Kielder Forest Drive

Closed for winter, reopen from 1 May 2024.

Kielder Forest Drive is a spectacular 12 mile (19 km) drive on unsealed forest road, from Kielder Castle in the west to Blakehopeburnhaugh on the A68 in the east.

The Forest Drive is one of England's highest roads, cresting over 1500 feet (450 metres) at Blakehope Nick. Here the 'big sky' views over Northumberland are simply breathtaking.

The Forest Drive is a toll road, with a £5 fee payable at the toll machine Kielder Castle.

Please note that the surface has recently been repaired and in sections the surface is covered with loose stone. Please drive with caution and keep to the 15mph speed limit. It is not suitable for vehicles with very low ground clearance. The Forest Drive is through remote countryside without mobile phone coverage.

Directions 

Follow the signs for Kielder Village. As you enter the village from the south follow the signs for Kielder Castle. Continue up the Castle entrance road until you see the castle on your right and the car park entrance on your left, then continue straight ahead until you come to the start of the drive. Stop at the machine where you pay the £5 toll to use the track, take your ticket and set off. Initially the road is surfaced but becomes a gravelled forest track.

The Forest Drive can also be accessed from the A68 road, near Byrness – just look out for the signs for Kielder Castle. The toll can be paid at the Castle end of the Drive.