Kielder Water

Kielder Water is an artificial reservoir within Kielder Forest in northern England. The shoreline extends for roughly 27 miles and forms the largest water body of its kind in the country.

Construction began in 1975 and took six years, requiring the relocation of several farms and a school. Flooding the valley created a new body of water that serves the region's supply needs.

The name refers to the valley of Kielder Burn, which once flowed here before the reservoir was formed. Today locals visit the area for walking and cycling on the trails around the water.

The area offers multiple walking and cycling paths that run around the entire perimeter of the water. Visitors can find access to the shore at several points and use the observatory for nighttime viewing on many evenings.

An underwater bell sits beneath the surface and serves as a sculpture that can become partially visible during low water levels. Near the dam wall stands an artwork called Belvedere with a spiral viewing platform.

Location: Northumberland

Elevation above the sea: 184 m

GPS coordinates: 55.18333,-2.50000

Latest update: December 17, 2025 10:11