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Lakeside Way Cycle Trail


(Average user rating4 unrated 4/5)

The Lakeside Way multi-user path offers visitors to Kielder Water & Forest Park a truly unique experience giving access to the most scenic parts of the lake shore and the opportunity to get up close to some of Kielder’s abundant wildlife.

The 26-mile path encircles Kielder Water and is suitable for walkers, cyclists, horse riders, mobility scooters and wheelchair users.

Some routes incorporate the Osprey ferry (please remember it is vital to check in advance for sailing schedules). Also, the ferry has limited space for bicycles so booking is advised.

The Lakeside Way has a good surface and is excellent for cycling, although some hills may be difficult for younger or less experienced cyclists. It is recommended that people in wheelchairs are accompanied. Horse riders should move at a controlled walking pace only. Visitors using a mobility scooter should ensure batteries are fully charged before setting off. No other motorised vehicles are permitted.

The Lakeside Way is one of England’s finest long distance paths. For those adventurous enough, it can be completed in one visit. If cycling, allow 3-4 hours if you are fit and looking for a good ‘pedal out’. Allow more time if you wish to take in the scenery, have lunch or visit some of the contemporary Art and Architecture along the path. When planning your day out, please always take account of the remoteness of the site and the weather forecast - in this area the weather can rapidly change.

For most people, completion of small sections of trail at each visit is far more relaxing and enjoyable. Shorter route options and links to the local villages of Falstone and Kielder are available. The route incorporates a number of art and architecture pieces including the shimmering artwork known as 'Mirage' and the landmark bridge over Lewisburn inlet.

The south shore is approximately 14 miles in length, stretching from Kielder Dam to Kielder Castle Visitor Centre and including Tower Knowe Visitor Centre and Leaplish Waterside Park.

The Lakeside Way on the north shore of Kielder Water runs from Hawkhope car park at the north end of the dam to Kielder Castle Visitor Centre. The distance is just less than 12 miles. Unlike the south shore, there are no visitor centres along the north shoreline so please be adequately prepared before setting out. In addition, a 4km stretch from Kielder village along Bakethin shoreline is not topped with finishing material and as a result the surface is covered with looser material than other stretches of the Lakeside Way.

Kielder is home to Britain's only venomous snake, the adder. These rarely bite unless provoked, so if you see one, give it a wide berth and observe from a reasonable distance.

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

Click here to find out what else you can do in this forest.

How to get there:

Lakeside Way Cycle Trail can be started from Hawkhope Car Park ( Northumbrian Water ) in Kielder which is part of Kielder. Falstone is the nearest town or village.

Signposted off the C200.

OS Grid Reference: NY632934
For details of public transport visit http://www.transportdirect.info

You can also access this trail through Bakethin Reservoir Car Park, Bakethin Weir, Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre, Leaplish Waterside Park.

What's on in Kielder

February

  • 4 x 4 Safari
    Saturday 18 February 2012
    Saturday 31 March 2012
    Saturday 12 May 2012
    Saturday 26 May 2012

March

  • Introduction to Nordic Pole Walking
    Sunday 5 February 2012
    Sunday 4 March 2012
    Sunday 1 April 2012
    Monday 9 April 2012
    Sunday 15 April 2012
    Sunday 13 May 2012
    Sunday 10 June 2012
    Sunday 1 July 2012
  • Nordic Walk
    Sunday 12 February 2012
    Sunday 18 March 2012
    Monday 2 April 2012
    Tuesday 10 April 2012
    Sunday 20 May 2012
    Sunday 17 June 2012
    Sunday 8 July 2012
  • 4 x 4 Safari
    Saturday 18 February 2012
    Saturday 31 March 2012
    Saturday 12 May 2012
    Saturday 26 May 2012
  • Goshawk Walk
    Saturday 10 March 2012
    Saturday 24 March 2012

April

View all events

User Comments

4 Stars 4 Stars

did it in the dark, absolutely fantastic. 1 hour 55 minutes, loved it

heath, 5/Nov/2011
4 Stars 4 Stars

Fantastic trip round the Lakeside Way yesterday. 3.5 hours including half hour for lunch at the Castle. I've just started cycling and this was the longest ride I've done so far, so if you're experienced you'd no doubt be able to do it a lot quicker. I went anti-clockwise from Hawkhope car park - which I think worked quite well. Just under half way round to the Castle for lunch, then a slightly easier ride back along the South shore. Amazing views, nice clear directions along the trail, and the mileage countdowns really make you feel like you're making progress.

Brian, 17/Oct/2011
4 Stars 4 Stars

Excellent track pity the odd stretch has not been finished to the high standard of the majority.Still managed to just get round under the 2 hours.

Brian, 13/Sep/2010
More user comments

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Cyclists on Lakeside Way, Kielder Water and Forest Park

Facilities and Activities

ToiletsParking ChargeEasy Access
Cycling

Trail

Grade of trail

Moderate

Trail waymarking

blue

Length of trail

26 miles

Approximate time of trail

3-5 hours

Open or closed

open

Contact

Kielder Castle
01434 250209
e-mail: kieldercastle@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Related pages

Useful sites