The Details

When: Saturday 2nd July, 8am start

Location: Leapish Waterside Park (previously called Kielder Waterside Park)

Distance: 27 miles

Duration: Approx 10 hours

Supporting Business Beats Cancer Newcastle

We are pushing our bodies on this challenge and want to raise as much as we can collectively so please share and promote our link (https://fundraise.cancerresearchuk.org/page/entrepreneursbeatingcancer2022) and help us raise funds for Business Beats Cancer Newcastle.

If you prefer to raise money for an alternative charity then please let us know who you are supporting and we’ll give them a shout out. We ask that you let us know how much money you raise so we can add this to our total.

Directions

From Newcastle follow the A69 to Hexham then follow the B6320 to Bellingham (brown – signed Kielder Water & Forest Park) and then the C200 to Kielder Water & Forest Park (NE48 1BT).

The Route

The main trails around Kielder were severely damaged in Storm Arwen in November 2021 and again in the storms of early 2022.  Kielder’s owners are working as fast as they can, but in some areas the size and complexity of the damage and remote locations is going to take months to fix. Storm damaged trees can be unstable and dangerous and they need to ensure all the trails are safe, and trees are within two tree-lengths of all of our trails. Unfortunately this means some of the original planned walk route remains closed.

We are working with the Kielder team to finalise the route based on what will be open to us on the day of the planned challenge.  At present, we plan to use a forest road detour on the north short of the lake (approx. 2 miles) and divert to a minor road on the south side (2 mile detour).  The full route will be approximately 26 miles.   We will advise of any changes as required.

Timings for the Day

Please aim to arrive by 8am to the car park with a view to leaving at around 8.20am. Based on a pace of 2.5 miles/ hour the walk is expected to take around 10 hours to complete, plus extra for stops.

Toilets

There are toilets at the start of the walk and at various points along the route, mostly on the south side of the lake.

Your Packing List

We're advising all those who take part to bring the following with them on the day:

  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Your own food and drink for the day which you will need to carry (and plenty of snacks!)
  • Come dressed for a full day of outdoor walks (sensible walking shoes, layered clothing)
  • A lightweight rain jacket
  • Cap / sunglasses (hopefully needed)

Refreshment Stops

There are 3 places on route that snacks and drinks can be purchased. We’re recommending that you bring all the food and drink you want for the day, but we will look for ice-cream and cold drinks on route. Locations are:

  • Leapish Waterside: The Forest Bar and Kitchen serves pub food and drink. This is our start and finish point.
  • Kielder Castle street diner for range of drinks and snacks.
  • Tower Knowe visitors shop selling snacks, hot and cold drinks.

Options for a Shorter Walk

Please let the EF team know. There are a number of points you can join the walkers and we will advise you where to start the walk from.

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