| This section can be summed up
in one word: 'Kielder'. The huge expanses of Kielder Water
and Kielder Forest, the largest man-made reservoir and forest
in Europe, dominate the section. The route takes you through
the tranquil beauty spot of Falstone
village before reaching the imposing Kielder Dam. At the dam
there are two main options to get to Akenshawburn: a mixed
route round the south of the lake on the road to Lewis Burn
and an entirely off-road option round the north of the lake
on a wide man-made forest track
Falstone village
This section can be very strenuous particularly
if taking all the off-road options. Remember that the off-road
tracks use more energy than tarmac especially if there has
been rain. Navigation around the forest fire roads can be
tricky as they all look the same after a while and you can
easily lose your bearings.
Route Details
Along the North Tyne
Leaving Bellingham, heading West,
you will almost immediately enter the Northumberland
National Park. Proceeding along the quiet country roads,
you essentially follow the path of the beautiful River North
Tyne. After about 6 miles the route takes you through the
small settlement of Lanehead. The ruins of Tarset Castle remain
although covered in grass and a shadow of the castle that
was garrisoned by the English and subsequently burnt down
by the renowned Reiving family, the Charltons.
Floral Falstone
The attractive little village of Falstone
is an excellent place to stop. Not only is it pretty, it also
has a shop, post office and an excellent pub: the Blackcock
Inn serving real ales and good food. The tree-lined village
has a small tributary of the North Tyne running through it.
In the farmhouse next to the church you will see the remnants
of a fortified house from the Reivers era.
Leaving Falstone along pleasant tracks you
will come to the Kielder Dam. Here you have to make a major
decision.
Northern shore off-road option
Carry straight on at Kielder Dam to follow the wide
forest tracks which will be marked with the Reivers Route
or the arrows for Red Route No.6. This road changes to tarmac
after 6 miles just above Gowanburn. Passing through Butteryhaugh
then crossing Kielder Burn you will soon reach Kielder Village.
Kielder Village
has a lot to interest the passing cyclist including an 18th
century castle, the Anglers Arms pub, a visitor centre and
a shop. And if your bike is in dire need of love and attention,
Kielder Bikes will help you out. You can even hire a bike
if your own steed is beyond repair!
Out of Kielder, the route to Akenshawburn
is via Forest Enterprise Route 5c. You will pick up the Reivers
Route signs as you go. This is a very challenging section
with some long, hard climbs. This eventually takes you to
Akenshawburn.
Southern shore mixed option
Take the road across Kielder Dam walls then follow the main
road round the periphery of the Lake. You will pass Tower
Knowe Visitor Centre which has many facilities including
cafe and shops. This main road has fast-moving traffic and
can be busy in the warmer months so take care. The headwinds
can also be very strong on occasions. Follow the road for
some six miles until you see the signs for the picnic area
at Lewis Burn. This wide, off-road track will take you all
the way to Akenshawburn, meeting up with the northern shore
option.
After all that you will arrive at Akenshawburn.
Don't expect a lot at Akenshawburn and you won't be disappointed. |
Facts &
Figures
| |
| Mileage |
22 miles |
| Highest point |
835 ft |
| Lowest Point |
365 ft |
| Off-road |
10 - 70% |
| Ascending |
2,249 ft |
Places en route
The table below summarises the main locations along this
section of route. Hyperlinked place names link to pages containing
additional information about the location including accommodation.
Route Options
Serpent Brae from Leaplish
If taking the Southern Shore mixed route, an option to increase
the amount of off-road riding is to enter Leaplish
Waterside Park and pick up the route taking you from the
main car park and through an underpass under the main road.
There is a difficult ascent to overcome before reaching a
T-junction where you turn right. Follow the main track through
a break in the trees. You will encounter the Serpent Brae:
a very steep, very technical descent. Unless you are a very
good rider you should dismount. This brings you out at The
Forks. Turn left to take you to Akenshawburn.
Main Road to Newcastleton
Arriving at Kielder Village, you can elect to ignore the official
route and take the main roads all the way to Newcastleton
via Saughtree. Please note that there are HGVs using this
road so take care on the narrow sections.
Off-road via Thorneyburn
Reaching Rushend (just [past Lanehead) you can either
take the tarmac route through Donkleywood to Falstone or take
the off-road option over Thorneyburn Common. The latter is
a more energetic, more elevated route that is always worth
a punt if you enjoy off-road riding and have some spare energy.
Akenshawburn
coming into view
|
