Little Fawn Lodge
View from the lodge decking over lawn and trees, Redesdale
Beyond the decking

Outdoors

Northumberland National Park and Kielder Forest are both on the doorstep, with some of the darkest skies and best walking, riding and paddling country in the UK. Driving times below are approximate from the lodge.

Active days out

Walking, wheels, water and dark skies

Everything here is about getting outside rather than sitting down to eat. For pubs and restaurants, see Eat & Drink, and for the wider sightseeing list see Things to Do.

On foot

Simonside Hills 20 min
A craggy, moorland ridge with a proper sense of wilderness. The circular walk to the summit (2–3 hours) rewards you with a 360° view over the Cheviots, Coquet valley and out to the North Sea. Free car park at the start. Route & map →
The Cheviot & College Valley 35–45 min
At 815m, The Cheviot is the highest point in Northumberland National Park and the county top, with the Pennine Way crossing its summit. Routes range from a gentle valley stroll to a full moorland ascent. Walking routes →
Hadrian's Wall Path 40–50 min
Join the National Trail at Housesteads or Steel Rigg for the classic central stretch along the Whin Sill escarpment, one of the most dramatic sections of Wall in the country. Trail info →
Cragside grounds 30 min
Forty miles of paths across a Victorian estate gone wild, with waymarked hikes past engineered lakes, rock formations and one of the earliest hydroelectric schemes in the world. Plan a visit →

On two wheels

Kielder Lakeside Way 35 min
A 26-mile multi-user trail circling Kielder Water: forest-shaded, with some real climbs, and open to cyclists, walkers and horse riders alike. Bike hire from The Bike Place at Kielder Castle. Cycling at Kielder →
Kielder mountain bike trails 35–40 min
Technical singletrack through the forest, including Deadwater Fell, England's highest MTB trail at around 1,900ft, for those wanting more of a workout. Trail grades →
Bike to Cragside 30 min
Cycle in via the country lanes and rack up at the visitor centre, then explore on foot. Cycling isn't permitted inside the estate itself.

On the water

Kayaking, canoeing & paddleboarding 35 min
Kielder Waterside runs instructor-led sessions on Kielder Water, the largest man-made lake in northern Europe. Pre-booking essential; independent paddleboarding isn't permitted. Book a session →
Sailing & fishing 35 min
Kielder Water Sailing Club offers sailing, windsurfing and SUP tuition for all abilities, and the reservoir is a well-regarded trout fishery, with day permits available at Tower Knowe and Kielder Waterside. Kielder Water Sailing Club →

After dark

Stargazing right here
The lodge sits within the Northumberland International Dark Sky Park, a Gold Tier designation and the largest area of protected night sky in Europe. On a clear night, just step outside and look up. About the Dark Sky Park →
Kielder Observatory 35–40 min
One of the UK's most-visited public observatories, running events most nights of the year with professional telescopes. Popular, especially at weekends, so book essential dates well ahead in season. Book an event →

Weather and access can change quickly on the hills, so check conditions before setting off and let someone know your route. Details checked against operator websites, July 2026.

Check availability