If you’re the kind of rider who hears “double black diamond” and thinks “sign me up,” then it’s time to point your handlebars north – way north. Kielder Forest in Northumberland on the England-Scotland border has just dropped a brand-new set of mountain biking trails, and they’re as wild as the landscape they carve through.
Already known for its remote beauty and star-studded skies, Kielder is now becoming a serious contender for the UK’s most exciting off-road riding.
The latest additions include a 650-metre trail at Deadwater Fell designed for intermediate riders who like their descents with a side of adrenaline, plus a beefed-up 565-metre expert run that’s not for the faint of heart – or weak of brake pad.
But the real showstopper? A soon-to-be 1.69-mile descent dubbed Mile Down, which promises to be one of the longest downhill trails in England.
Built in collaboration with trail builders Velo Solutions and Northern Downhill (NDH), it blends flowing berms, rock gardens, technical features and full-send jump lines, with options graded red, black, and double black. In other words: bring your A-game.
Speaking to the BBC, Alex MacLennan from Forestry England says the goal was to create something truly special: “There are very few places where you can burst out of dense woodland and suddenly find yourself riding a ridgeline with views for miles,” he said. “It’s a real mix of forest magic and full-throttle fun.”
The new trails are part of a broader push to make Kielder a full-blown bike haven, complementing existing routes like the 26-mile Lakeside Way and the epic Reivers Gravel Trail network. It’s all been made possible thanks to a community of local volunteers, businesses and biking nuts who’ve thrown their weight behind the project.
Trail Breakdown: What’s New and What to Expect
Deadwater Red
Perfect for those levelling up their riding game, this 650-metre trail is all about flow, speed and progression. Expect sweeping berms, manageable rock features and enough excitement to keep experienced riders entertained without scaring off the intermediate.
Deadwater Black
This upgraded 565-metre beast is where the grin turns into a white-knuckle grip. It’s technical, it’s steep, and it demands your full attention. Roots, rocks, drops—the lot. If you’re not fully dialled in, it’ll remind you.
Deadwater Double Black Diamond
Not one for the dabbers. This advanced line ups the ante with a brutal combo of tight switchbacks, gnarly chutes and precision-demanding descents. Don’t even think about it unless you’ve got the skills – and pads – to match.
Mile Down
Now officially open (at least the lower half), Mile Down is already delivering on its promise to become one of England’s longest and most thrilling descents. This epic descent will blend high-speed flow with chunky tech and jumpy rhythm sections. Expect one of the longest and most rewarding gravity runs in England when fully complete.
Whether you’re an XC mile-muncher, a gravel grinder or a full-suspension thrill-seeker, it’s safe to say Kielder’s now got something for everyone – just don’t forget your trail snacks (and maybe a change of underwear if you’re tackling the double black).