Kielder Forest Lakeside Way Section
Northumberland
This dog friendly section of the Lakeside Way takes you out of Hawkhope car park along the southern shore of Kielder Water, weaving in and out of the spruce forest with constant glimpses of England's largest reservoir, art installations along the route and easy gradients suitable for almost any dog. Choose your own turnaround point and head back, or arrange a pickup at Tower Knowe for a one-way version.
Dogs love this walk because it's mostly soft, level forest path with regular access to the water for a paddle and very few stiles or steep sections. Keep them on a lead near the busy car parks, the visitor centres and the few sheep-grazed clearings, but most of the trail is safe to let them off and explore. Pay-and-display parking at Hawkhope, full facilities including cafe and toilets at Tower Knowe and Leaplish a few miles round, watch for cyclists as the trail is shared.
At a Glance
- Distance
- 10.0 km (6.2 miles)
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Duration
- 3 hr
- Walk Type
- Lake, Forest
- Route Type
- Out and Back
- Off Lead Potential
- High
- Livestock Risk
- Low
- Facilities
- Toilets at Hawkhope; full cafe, shop and toilets at Tower Knowe and Leaplish visitor centres along the route.
- Parking
- Pay-and-display Forestry England car park at Hawkhope (around 50 spaces, £6.50 all day).
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kielder Forest Lakeside Way Section dog friendly?
Kielder Forest Lakeside Way Section is a great choice for dogs, earning a solid 8 out of 10 on our dog friendly rating. The route follows easy, mostly level forest paths along the southern shore of Kielder Water, with regular opportunities for dogs to access the water for a paddle and very few stiles or steep sections to contend with.
Can dogs be off lead at Kielder Forest Lakeside Way Section?
For much of the trail, dogs can be let off lead to explore the forest paths freely. However, it's worth keeping them on a lead near the busy car parks, visitor centres, and any sheep-grazed clearings you pass through — and do keep an eye out for cyclists, as the trail is shared.
What should I know before visiting Kielder Forest Lakeside Way Section with my dog?
Start from Hawkhope car park, where you'll find pay-and-display parking (around 50 spaces, £6.50 all day) and toilets. You can choose your own turnaround point and return the same way, or arrange a pickup at Tower Knowe for a one-way walk — Tower Knowe and Leaplish visitor centres both have a cafe, shop and toilets if you need a rest stop along the route.
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