"Beautiful scenery, well maintained, level path with lots of ups and downs."
"Absolutely beautiful. We walked some of the path around the water. Just beautiful and peaceful."
"Stunning scenery and landscapes surrounding the lake."
"Beautiful scenery all around the lake and exceptionally clean."
Cons:
"Unless you're a scout, don't go, the lake district is far more beautiful."
"Spectacular views and opportunities for peace and quiet.. Unfortunately a lot of the walks are very poorly signposted."
"Feels like this is mainly a park for mountain biking now. Not sure I'll be returning..."
"This place is only good for people who come to bike. Not really a good place to have a walk, a lot of trees chopped down, everything looks like a wild abandoned nature, no spectaculars or impressive views."
"Lovely scenery, but we were hoping to see wildlife. There wasn’t any, despite the perfect weather and the website promising a huge variety."
"Sadly Kielder Forest has a lot of trees come down due to storm damage!"
"Most paths are still closed due to storm damage."
Facilities and Services
Pros:
"Toilets are the cleanest I have seen."
"Good wide paths views from aquaduct and also from nature reserve hide at Bakethin, plenty of room to park."
"The bird of Prey sanctuary was particularly noteworthy and enjoyable."
"Camping site is very well laid out, and facilities are great."
"The accommodation was fab, and included great space and facilities for the whole family."
"Really well maintained and supported Forestry Commission operation. Excellent services."
"The facilities and accommodation are excellent and the staff are very helpful and friendly."
Cons:
"Food in rest areas very expensive."
"Although lack of information. It was unclear where the main visitor centre was."
"Many other facilities are also closed."
"Eating options are limited in terms of being costly, limited choice and availability."
"Facilities a bit disappointing. Staff not particularly friendly."
"The car park is open but Kielder Forest Park authorities have kept the toilets closed."
"Expensive to park, not at all dog friendly signs all round scouting area - no dogs."
Activities and Accessibility
Pros:
"Great forest park. Lots of different activities from sedate to very energetic."
"Good little Gruffalo trail with wooden sculptures placed along the whole blue route."
"You can walk, cycle and horse ride, the path is also good for mobility scooters."
"Trailer type café serving tea, coffee and light snacks."
"Massive place with so many things to see and do. We did one of the walks and the only thing I'd mention is that the signage wasn't at all clear during our walk."
"Lots of walks and woodland to explore. 26 mile circular route if you're brave."
"A visit here feels more like an American National Park, with soaring pines and sequoias, big vistas and great walking/biking trails."
Cons:
"Poorly sign-posted mountain bike routes and badly signposted diversions led to a lot of wasted time."
"If you are a half keen mountain biker, don't go here."
"Spectacular views and opportunities for peace and quiet.. Unfortunately a lot of the walks are very poorly signposted."
"Poor signposting in a rural location of the diverted route is a big let down."
"I have to say it is by far the worse trail I have done in the last 10 years."
"Beware the midges and the surprisingly steep hill down to the amenities."
"Big hike to observatory area so not practical to view sky."
Value and Pricing
Pros:
"Car park is £5 all day and can be used in all car parks."
"Car parking seemed pricey at first but the ticket allows you to park in all the carparks so wasn't too bad."
"You have to pay for parking but one ticket covers all the car parks."
"Parking is £5 all day for all car parks so not too bad."
"Parking is £2 for an hour or £5 for the day. Which if you hang onto your ticket is transferable between Park car parks so well worth it."
"The parking is reasonably priced at £5 for a full day which is valid at any car park around kielder."
"The food is well priced and very good quality."
Cons:
"Food in rest areas very expensive."
"Eating options are limited in terms of being costly, limited choice and availability."
"Over priced and over rated. We travelled 50 mins and paid £5 parking, thought we would buy lunch but very little choice and over priced."
"The cafe we used was a bit pricey so I would say bring a picnic."
"No contactless/card payments, machine only takes coins."
"Parking charges currently a mess. Pay for either 1 hour for £2 or all day for £5.00..no in between."
"Beautiful lodges however midge infested with no warning on hoseasons website."