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Bull Crag Peninsula (Kielder Water) from Leaplish

Lakeside Walk + Forest Walk

County/Area - Northumberland County

Author - Lou Johnson

Length - 6.3 miles / 10.2 km    Ascent - 600 feet / 182 metres

Time - 3 hours 50 minutes    Grade - easy/mod

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Ordnance Survey Explorer OL41Sheet Map1:25kBUY
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Walk Route Description

Photo from the walk - Bull Crag Peninsula (Kielder Water)
Click image to see photo description.

Kielder Water is the largest artificial lake in England and is surrounded by the vast Kielder Forest. This circular walk explores the Bull Crag Peninsula and starts from Leaplish Waterside Park. The route is easy to follow and much of the walk follows a path alongside the lake with wide ranging views. The landscape around Kielder Water & Forest Park has become home to a unique collection of visual art and architecture to reflect the area's varied and fascinating history and examples are passed during the walk.

The walk starts from the car parks at Leaplish Water Park (grid ref. NY659878). Exit the car park and walk south passing the Waterside Lodges on your immediate left to join Lakeside Way which runs beside the lake. The path soon passes a waterski centre and continues beside the lake in a southerly direction before swinging east. Pass the Freya's Cabin installation with its partner Robin's Hut across the lake. Continue along the path around the peninsula. The next installation is Timelapse which if used as a frame captures a superb view.

The main Lakeside Way veers away from the lake and reaches a junction (grid ref. NY667864). Keep ahead following the alternative route to Kielder Waterside avoiding Bull Crag. The path soon reaches a forest track where you turn right and shortly after left towards Kielder Waterside. Reaching the lakeside path, turn left and retrace you steps to the Ski Centre. Fork left along a road which will take you back to the start.

Other walks nearby

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