Cross Border Trail
The Cross-Border Trail links in with the Kielder Calvert trail, but 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.
How to get there:
Cross Border Trail can be started from Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre in Kielder which is part of Kielder. Kielder Village near Bellingham is the nearest town or village.
Kielder Castle is situated at the northern end of Kielder Water, off the C200.
OS Grid Reference: NY632934
