Cycling in Kielder: A Guide to the Trails
Kielder is arguably one of the best places to cycle in England. Over 100 miles of trails, ranging from gentle lakeside paths to technical singletrack with steep descents and sharp bends, spread across one of the largest forest networks in the country.
“The question isn’t whether there’s something here for cyclists. It’s knowing where to start.”
Hiring a Bike
If you’re not bringing your own, Kielder Cycle Centre (Team Cycles) hires out a full range of bikes, including mountain bikes, hybrid bikes and e-bikes. It’s worth booking ahead during summer and busy weekends.
The Trails
Borderline (Blue) — Gentle
Distance: 17 miles | Surface: Good quality forest road and track | Suitable for: Families, leisure riders, most abilities
The Borderline trail is Kielder’s entry-level route, following the southern shore of Kielder Water from Kielder Castle to Kielder Village and back. It’s mostly flat, well surfaced and manageable for most ability levels — including riders with accessibility needs. The views across the reservoir make it worth doing even at a gentle pace.
A good choice for families, first-time riders, and anyone who wants a long, rewarding ride without technical challenge.
Osprey (Blue) — Moderate
Distance: 15 miles | Surface: Mix of forest road and trail | Suitable for: Confident leisure riders
The Osprey trail takes in a varied mix of terrain around the western end of Kielder Water, with some gentle climbs and a few more technical sections than the Borderline. Named for the ospreys that nest nearby — keep your eyes on the treeline as you ride.
The Lonesome Pine (Red) — Challenging
Distance: 22 miles | Surface: Mix of forest road, trail and open moorland | Suitable for: Experienced cyclists
A longer, more demanding route that takes riders up onto the open moorland above the forest before descending back through the trees. The views from the high points are among the best in Kielder — but you’ll earn them.
Deadwater (Black) — Expert
Distance: Variable | Surface: Technical single track | Suitable for: Expert mountain bikers only
Kielder’s most demanding trail, with a long climb to the summit followed by a technical descent on narrow single track. Not for the faint-hearted — or for a first visit. If you know what you’re doing on a bike, it’s brilliant.
The Kielder Forest Drive by Bike
The 12-mile Kielder Forest Drive toll road (free to cyclists) makes for a spectacular and relatively traffic-free ride between Kielder Castle and the A68. The climb to Blakehope Nick at 450 metres is a genuine challenge, but the descent on the other side and the views from the top make it a memorable day out.
Can I Ride Around the Whole of Kielder Water?
This is one of the most commonly asked questions about cycling at Kielder. The answer is: yes, but the north shore section of the Lakeside Way is unsurfaced in places and better suited to mountain bikes or hybrids than road bikes. If you’re on a road bike, stick to the south shore and the Kielder Forest Drive for the most enjoyable experience.
Accessibility
The Borderline trail and the surfaced sections of the Lakeside Way are suitable for hand cyclists and adapted bikes.
What to Bring
Pack layers, a waterproof, and plenty of food and water — particularly on the longer routes, where there are few opportunities to stop and refuel. A basic repair kit (inner tube, tyre levers, pump) is worth bringing on any ride longer than an hour.
And a camera. The views are worth stopping for.
