Kielder Water

[Grandadwasthatyou]

My dp and I have wanted to visit here for a long time and now have the opportunity.
Unfortunately the observatory is booked for months ahead so we can't do that.
Any advice please on whether the forest drive is worth it? There are lots of mixed reviews on Trip advisor. Some saying the views aren't worth the possible damage to your car as it's a rough track.

Also where would be the best start off point for a walk ( not a hike!)?
We are only there one night so want to make the most of it.

We went to Kielder in the summer. It was lovely. We parked at the castle and walked in the forest there. I don’t remember the tracks being dreadfully bumpy for the car to be honest.

The track is recommended for 4x4 vehicles. We went once and after going a few metres along the track opted to reverse back as we were concerned about the damage from the loose stones hitting our car.

Whereabouts are you staying @Grandadwasthatyou? Have you looked at the art and architecture trail? Or the activities at Kielder Waterside? We stayed there in the summer and they had some brilliant activities. I’d suggest there as a starting point for a walk too. They had some good free maps in the reception/shop but, and also a nice looking restaurant (we’d taken food so didn’t venture in there). If you can get there, the head sculpture is pretty impressive. I think you need to get the ferry from Tower Knowe? The Visit Kielder website has loads of info.