Day visiting

A range of outdoor pursuits are available in the local area. In addition, the miles of walking and cycling trails are a superb way to observe the area's abundant flora and fauna where red squirrels, roe deer, otter and osprey can be found.

Go walking trails

Discover the delights of Kielder Water and Forest Park on foot and explore the beautiful lakes shoreline and verdant forest glades provided and maintained by Northumbrian Water and Forest Enterprise. Guides can be purchased at Leaplish receptions that detail the various walks that are on offer and provide detailed routes and maps.

Go cycling trails

Kielder can offer a range of facilities and opportunities for all cyclists ranging from the beginner to the experienced competition rider. The area is fast becoming known as one of the best centres for mountain bike riding in Britain. For those without two-wheeled transport you can hire a bike from The Bike Place.  Call 01434 250 457 or visit www.thebikeplace.co.uk for more information.

Tynedale Renewable Energy Trail

This walking or cycling trail has been developed to increase awareness of currently available renewable energy technologies and to show how they work. It provides a guided or unguided tour, for groups or individuals, around existing renewable energy installations in the vicinity of Kielder Water. You can visit the web site at http://www.tynedalerenewableenergy.org.uk/ to read more and download the guide leaflet.

Osprey ferry

The 80-seater motor cruiser, ‘Osprey’, is the ideal way to see the lake in the comfort and safety. On board facilities include full commentary, bar, shop, heated lounge and toilets. Sailings call at Leaplish, Tower Knowe and on the north shore, the Belling and Benny shank where the award winning Belvedere artwork can be found. A limited number of bikes can be carried on board. The cruiser can also be hired for private parties.

Ferry timetable

21st March to 31st October 2008
Leaplish departures: 10:15, 11:30, 13:45, 15:00, 16:15
Tower Knowe departures: 10:40, 11:55, 14:10, 15:25, 16:40
Please check with reception when booking as times may be subject to change.

Ferry prices

Adult - £6.00 / Child - £3.75 / Over 60's - £5.25
Group rates (min 20 people) Adults and over 60's - £4.95 / Child - £3.50 Family - 2 adults and 2 children - £16.25.  2 adults and 3 children - £19.00
Part journey - Tower Knowe - Leaplish - £4.50
Part journey - Leaplish - Tower Knowe - £3.50

Motor boats for hire

Take to the water in one of our motor boats. Availability is limited so book your trip as soon as possible at Leaplish Waterside Park reception.

Hire period: 19 July - 31 August 2008.
Available: Wed - Sun (first hire period 12 noon, last hire period begins at 16:00 for full hour and 16:30 for half an hour).
Charges: £19 per hour or £12 per half hour (regardless of number of boat occupants).

Kielder art and architecture

The landscape around Kielder Water and 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 reception which detail the location and the inspiration behind the works. Why not see how many you can visit?

Tower Knowe visitor centre

Facilities include the Kielder Water exhibition, gift and fishing tackle shop, ferry point, picnic area, car park, toilets, self guided trails and it’s the base for the Kielder Water sailing club. The newly refurbished Cafe on the water sells light bites and refreshments in a picturesque setting on the waters edge.

Open daily:
April and October - 10am to 4pm (school holidays 10am to 5pm).
May, June and September - 10am to 5pm.
July and August - 10am to 6pm.
All buildings are accessible to wheel chair users.

Kielder Castle Forest Park visitor centre

Kielder Castle, a former hunting lodge for the Duke of Northumberland overlooks Kielder Village.

Open daily:
April to October - 10am to 5pm.
Weekends only November to Christmas - 11am – 4pm.
Attractions include Kielder Forest and Birds of Kielder exhibitions, Duchess art gallery, gift shop, Dukes pantry restaurant, guided walks and events program, bike hire, forest drive (toll), childrens adventure playground, picnic area, car park and toilets.

Water sports

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 250 312.

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).

Canoeing for organised groups is allowed and canoes, as well as dinghies and motor boats, can be hired on an hourly, daily or weekly basis.

Casual launching of craft
Please note the following safety rules applicable from March 2005 to canoeists 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.
• 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.

(These rules are additional to and should be read in conjunction with, those listed in the Kielder Water Users’ Rules and Regulations 2005).