A forest in the North East with “mesmerising” scenery has been crowned one of the best autumn walks in Britain, according to The Telegraph.
Kielder Forest, described as “Northumberland’s gem,” is said to offer “something for everyone” when it comes to getting outside for a stroll this cosy season.
The publisher commented on its seasonal activity guide: “Autumn is a magical season for walking. Britain’s green and pleasant lands transform into a kaleidoscope of colour, a leafy masterpiece painted in vibrant reds, oranges and yellows.
“The palette is warm and rich, with golden hues, and there’s always a mesmerising sense of change in the air. Nature is in transition and our broadleaved canopies are ever-evolving.”
@ameliapettman Kielder Forest walk. ** the big face is shut at the moment but there were workers there who let us have a look #kielderforest #forest #england #northumberland #travel #explore #woods #walk #hikingtiktok ♬ Little Things - Adrian Berenguer
It added: “Hiking from September to November is a wonderful assault on the senses too. There’s the crunch of frosty leaves underfoot, the cosy warmth of a scarf wrapped around your neck, and the earthy aromas of falling vegetation.
“The roars of rutting deer and the pitter-patter of foraging squirrels fill the air, while morning mists and sun-dappled light add romance to the landscape.”
See all of Britain’s top 10 autumn walks here, from Malvern Hills in Worcestershire to Cumbria’s Whinlatter Forest.
What did The Telegraph say about Kielder Forest?
“Home to England’s largest forest and northern Europe’s biggest man made lake, Kielder Water and Forest Park is a Northumberland gem,” writes the publisher.
“It’s a safe haven for 50 per cent of England’s embattled red squirrel population, and spotting the cute-faced, big-eared arboreal rodents is one of Kielder’s real delights. You might also catch a glimpse of otters, roe deer, pipistrelle bats or several pairs of breeding ospreys.”
The Telegraph continued: “Numerous waymarked walks offer something for everyone in Kielder. The two-mile Duchess Trail and one-and-a-half-mile Duke’s Trail are firm family favourites, while the eight-mile climb up Deadwater Fell and 26-mile Lakeside Way are perfect for fitness fanatics.”
However, if you want to try something more gentle, “an excellent middle-ground option is the Bull Crag Peninsular Walk, which loops around a dramatic headland jutting out of Kielder Water’s southern shoreline.”
The publisher said: “The scenery is mixed and ever-changing, with a mesmerising dichotomy between the dense woodland and the open expanse of water.”
Recommended reading:
- This 'wildlife haven' in the North East is one of the UK's most beautiful forests
- North East 'beauty spot' among Britain's best lakes for a 'perfect' day out
- Some of the best circular walks in County Durham with a cosy pub en route
On Tripadvisor, Kielder Forest has a 4.5/5 rating from 784 reviews, with many visitors praising the area.
Someone wrote: “Love to visit Kielder, plenty for all to do and multiple stops along the way from the village to the dam. Easy - experienced routes for both walking and biking.
"Several eating options all around the lake. Well worth a visit. No phone reception in most areas of kielder so you can fully switch off.”
Another added: “Crystal clear skies with wonderful views of the Milky Way. Excellent Forest walks with the colour of autumn peeping through.”
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