Kielder. All ten cubes will return to Kielder in Autumn 2008.
All of the Tyne Salmon cubes will be back in Kielder from the beginning of November 2008, when they will have completed their long journey all the way down the River Tyne and back up again, just like the salmon...History/Introduction
Named as the most tranquil place in England, the vast Kielder Water
& Forest Park is an amazing oasis where adventure and stunning
scenery combine in a landscape rarely seen in England. With a 27 mile
shoreline, Kielder Water is the largest man-made lake in Northern
Europe and Kielder Forest, the largest planted forest in Northern
Europe which means there is plenty to experience and enjoy.
52
miles north west of Newcastle and on the border of Scotland, Kielder's
quiet beauty is enhanced by a range of activities including cycling,
walking, watersports, fishing and a ferry cruiser.
Things to see and do
Kielder Castle
Kielder Castle is the visitor centre for Britain's biggest forest. Features include forest shop, information centre, tearoom, and exhibitions about forestry and conservation, including the Birds of Kielder experience. The centre is an ideal starting point for a forest visit. Guided walks programme, forest trails, cycle routes, Minotaur Maze and Britain's longest forest drive all start from the castle.
Kielder Hatchery
The Kielder hatchery was built 28 years ago to breed salmon for the
River Tyne. They now breed around 700,000 salmon a year and 160,000 of
these are released into the River Trent in the Midlands every autumn as
part of a salmon restoration programme.
The Kielder team has also
been trying to breed freshwater pearl mussels, which have difficulty
breeding in the wild due to pollution and loss of habitat.
One of
the species' last remaining strongholds is in the north of England, and
staff have been trying different techniques to encourage them to
reproduce at the hatchery.
Visitors to Kielder will soon be able
to discover more about work at the hatchery thanks to a refurbishment
of its visitor centre which is due to be open in 2008.
Kielder Art & Architecture
The landscape around Kielder Water & Forest Park has become the home of a unique collection of visual art and architecture, inspiring artists and architects to create work in response to its vastness and beauty. Located at sites around the lake and within the forest, this open air gallery with its vibrant and challenging collection of visual art and architecture will surprise and intrigue the visitor. Guides to the artwork are available from Leaplish reception which detail the location and the inspiration behind the works. Why not see how many you can visit?
Cycling trails
Kielder Water & Forest Park can offer a range of facilities and opportunities for all cyclists ranging from the beginner to the experienced competition rider. Kielder is fast becoming known as one of the best centres for mountain bike riding in Britain. For those without two-wheeled transport you can hire a bike from The Bike Place, call 01434 250 457, or visit the website www.thebikeplace.co.uk for more information.
How to get there
Kielder Water & Forest Park is 30 miles (50 minutes drive) by road from Hexham and 52 miles (80 minutes drive) from Newcastle upon Tyne. From Newcastle or Carlisle, follow the A69 to Hexham then follow the B6320 to Bellingham (brown-signed Kielder Water & Forest) and then the C200 to Kielder Water & Forest Park.
