Cross Border Trail

(Average user rating: 5/5)

Grade of Trail:

• Difficult

Length of trail:

30 miles

Trail is currently open

The Crossborder route via Scots Knowe is CLOSED between Dykecrofts and Willowbog due to Harvesting work, which is expected to finish in summer 2013. All users should use the Crossborder route via Bloody Bush in both directions.

The Cross-Border Trail into Scotland gives cyclists an alternative to the Bloody Bush MTB trail and links in with the Lakeside Way, but it can also be accessed from the picnic area at Lewisburn.

From Lewisburn, the best direction to ride the trail is anti-clockwise, following the old Bloodybush toll road, climbing past open ground, a quarry and over the Buck Burn. The trail runs alongside a recently felled area on the left and becomes a grassy track, before reaching the old Bloody Bush Toll Pillar, which is steeped in history and well worth reading the fees that once long ago you would have had to pay at the border. Here you get spectacular views of the Liddesdale valley and the Scottish Border Hills come into view before the trail joins the forest road which plunges down through conifers. Look out for the sharp left off the main forest road.

The route undulates with several long descents until reaching Dykecrofts Information Centre. At Dykecrofts you will be met by the formal MTB trailhead for the Newcastleton 7stanes trails, which take you in the right direction to return to Kielder. While at Newcastleton you have the pick of blue, red and black (northshore) trails to enjoy before your return journey. Please observe all warning signs.

As with all trails in Kielder, please be fully prepared for riding in remote environments and come properly equipped. The weather can change rapidly and small equipment failures can quickly turn into a more serious situation. Always let somebody know where you are going and when you are due back.

Overview map of ALL Kielder's 100 miles of trails (download pdf here).