Kielder trails

[Hard-Drive]

Any good? Might be heading up there next week with the missus. We've done most of the 7 stanes and the usual Welsh and Lake District trails.

We're fairly average, not very fit, trail riders on some decent but now slightly outdated mid travel 26" full sussers. The types that love the 7 stanes (especially Kirroughtree and Innerleithen for the amazing scenery) and even good old Cannock for the abundance of singletrack compared to fire roads, but will probably take the chicken run on really silly black sections. Probably only done a couple of trial rides in the past couple of years I'm afraid, so a bit out of practice to say the least (blame the flat Midlands and the ease of road biking for that!)

Is it worth riding, and is there any good camping nearby? By good I mean plenty of space, mainly tents only, no hordes of screaming kids, basic but clean facilities, a sensible policy on fires and BBQs, and hopefully a pub not too far away.

Thanks!

[Cabinet Enforcer]

I have only been up once recently (most sort that out), the routes seem pretty good, much better than the fire road specials that there used to be, though IIRC most of the routes are still fire road based but with single track sections. The better ones do tend to be quite long and they don't have the "polished" feel of your typical 7stanes trail, you may or may not like this aspect.

IIRC the FC trail guides are a bit pants, you can find them here http://www.kieldertrailreavers.co.uk/ but I would suggest a GPS or proper map to supplement them.

Most of the decent trails seem to be focussed around Kielder village at the North end of the reservoir, which is where the camp-site is, afraid I can't comment on what its like, probably the quiet end of the spectrum. I think Kielder village has a pub too. There is also a bike shop up there somewhere but I can't comment on if it's any use, there is a well stocked shop at Longtown though.

If you want "proper" quiet then take a look at www.twinwillowscaravanpark.co.uk or b+b at http://www.thebridgeinnpenton.co.uk/ its about a 20 min drive into Kielder from here but a significant degree less midge infested The beer and food is also very reasonable

Kielder is also quite close to Newcastleton, one of the quieter 7stanes sites, its a bit tame, especially since the north shore section was taken down. There is also the option of going for a wander through Kershope forest (western Kielder basically), all forestry access road obviously but you'll need a map since there are no marked trails (or people).


Don't underestimate how remote the whole area is, I have ridden all day around here in mid-summer and seen no-one except for at the car-parks, there is typically no mobile coverage at all and you are a very very long way from an A+E ward. Personally I love it, but if it doesn't "click" with you then it you might not find it very rewarding. I think the trail grades take the remoteness into account, the reds are not especially technically demanding.

[castex]

In addition to Cabinet's great post, I'd say it's fab fun. Just stay off the elevated ramps in the wet.

Edit: The reservoir perimeter is also worth a tour if you have time; some cool sculptures to see on the way.

Edited by castex on Thursday 3rd July 21:18

[Hard-Drive]

Guys

Thanks very much for the info...really good. I now feel almost embarrassed to say that with the forecast looking decidedly moist up North next week, we are going to abandon the plan and go sailing down south instead. Dropping off a kerb on our Dahon folders is about as gnarly as it's going to get cycling wise.

However you've certainly whetted my appetite so I reckon well probably have another crack at Kielder later in the year, and perhaps book a cottage in advance so the weather can screw it up again!

Thanks again

HD

[ED209]

The red trails ok, if fairly short. It can be lengthened by going right to the top where the mast is (you will see it) however i wouldn't recommend it, its a fairly long climb to come down a long straight descent on a very rocky track, its fast and bloody dangerous in my opinion.

[BeerMonster1]

The old fart (DAD) and I went around 2 weeks ago. We stayed at the camp site in Keilder (MIDGE FEST!!! Get there around lunch time or late morning at setting up a tent in the evening with them biting the $£IT out of you isn't pleasant.) which was very quiet (not too many screaming kids), the facilities were fairly good on site and not too expensive (£25 a night including electric, this includes your entry to ride the trails as you just leave your vehicle on site and ride to trail start (1000 meters or so).

Trails are well...... OK. We did the red routes (Bloody bush and Lonesome pine) of which most is fairly well set out but you have to cycle around 2 miles to find the start of the route from Keilder village. As above there are a lot of fire roads and not too many "downhill" type sections. The set up along the routes is just rocks rocks rocks. Even the single path is just lined with rocks so take as above full sus unless you want to give your bones a little shake!! (We chose hard-tails having never gone before).

Admittedly we thought the trails were too short and tried to continue the trail (ended up getting lost some 15 miles in the wrong direction towards the 7Stanes sections. Then had to ride 18 miles on the road to get back. It was a long day but not a total wasted journey. Dad and I never fought once and the scenery is great!!

Overall I would go back but with family to do a just chill weekend as harder routes tend to just be hard slogs up hill and not too much reward.