Kielder Village & Kielder Water

A Long and Turbulent History
Situated now at the head of the reservoir, Kielder was once in a wild and uncultivated country surrounded by moors and bogs. It is now a purpose-built forestry village cocooned by alpine spruce and pine trees. Before the turn of the century Kielder Castle, which stands guard over the village, would have been hidden and alone at the valley head. It was built in 1775 by the Duke of Northumberland as his hunting lodge. The village is an oasis for the cyclist with a shop, pub and post office.

Kielder village is welcoming to visitors today, but the area has a long and turbulent history. Lying in a remote area with a sparse population near to the border with Scotland, the North Tyne suffered border raids and warfare for many centuries. William Wallace's army rampaged through here in 1297 and it is recorded in 1311-1312 that Robert the Bruce 'laid waste to Keildir'. Of the people living in the district, the very wealthy built castles; clansmen generally built pele towers, while small farms had bastles for defence.

The Lure of Whisky
As time passed to more recent centuries, whisky distilling and whisky running became a popular vocation. One of the traveling routes which was a favourite was named 'Smuggler's Leap'. More respectable employment came in the eighteenth century with the growth of mining, particularly Plashetts in the Kielder area. In the nineteenth century tile works, lead mining and for a time an iron foundry were in operation at Kielder; these businesses helped to improve roads within the valley. In 1862 the LNER railway opened a line into the Kielder area, used to speed the delivery of coal to the midlands.

Europe's Largest Man-Made Lake
From the 1920s Kielder Forest, extending for 6 miles either side of the Deadwater Burn, was the largest Forestry Commission scheme in England. More recently the reservoir was created, the largest man-made lake in Europe. Kielder's stunning scenery, peace and quiet make it a magnet for visitors for a number of reasons including walking, camping and watersports.

For more information about Kielder go to the website for Kielder Water and Forest Park.

Places of interest

Mountain Biking
Kielder Forest offers huge potential for mountain bikers of all abilities. There are a number of waymarked routes available or, alternatively, just do your own thing. Cycling routes are available at visitor centres. Check out the brand new Skills Loop and man-made trails.
Website: www.kielder.org

Kielder Ferry Service
The 80-seater cruiser 'Osprey' takes you round the lake, with highlights commentary, from Tower Knowe to Leaplish to Kielder Castle.
Tel : 0870 240 3549

Leaplish Waterside Park
Leaplish provides the hub around which most of Kielder Water's activity revolves. Includes a wealth of facilities including a heated swimming pool and sauna, campsite, accommodation together with a licensed restaurant, sculpture trail and bird of prey centre.
Tel: 01434 250 312

Kielder Castle Visitor Centre
The 18th century former hunting lodge of the Duke of Northumberland, this provides the main centre for information about the forest.
Tel: 01434 250 209

Tower Knowe Visitor Centre
The centre provides access to water sports, trails, shops and a restaurant. Also available is the Kielder Water Exhibition - a fascinating display tracing the history of the Kielder valley from beyond the ice age to the completion of the dam and the creation of Europe's largest man-made lake.
Tel: 0870 240 3549

Serviced Accommodation

Twenty Seven Bed & Breakfast
27 Castle Drive, Kielder Village, Northumberland, NE48 1EQ
Tel: 01434 250366/462
Email: twentyseven@staykielder.co.uk
Website: www.staykielder.co.uk
Contact: Mrs Jill Gregg

Camping

Kielder Caravan Club Site
Leaplish, Kielder Water
Tel: 01434 250 278

Leaplish Waterside Campsite
Kielder Water
Tel: 01434 250 312

Forestry Commission Caravan & Campsite
Kielder Village
Tel: 01434 250 291

Bike Shops

The Bike Place
O ne of the Northeast's premier Mountain Bike Superstores catering for the MTB enthusiast.
Unit 3, Rivermead, Kielder, NE48 1HX
Tel: 01434 250 457
Website: www.thebikeplace.co.uk
Email: hire@thebikeplace.co.uk

Kielder Bikes
Located adjacent to Kielder Castle, the friendly and ever-helpful Kielder Bikes can provide spares, repairs, bike hire and a rescue service.
Tel: 01434 250 392