Things to do at Kielder Water & Forest Park

There are many reasons to visit; the most popular being the distinctive scenery. Home to northern Europe's largest man-made lake and England's largest forest, the Park's remoteness and clean air and water offer a fresh outdoor experience.

Nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, explorers, walkers, cyclists, artists, families ... anyone looking to escape, set their own agenda and create new experiences will delight in everything Kielder Water & Forest Park has to offer.

Walking

With over 600 square kilometres of forest and 27 miles of shoreline to choose from, Kielder Water & Forest Park is perfect for walking and hiking holidays or family days out.

From challenging long distance trails to more leisurely family strolls - there's a multitude of forest walks to choose from. Discover twenty pieces of outdoor public art along the route.

And thanks to the Lakeside Way, a multi-user trail that follows the 27 mile Kielder Water shoreline, you can have a unique new walking experience.

Trail guides can be downloaded at www.visitkielder.com which detail walking routes, maps and helpful tips.

Cycling

An extensive network of off-road tracks just perfect for family cycling holidays or days out are available. The range of routes in Kielder Water & Forest Park suit all abilities.

For those without two-wheeled transport you can hire a bike from The Bike Place Kielder, call 01434 250 457, or visit the website www.thebikeplace.co.uk for more information.

Mountain biking

Experience some of the best singletrack trails in the UK with breathtaking views.  There is something to suit all abilities with skills loops, trails park and family friendly trails.  Detailed mountain biking routes and maps can be downloaded at www.visitkielder.com.

Osprey ferry

The 74 seat motor cruiser 'The Osprey' ferry is an ideal way to see Kielder Water in comfort as well as providing an opportunity to learn more about the history of the reservoir and the area. Refreshments and toilet available onboard. Sailings call at Leaplish Waterside Park, Tower Knowe Visitor Centre and Belvedere (please check timetable for more information).

The ‘Osprey’ ferry can accommodate manual wheelchairs and bikes (limited spaces) around the lake.

The ferry will operate daily with extended sailings offered throughout the season.  Times may be subject to change and weather dependant, any queries call 01434 251 000. 

People wanting to learn more about the iconic osprey birds rearing triplet chicks at Kielder Water & Forest Park, and increase their chances of seeing the adult birds hunting, can take a special daily cruise on the public ferry, also called Osprey.

Please view / download the new timetable with prices below:

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Osprey ferry timetable and price list 2010

Art and architecture

The landscape around Kielder Water & Forest Park has become the home of a unique collection of visual art and architecture, inspiring artists and architects to create work in response to its vastness and beauty. Located at sites around the lake and within the forest, this open air gallery with its vibrant and challenging collection of visual art and architecture will surprise and intrigue the visitor.

Guides to the artwork are available from Leaplish Waterside Park reception which detail the location and the inspiration behind the works. Why not see how many you can visit?

Tower Knowe Visitor Centre

Tower Knowe, the gateway centre to Kielder Water & Forest Park, is an ideal location to orientate yourself and find out what you can do and where. Why not discover the area's rich history at the Explore Centre?

From here you can board the Osprey ferry - the ideal way to discover Kielder Water in comfort - visit the sailing club, start a walk or bike ride along the Lakeside Way or even buy a fishing starter pack.

Perfect for coffee or lunch, Cafe on the water has beautiful views across the reservoir. The visitor centre also offers parking and WC facilities as well as an extensive shop selling ranges of outdoor wear, souvenirs and fishing tackle.

Open daily until the end of October 2010.

All buildings are accessible to wheelchair users.

Kielder Castle Visitor Centre

Overlooking Kielder Village, the castle was the former hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland.  Now it is home to exhibitions as well as local collections of artwork at the Duchess Gallery, Duke's Pantry restaurant, adventure playground and Minotaur Maze.  The castle marks the start of the Forest Drive toll road and is also the hub for mountain bike enthusiasts with a skills area, trials area and the start point for the single track mountain bike trails.

Call  01434 250 209 to check opening times.

Water activities

Boats up to 10 metres in length can use Kielder Water, both sail and motor cruisers are allowed and permanent swinging moorings are available for rent on a seasonal basis. For further information contact 01434 251 000. 

Kielder Yacht Club is a cruising yacht club where members can enjoy a full calendar of social and sailing events. 

A 120 acre area of Kielder Water is set aside for water skiing, to ski in this area you need to contact the Kielder Water ski club on 01434 250 161. Merlin Brae ski club near Kielder's Whickhope Anchorage offer water ski instruction for both visitors and club members. For further information contact either
01434 250 037 (clubhouse) or 01429 872 350 (secretary).

Casual launching of craft

Please note: The following safety rules are applicable from March 2005 to canoeists, kayakers and sailboarders:

• There must be a minimum of two persons aged 17 or over on the water together when undertaking these activities.

• Evidence of competency in the form of a recognised training certificate and or qualification must be presented (at least star grade level 2).

• Each craft must be insured against third party claims to a minimum of £2,000,000 (two million pounds sterling). 

• The decision of the duty ranger as to whether or not a craft can be launched will be final.

• In the interests of safety, Northumbrian Water reserves the right to amend these rules at any time without notice.

Please note: Kielder Water is a large expanse of water which is very cold and deep with underwater obstructions. Weather conditions can change rapidly. Health and safety is paramount; care and attention must be taken at all times. (These rules are additional to and should be read in conjunction with, those listed in the Kielder Water Users’ Rules and Regulations 2010 attached below.)

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Rules and regulations governing the use of Kielder Water