Kielder - is it a bit rubbish?

Yeah pretty dull. If you’re used to modern gnarr type stuff. Only been once. Was with another couple who don’t really ride. Hired a couple of eebers. He loved it. My wife loved it. I was thoroughly bored and fed up of trying to keep up on the fire roads with very little fun in return.

Blue trail (osprey) has some lovely bits with techie black alternatives. Red (lonesome pine) has a great descent from from the skydome down. Wouldn't bother going all the way to the top of Deadwater fell, turn right where the forest ends and head back down the hill. Slog across to Newcastleton is not worth it. Drive over instead and ride from the village. Surface on Deadwater and Lonesome Pine can be draggy. Trail around the lake is very long indeed and extremely dull.

Edit: it would appear the good bits of the lonesome pine trail are shut due to storm damage.

Kielder is for gravel bikes really. Newcastleton is nice (check everything is open again post Arwen, it was shut for a loooong time)

Look at all their happy faces 

Tells you everything you need to know.

camp at Kielder

Better hope it stays cold and breezy, the midges at Kielder are ludicrous. Luckily the weather is usually grim enough to see them off.

Kielder is a funny place, I always think it is the sort of place that lends itself to the setting of a 9pm Sunday evening murder drama. Moody, remote, grey, grim and a nervous edge.

Have a lovely time!

Take the cross border trail to Newcastleton?

I spend most of my holidays camping around the highlands and islands of Scotland but nothing compares to Kielder midges. I suspect that is why it is a shadow of its former self facility wise. Could just be creeping in to midge season but hopefully it will be ok.
I vividly remember camping their twenty odd years ago, desperate for the loo but too scared to go outside. I heared the zip of another tent open followed by a harrowing scream as the tent no doubt filled with them.

Oh yeah most of the riding is very tame.

Better hope it stays cold and breezy, the midges at Kielder are ludicrous. Luckily the weather is usually grim enough to see them off.

So I have been told, I'm going prepared with a variety of midge repellents and nets...I also hasten to add it wasn't my choice of venue...

We camped (van in the car park) last June and the midges weren't really an issue. They seemed to be absent from anywhere last year anyway. Probably a bit cold for them so far this year.

Yeah Kielder was fun for a couple of short days with the kids - the Mrs and I could tag-team and we saw ospreys nesting. The Deadwater red trail is good fun. Stay off the race-only trails. They're obvious but you wouldn't want to jeopardise future events now would you.

So I have been told, I’m going prepared with a variety of midge repellents and nets…

The midges of Kielder laugh in the face of your nets and repellents!! 🙂

I did a summer Polaris there many years ago when Foot and Mouth was in full effect. It was the only place riding on that scale was permitted.

OMFG - the midges were horrendous. Every surface of the tent was literally black with them. I've never been back!

Yes it's pretty dire.
My folks live in Corbridge so we're up in N'umberland loads with bikes. Don't think we've been to Kielder in the last 10 years....

Kielder is a funny place, I always think it is the sort of place that lends itself to the setting of a 9pm Sunday evening murder drama. Moody, remote, grey, grim and a nervous edge.

I rode the trails about 16 years ago and the cross border trail about 5 years ago and enjoyed both. I keep meaning to go back but it really is a long way from anywhere and if I'm in the borders area I just end up at Innerleithen.

@the muffin man, I was on the same Polaris. My tent was also black with the blighters.
The Monday at work was torture, I could have spent the day in a bath on Camomile lotion.

Lots of newcastleton is closed for works, most of the lonesome pines trail is closed due to storm damage. The blue and deadwater is open - went last week.

You won't have much joy if you go with the walking option, it's just one massive sitka spruce plantation.

It's a dull place for biking and I can confirm the midges are like nothing you will of experienced before

Left after 1 night and the midges ..worst ive ever seen

It very much depends what you like. As a trail centre it's a bit meh. Newcastleton is smaller but more fun. The ride across to Newcastleton is some of the best stuff imo, but I just like riding bikes outdoors, trail centres don't do much for me. Really depends what you want. The lakeside way can be a nice family ride too.

Well I like the expanse and feeling of remoteness.

Lots of wildlife, and I've done the cross border a few times.

Not to mention the Kielder 100 twice.

It's good for old school xc and gravel. Not much modern tech stuff though. They did hold enduro races up there at one point but I don't know where?

Walking wise be careful as it can just be miles of managed forest which is a bit dull. Look for something that has a point of interest. Down by the Dam can be ok, some of the tops have views or places like skyspace.

I think it's a nice place but ultimately it's a massive managed forest in the middle of no where with some recreational activities. Not a theme park. My recommendation would be do some easy xc rides - better than walking for views and variety.

Midges can be bad, not had a problem up there this year. Pick a camping spot with a bit of a breeze.

We were also at that summer Polaris - never been back since. For second night moved the van to a higher (windier) car park and it was marginally better....

Quite like Newcastleton when it is all open.

Fair enough - might as well take bikes and enjoy a bit of fresh air and the relatively tame trails.

I'll sacrifice a child to the midge gods and hope for the best!