Kielder Forest Drive

UK, 19km

Kielder Forest Drive is one of England’s highest roads (high point 450m) with amazing views over Northumberland. Starting at Kielder Castle, the road follows 19km of unsealed forest road to Blakehopeburnhaugh, taking in the remote village of Kielder.

This route, open between May and December, takes you into north Northumberland, with panoramic views, forest scenery, Europe’s biggest man-made reservoir and lots of native wildlife. The surface is unsuitable for vehicles with low ground clearance and some sections are covered in loose stones, so take care. There are also speed restrictions and poor to no mobile phone coverage.

The Forest Drive is a toll road, and the £5 fee can be paid at the toll machine at Kielder Castle. A combined ticket is available, which includes parking at sites around Kielder Water & Forest Park.

High point
There’s a sculpture at the halfway point, Blakehope Nick, which is a good place for a break and photo opportunity.

Park life
There are many points of interest along the route, including historic Kielder Castle, the picturesque Hindhope Linn waterfall and the views from Sky Den, an observation point in the Kielder Water & Forest Park.

Click here to view this route in the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner and start planning your next adventure.

First published in 2025.

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