Storm Arwen recovery update
Kielder Water and Forest Park
On 26 November 2021, the north of England experienced significant northerly winds leading to storm damage which affected trees, buildings and other infrastructure. Storm Malik and storm Corrie over weekend 29/30 January 2022 has led to more trees falling over and slowing down the recovery process.
Forestry England’s first priority in the aftermath of the storm was to help the rural communities cut off from power such as in Kielder Forest, where staff worked with other agencies including the power company, to clear fallen and unstable trees from power lines, access roads and main paths.
We are now planning and implementing the safe and prompt removal of windblown trees across our forests, including our trails. The safe removal of windblown trees is a complex operation, requiring planning, machinery and skilled operators.
Our teams are working as fast as they can, but in some areas the size and complexity of the damage and remote locations is going to take months to fix.
Storm damaged trees can be unstable and dangerous. We need to make trees safe, within two tree-lengths of all of our trails. Unfortunately this means some facilities remain closed.
The table below highlights what is currently accessible to the public. We update this list weekly. Please check this list before travelling to Kielder Water and Forest Park.
Status of forest walks
Facility / route name | Open/Closed/Partially open | Updates |
Dukes Trail | Open |
|
Skyspace/ Kielder Observatory | Open | Using forest road only- forest area walk followed will be closed for months |
Deadwater | Open |
|
Warksburn (Stonehaugh) | Open | 2 small diversions in place for next 6 months+ |
Falstone (Walk to Stell) | Open |
|
Sidwood (Riverside Trail only). | Open |
|
Hindhope Linn | Open | Only direct to Waterfall- rest closed long term |
Pennine Way (national trail) | Open diversion out into National Park above Hadrian’s Wall | Forest diversion will be in place during February. Bellingham to Blakehopeburnhaugh fully open. |
Lakeside Way south shore | ¾ open | Only Bakethin area remains closed. |
Lakeside Way north shore | Open with diversions | Will continue with diversions for summer. |
Duchess Trail | Closed | Aimed to be open during summer. |
Sidwood Bastle Trail | Closed | Will be closed for many months. |
Status of cycle trail and mountain bike facilities
Facility / route name | Open/Closed/Partially open | Updates |
Kielder Castle car park and toilets incl Minotaur Maze | Open |
|
Jump Line | Open |
|
Borderline Trail | Open |
|
Route 68 Sill to Bellingham | Open |
|
Deadwater Red/ Black graded trails | Open |
|
Cross Border Trail | Open |
|
Lakeside Way north shore | Open with diversions in place | 50/50 Lakeside Way / North Haul Forest Road |
Osprey Trail | Open with diversions | Using forest roads. open during summer |
Lakeside Way south shore | Open (only Bakethin area now closed) | Bakethin area only section that remains closed until summer |
Lonesome Pine Trail | Closed | Skydive section ONLY open. |
Bloodybush Trail | Closed | Aspiration to have open summer 2022. |
Cycle Skills Loop | Closed | Due to upgrading work required. |
Information on routes available to walk or cycle are available on the Visit Kielder website: www.visitkielder.com