In June 2022, we set out in our campervan to ride the Kielder Forest mountain bike trails in Northumberland. Nestled in one of Europe’s largest Dark Sky Parks, Kielder offers an unbeatable combination of off-grid camping, world-class MTB routes, and stunning night skies.
🏕️Campsite Review: Kielder Campsite
- Location: Kielder, Hexham NE48 1EJ
- Amenities: Toilets, Showers, electric hook-up, water, chemical waste, dog friendly.
- Tips: Camper vans, vehicles with roof tents, motor homes and touring caravans can only be pitched on hard stands.
Kielder Campsite is a peaceful, independently run, three-star site tucked deep within Kielder Forest, Northumberland. Known as England’s remotest campsite, it delivers a true off-grid escape — no mobile signal, minimal light pollution, and a stargazer’s paradise. As a result, it’s perfect for those seeking solitude and starry skies.
Day 1 – Kielder Castle & MTB Trails
🗺️MTB Trails – Osprey Trail & Lakeside Way
- Distance: 11.4 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,150 ft
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Highlights: Kielder Castle and the Osprey webcam
- GPX Download: komoot.com
We kicked off our adventure from the campsite with an easy ride to Kielder Castle, the main trail hub for over 100 miles of mountain biking routes. Once we arrived, we discovered that many of the trails were still closed due to storm damage from the previous winter.
Despite that, we opted for the Blue Lakeside Trail, which provided a scenic and steady ride. After a short climb, we joined the Osprey Trail, which rewarded us with stunning panoramic views. Eventually, we looped back onto the Lakeside Trail and returned to Kielder Castle.
Soon after, we took a break at the Castle Café, where we enjoyed a hot drink and a bite to eat. While relaxing, we noticed several live webcam screens showing footage of local Osprey nests. Although we spotted an adult bird on the nest, we didn’t see any chicks.
🗺️MTB Trails – Deadwater Red
- Distance: 6.12 miles
- Elevation Gain: 1,000 ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
- GPX Download: komoot.com
Refreshed, we tackled the Deadwater Red Route. This trail involved over 1,000 feet of climbing and featured twisty, fast descents. While challenging, it was incredibly fun and a great way to end the day.
After that, we headed back to the campsite for a well-earned drink and dinner.
Day 2 – SkySpace & Observatory Trails
On our second day, we crossed the main road from the campsite to explore the SkySpace installation and nearby Kielder Observatory.
Unfortunately, many of the singletrack routes were still closed due to maintenance. Nevertheless, we managed to ride the final section of the SkyDive trail, which still offered a short but exciting experience.
🗺️MTB Trails – SkyDive
- Distance: 5.3 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5.25 ft
- Difficulty: Difficult
- GPX Download: komoot.com
🧭 Final Thoughts
On our second day, we crossed the main road from the campsite to explore the SkySpace installation and nearby Kielder Observatory.
Unfortunately, many of the singletrack routes were still closed due to maintenance. Nevertheless, we managed to ride the final section of the SkyDive trail, which still offered a short but exciting experience.
👍 Pros:
- Excellent stargazing
- Varied MTB trails
- Quiet and peaceful
- Dog-friendly
⚠️ Things to Note:
- Limited phone reception (a feature, not a bug!)
- Some trails may be closed seasonally — check in advance
- Café and facilities can be seasonal or limited
💡 Pro Tip:
Bring printed trail maps or download offline maps using Komoot beforehand. Since there’s no signal, planning is essential for navigation.
Check out some of our other recommended campsites
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