An introduction to Kielder

A major portion of the largest man-made forest in Europe is within the 55 square miles of Kielder parish. The parish is mostly laid to productive Sitka spruce plantations and contains a portion of Kielder Water and all of Bakethin reservoir. The parish derives its name from the river as "caol+dobhar" is the Gaelic for "narrow (or rapid) stream".

Kielder village is 36 miles north east of Hexham and 18 miles from Bellingham. Butteryhaugh is a purpose-built Forestry Commission village one mile south east of Kielder. The former houses the Kielder first school, library and youth hostel. A Methodist chapel and United Reformed Church are located in Kielder village which also contains some pre- and post- Second World War housing, there is also a service station and garage.

Kielder castle, built as a hunting lodge for the Dukes of Northumberland, contains a visitors centre and bird of prey centre. The whole area is a paradise for walking, for sailing and for fishing or for enjoying a quiet break.

Selected Links

• The Hexham Courant [http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk/]
• Northumberland County Council [http://www.northumberland.gov.uk]
• Northumberland Tourist Board [http://www.ntb.org.uk]

Local Information Categories for Kielder

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