Warksburn Picnic Area

Visitor information

Warksburn Picnic Area, Kielder Forest

Are you a picnicker seeking adventure? Warksburn Picnic Area is just for you

More than just a picture perfect spot for your next picnic, Warksburn is overlooked by the famous Totem Poles of Stonehaugh village, adding some fascinating depth to the view from your picnic.

The Poles, which have been standing for 50 years, aren't the only unique feature at this hidden gem. Keep your eyes peeled for the Black Dyke, a pre-Roman earthwork and a profusion of water, wetland and forest plants and flowers that you can find if you venture out on the waymarked walking trail. The banks of Warksburn are also reputed to contain gold deposits!

At a glance

Walking trail
Picnic area
Famous Totem Poles

Things to do

Picnics at Warksburn Picnic Area

Enjoy a relaxing picnic in the forest, just bring along good food and company!

There are picnic tables available on the grass near the car park.

To prevent forest fires and reduce waste, please do not bring any barbecues into our forests.

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Walking at Warksburn Picnic Area

Warksburn Picnic Area has one walking trail which heads up the bank close to the picnic area. After walking along the burn and circling through the forest, the trail runs close to Black Dyke and through a recently planted area passing a wind swept old Scots Pine shelter belt before returning to the car park.

The walk is fairly level and has a shortcut that allows you to take a shorter route.

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Nearby forests

small un-surfaced trail winding through dark autumnal trees to lake in the distance

Sidwood

With two nearby walking trails and a picnic area, Sidwood is at the heart of this delightful part of Kielder Forest, just two miles from the village of Greenhaugh.

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Fourlaws

Located to the east of Kielder Forest, Fourlaws is a popular site in the heart of the Ridsdale community.

The forest offers visitors great walking opportunities and some unique views over Chesterhope Common.

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Raised walking path next to stream in the forest

Hindhope Linn

At the northern end of Kielder Forest Drive, Blakehopeburnhaugh is the starting point for the Hindhope Linn walking trail. The trail leads you to the spectacular waterfall in an enchanting dell, a local sight not to be missed!

Reward yourself with a tasty picnic after your forest adventure or if you're keen to discover more, venture over to the Pennine Way long-distance footpath, accessible from the car park.

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Kielder Water and Forest Park

Although it's England's largest forest, Kielder is not just about trees. At any one time, a quarter of the area of Kielder is open space, including England’s largest area of blanket bog. Kielder is also England’s most important red squirrel reserve, home to the biggest remaining population of red squirrels in the country.

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