The 155,000 acre Kielder Forest, Northumberland, is potentially one of England’s premier MTB destinations. It’s home to a number of trail developments already, but the latest project lays claim to being the highest purpose-built MTB trail in England.

A new 17km trail will link Kielder village with the 2,000ft summit of Deadwater Fell, one of the highest points in Kielder Forest. The route will offer a tough ascent but reward the rider with stunning views of the Northumberland fells, southern Scotland, the Solway Firth and the North Sea.

18 months in development, the trail is mostly red graded with a 2km black graded detour. This trail is part of a wider project to turn Kielder Forest into a top destination for riders of all abilities, and will form a major boost to the local economy.

The trails were officially opened by former athletics world record holder Steve Cram, who says: “The opening of the trails provides a new sporting attraction for the area and I’m sure it will be immensely popular with both local residents and visitors.”