
riders
68.4km
05:41
980m
990m
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.4
(10)
157
riders
30.8km
02:42
540m
540m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(44)
455
riders
37.8km
03:25
420m
420m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(10)
121
riders
57.7km
04:55
920m
920m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
112
riders
64.8km
05:03
1,000m
1,000m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
52
riders
15.5km
01:12
210m
220m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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388
runners
42.7km
05:04
390m
390m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.

29
runners
13.6km
01:35
470m
470m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

28
runners
11.3km
01:21
410m
420m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
2
runners
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.8
(28)
93
hikers
12.9km
03:31
200m
190m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(13)
123
hikers
11.3km
03:26
410m
410m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

5.0
(4)
80
hikers
41.2km
10:56
420m
420m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

4.3
(4)
26
hikers
19.8km
05:45
490m
500m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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5.0
(3)
163
riders
71.6km
03:16
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

6
riders
98.3km
04:43
1,260m
1,260m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4
riders
111km
05:21
1,290m
1,290m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

4.8
(6)
91
riders
92.5km
04:09
1,010m
1,010m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.6
(34)
984
riders
55.4km
05:08
730m
730m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

460
riders
26.8km
02:21
370m
370m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

110
riders
115km
10:49
1,530m
1,530m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

81
riders
29.3km
02:48
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Kielder offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, touring cycling, and jogging. Other adventure pursuits like paddleboarding, canoeing, and high ropes courses are also available. The region features over 100 miles of traffic-free cycling trails and extensive walking paths.
Kielder Water & Forest Park spans 250 square miles and encompasses England's largest planted forest, with 150 million trees, alongside Kielder Water, the biggest man-made lake in Northern Europe. This vast area provides extensive opportunities for outdoor exploration and wildlife observation.
Yes, Kielder offers easy hiking trails suitable for beginners and those seeking less strenuous walks. These often include gentle lakeside paths and forest routes. More information on accessible routes can be found in the Easy hikes around Kielder guide.
The Lakeside Way is a 26-mile (42 km) multi-user trail that encircles Kielder Water. It is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, and wheelchair users, offering scenic views of the lake and surrounding forest. This trail provides a comprehensive way to experience the Kielder Water shoreline.
Yes, Kielder is renowned for its mountain biking trails, including some of the most technical single-track routes in the country. Deadwater Fell features the highest mountain bike trail in England, reaching approximately 1,900 feet (579 meters). Details on routes are available in the MTB Trails around Kielder guide.
Kielder offers various family-friendly activities, including easy walking trails and adventure pursuits at Calvert Kielder, such as climbing walls and zip coasters. The Lakeside Way is also suitable for families with children. Specific family-friendly hiking routes are detailed in the Family-friendly hikes around Kielder guide.
Kielder is a haven for wildlife, home to approximately 50% of England's red squirrel population. Other species found in the area include ospreys, wild goats, roe deer, salmon, otters, and water voles. The diverse habitats support a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Yes, Kielder is an International Dark Sky Park, boasting some of the darkest night skies in England. This makes it an exceptional location for stargazing and astronomy. The Kielder Observatory is a significant attraction for experiencing the universe.
Kielder offers over 100 miles of traffic-free cycling trails, including the multi-user Lakeside Way and various single-track mountain biking routes. Options range from leisurely rides to challenging technical trails. Guides like Cycling around Kielder provide route information.
Kielder's routes are popular on komoot, with more than 18,000 visitors sharing their experiences. The region features 122 routes across various sports, which have an average rating of 4.36 out of 5 stars.
Official information about Kielder, including planning a visit, can be found on the Visit Kielder website. For specific inquiries, contact numbers are available for the Kielder Observatory, Calvert Kielder, and Forestry England.

