NATURE’S WONDERS IN NORTHUMBERLAND
Enjoy stargazing, wildlife watching and scenic cycle routes in magical Kielder Water and Forest Park
Why go?
Bordered by Scotland to the north and the North Pennines to the south, inland Northumberland is characterised by rolling moorland, forests and ancient village settlements, while the wonderful coast offers an old-fashioned seaside holiday experience. With dramatic castles and attractive towns and villages, the county has something for everyone, from fish-and-chip shops and friendly pubs to boat trips and excellent birdwatching.
Stargazing
Pitch-black skies lit with thousands of glittering stars make the nighttime view in the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park truly spectacular. At 572 square miles, the area encompasses the skies above Northumberland National Park and Kielder Water and Forest Park. It’s Europe’s largest IDSP (International Dark Sky Place) and the very best place in England to stargaze. There are great vantage points, like Elf Kirk viewpoint, just south of Kielder Water, where you can enjoy the skyscape, either on your own or in an organised group.
Beautiful beaches
Wild beaches form part of an AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty). The coastal walk from Craster to Low Newton-by-the-sea is particularly popular with good reason, as it passes near the stunning medieval ruin of Dunstanburgh Castle. Windsurfers, water skiers and divers should head for Beadnell Bay Beach or, if you want some solitude, go to
Cheswick Sands.
Wildlife watch
The area attracts a rich and diverse array of wildlife. Home to around half the red squirrel population of England, you’re likely to spot one from a dedicated hide at Kielder Waterside. Immediately upstream lies Bakethin Reservoir, which is home to the impressive Bakethin Hide, designed by Newcastle University architecture students. It has two rooms, a forest view pod – where creatures such as toads, frogs and hedgehogs can be seen – and a lake view pod, which allows views over the water and onto an osprey nesting platform. After a 200-year absence from Northumberland, these magnificent birds of prey returned to Kielder Water and Forest Park in 2009.
Waterside beauty
Kielder Water & Forest Park has a wealth of natural beauty to explore. A fabulous way to enjoy it is by cycling part of the Lakeside Way (bikes available to hire from thebikeplace.co.uk), which traces the shores of the vast reservoir. Works of art and architecture pepper the route, such as Freya’s Cabin, a gold-clad timber structure, which looks out over the water onto Robin’s Hut on the opposite side, illustrating the magical story of the two characters. For those who want a more gentle pace, the Osprey Ferry is a great way to see Kielder Water in comfort.
Peaceful retreat
The natural beauty of the area has long attracted those wanting to enjoy the health benefits of being outdoors. Stay at Brown Rigg Lodges, just outside the village of Bellingham. The site was built as a camp school in 1938 to take children out of polluted towns and cities to get them breathing fresh air. Each lodge sleeps up to six people in three bedrooms and there are shared cooking facilities available. The rear of the lodges all have open views of the stunning countryside that surround Brown Rigg, and you might even catch a glimpse of the resident horses.
Visit brownrigglodges.com, from £463 for seven nights.