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 29th/30th January 2022 and Storm Dudley on 16th February has led to more trees falling over and slowing down the recovery process.
Forestry England are still working through the implementation of the safe and prompt removal of windblown trees across our forests and multiple sites, including our access trails.
The good news is now we are into only 9 areas of significance remains to be impacted for access across the
forests within Northumberland.
Key sites such as Thrunton Woods have several work sites underway, however these are being hampered by the public ignoring safety signage and in turn slowing down works. Additional safety fencing and even more signage has been added to ensure the work sites can continue safely.
Kidland Forest although badly affected with damaged areas does have a good forest road network leading out to the Cheviots and legal access route diversion signage is being installed and the remote Uswayford Forest in time for Easter weekend.
At Harbottle the popular Drakestone Walk is open, and the main forest car park will also be open around Easter weekend in addition the full loop of the walk (working in collaboration with Otterburn MOD Foresters) will be reopened to support local businesses.
Kielder Forest
Forest Walks
| Facility / Route name |
Open / Closed / Partially Open |
Updates |
| Skyspace / Kielder Observatory |
Open with diversion using forest road. |
Will remain closed into late 2023. |
| Wild Trails (near Kielder Castle) |
Closed |
Reopening late summer 2023, work underway to recover area. |
| Sidwood Bastle Trail |
Closed |
Tree recovery work now underwaytrail to be assessed for repairs. |
Cycle Trail / Mountain Bike Facilities
| Facility / Route name |
Open / Closed / Partially Open |
Updates |
| Lonesome Pine Trail |
Descent sections Closed - Lewisburn section linking to Bloodybush trail open and also Skydive section open. |
Skydive section ONLY open. Long term closure on rest of trail- could be late 2024 reopened. Due to complexity of site and works. best bits of descent badly affected by storm Arwen. |
| Cycle Skills Loop |
Closed |
Closed until 2023. |
Information on routes available to walk or cycle are available on the Visit Kielder website: www.visitkielder.com
Wider Northumberland Forests
| Forest Name |
Open / Closed / Partially Open |
Updates |
| Thrunton |
Closed |
Partial reopening by 21st July 2023, Waymarked routes will follow forest roads. |
| Kidland |
Forest roads open |
Rights of way blocked- Kidland forest roads fully open. |
Forestry England continue to ask that everyone stays on the main forest roads and tracks and always adhere to all information/ warning signs and barriers.
We thank you for your patience and co-operation.