There's nowhere else quite like it

Apr 8 2009 by Philippa Clark, The Journal

HOME to northern Europe's largest man-made lake, Englands largest forest and officially the countrys most tranquil spot, Kielder Water & Forest Park is not to be missed.

Nature lovers, water sports enthusiasts, explorers, walkers, cyclists, artists, families anyone looking to escape and create new experiences will delight in everything the park has to offer.

It has more than 230 square miles of forest and mile upon mile of purpose-built trails, including forest walks for all the family and mountain bike tracks. For walking and hiking holidays or days out, choose from challenging long-distance trails or leisurely family strolls.

An extensive network of off-road tracks is suitable for family cycling holidays. Mountain biking enthusiasts can experience four of the best single-track trails in England, including a nine-mile blue graded trail which will open up the vast landscape to casual and intermediate riders, and a tougher 11.5-mile red route sure to get pulses racing.

New for 2009 is the Lakeside Way, a unique, multi-user trail suitable for walkers, runners, cyclists, pushchair and wheelchair users and horse riders. The trail encircles Kielder Water, stretching for 27 miles.

Wildlife is abundant expect to encounter deer, otters, bats and rare birds. Kielder Water & Forest Park is also home to about half of Englands red squirrel population, the last remaining stronghold in the country.

Waterskiing and sailing enthusiasts take to the water all year round and the lake offers a huge challenge to trout anglers between March and October. The Osprey ferry is an ideal way to see Kielder Water in comfort.

Visitor centres are first ports of call for information-hungry visitors. Discover Kielders history at the new interactive Tower Knowe exhibition (open later this month) or visit Kielder Castle Visitor Centre, a former hunting lodge of the Duke of Northumberland, which also hosts a gallery. Nearby is an exciting mountain bikes skills area and the start point for the Deadwater single-track mountain bike trails.

Leaplish Waterside Park boasts luxury self-catering forest lodges, an indoor heated swimming pool and sauna, restaurant and bar and the Kielder Water Birds of Prey Centre.

A fully accessible centre and self- catering chalets provided by the Calvert Trust offer outdoor activities, care and relaxation for people with disabilities, their families and friends. Set in a 40-acre wooded site, facilities include a hydrotherapy pool, en suite bedrooms, lounge and bar.

Famed for having the darkest night skies in England thanks to minimal light pollution, Kielder Water & Forest Park is a stargazers heaven and the Observatory is the place to learn about the night sky.

With plenty of picnic spots and places to eat throughout the park, visitors are spoilt for choice in the most tranquil area in England. Be one of the first to see the new website www.visitkielder.com

Philippa Clark is communications advisor for Kielder Water & Forest Park

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