Kielder Castle - Deadwater Fell - Kielder Stone Circular

Julia Ewart

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An exhilarating walk that takes us through part of Kielder Forest using paths and tracks, then across Ravenshill Moor to reach the summit of Deadwater Fell, used as a radar station. An open expanse of heather-clad, peaty moorland is crossed to reach the England / Scotland border with some of the finest views imaginable on a clear day.

Along the border fence we make our way to the mighty 'Kielder Stane', some 1,500 tons of fell sandstone, used as a postbox during the Border wars - probably Britain's oldest postbox! The site now is of Special Scientific Interest, with rare lichens living on the stanes.

Reaching the summit of Peel Fell at 602 metres, we are rewarded with panoramic views over the Cheviot Hill range in the east, south-west the Solway Firth, south the Lakeland peaks and north into the border.

The second half of the walk is a complete contrast. We descend from the moors following the border fence into the Kielder Forest, picking up a forest track that leads us down to Deadwater Farm, with possible sightings of deer grazing. From here we pick up the route along a disused railway line that used to provide the border towns with coal for the limekilns. The line leads us easily back into Kielder Village and the castle, where the village pub or Castle Tea Room eagerly await us.

England - North England - Northumberland - Kielder Forest

Features

Ancient Monument, Birds, Butterflies, Cafe, Castle, Flowers, Food Shop, Gift Shop, Great Views, Hills or Fells, Moor, Pub, Public Transport, Restaurant, Toilets, Wildlife, Woodland
6/27/2010 - Judy Brua

This walk is hard work but very enjoyable. The views from Deadwater Fell onwards are fantastic. I was worried that I would find it hard to follow the track between Waymarks 6-14, but it is pretty obvious when you are there.