The Northumbrian Route Previews
THE NORTHUMBRIAN ROUTE REVIEWS
Read through the event descriptions for in the full and half distance ultra triathlon events, if you’re ready to enter head over to the event page to start your journey!
The Swim
A rare opportunity to swim in Britain’s Largest Reservoir. A 6.15am start will give you the perfect vista of the sun rising over the Dam and Kielder Forest. a 1.2 mile loop (tackled twice in the full-distance event) within the sheltered Kielder Waterside Park inlet is a great place for your friends and family to watch you start your Northumbrian adventure!
The Bike
A 56 mile loop (2 laps for full distance) heading north into the Border Hills. Fly up the sheltered North Tyne valley leaving panoramic views of Kielder Reservoir behind you, after crossing the border into Scotland you’ll tackle some climbs up into expansive fells above the pine forests below. The climbs are coupled with fast descents leading into rolling valley roads. The route loops back south through Bonchester Bridge, back into the Border Hills before returning back via the North Tyne Valley again. The road quality is brilliant in this area, coupled with low traffic and beautiful views your bike lap will fly by and set you up for the final leg of your Northumbrian.
Download the Bike Route GPXThe Run
HALF DISTANCE
Upon leaving Transition you immediately join the Kielder Forest Trail heading South-East towards the Dam. The trail hugs the lakeside and follows its undulating terrain through pine forest and beyond Whickhope marina.
Before reaching Tower Knowe visitor centre you turn and head back towards Bull Crag peninsular. Upon returning to Bull Crag you take a left and follow the inner trail around Bull Crag eventually dropping down out of the forest with spectacular views of Kielder Water. Wath for the Deer around here, its one of their favourite spots. As you rejoin the main trail you know you are in to the final Kilometre and can enjoy the return through the wooded section to the welcome sight of the finish line.
FULL DISTANCE
The Marathon route essentially follows the famous Kielder Marathon course in reverse. Bull Crag Peninsular provides an inspiring start, mixing lakeside views with pine trails through towering forests as you head towards the iconic Kielder Dam at the 8 Mile point. As you head on to the North shore you will get fabulous views up the length of Kielder Water before disappearing back in to the forest on undulating pine trails. The Belvedere Landing signals the approach to the Half-way point just beyond Robins Hut before passing the art installations which mark this section of the route. Once past the Janus chairs you climb to 16 mile point before eventually descending to the Kielder Viaduct and on in to the village. The turn at this point means you are heading for home and the final 10km on the South shore with the flattest section of the route taking you to Matthews Linn and the stunning footbridge at Lewis Burn. Here you re-join the lake shore for the home stretch passing Hawkhirst Camp and then entering the last couple of kilometres with the finish line in sight across the inlet.
Download the Full Distance Run Route GPX