Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve is a national nature reserve in Northumberland, recognized for its expansive and active blanket bog and heather heaths. This unique peatland habitat, fed by the River Rede and its tributaries, supports specialized plant life and diverse ecosystems. The terrain includes vast wetlands, rough grasslands, and heather moorland, providing varied landscapes for outdoor activities. The reserve's upland character and natural features make it suitable for several sports like hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling.
31
Routes
4
(36)
Average rating
263
People visited

4.3
(15)
66
hikers
6.00km
01:38
90m
100m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

7
hikers
20.2km
05:54
520m
520m
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

1.0
(1)
2
hikers
15.8km
04:31
380m
380m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

3.0
(1)
1
hikers
9.32km
02:45
280m
280m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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7
riders
98.3km
04:43
1,260m
1,260m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5
riders
111km
05:21
1,290m
1,290m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

10
riders
55.1km
02:37
690m
690m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5
riders
43.4km
02:22
530m
530m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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15
riders
43.5km
04:12
670m
670m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4
riders
39.5km
03:25
630m
630m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

1
riders
42.8km
02:50
600m
600m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

2
riders
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve is a significant upland nature reserve in Northumberland, recognized for its expansive and active blanket bog and heather heaths. It holds European conservation importance due to its unique peatland habitat and diverse ecosystems. The reserve is fed by the River Rede and its tributaries, supporting specialized plant life and a wide array of wildlife.
Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve offers various outdoor activities, primarily hiking, road cycling, and touring cycling. The reserve features varied landscapes, including moorland, grasslands, and wetlands, suitable for different levels of exploration. Komoot provides guides for these activities, such as Hiking around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve and Road Cycling Routes around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve.
Yes, Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve offers hiking options suitable for beginners. The landscape includes easier strolls alongside more challenging treks. For specific routes, the Easy hikes around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve guide can provide suitable options.
Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve includes walks suitable for families. Improved access and enhanced footpaths make some areas more accessible for a wider range of abilities. The Family-friendly hikes around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve guide highlights routes appropriate for families.
The reserve is a haven for wildlife, including various bird species like red grouse, merlin, buzzard, peregrine falcon, and hen harrier. Otters can be observed along the River Rede, and a herd of feral goats sometimes appears near the Kielderhead border. Butterflies such as ringlet and small heath are present in summer, alongside adders, common lizards, and palmate newts.
Whitelee Moor is characterized by its expansive and active blanket bog and heather heaths, which are key natural features. The River Rede originates within the moor, contributing to diverse habitats including wetlands, rough and acid grasslands, and pockets of valley fen. Specialized plants like sphagnum moss, cloudberry, and bog asphodel thrive in this unique environment.
Yes, the reserve and its surrounding areas offer opportunities for road cycling and touring cycling. While specific routes within the immediate reserve may vary, appropriate tracks and surrounding roads are available for cyclists. Komoot provides guides such as Road Cycling Routes around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve and Cycling around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve.
Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve has attracted more than 1,000 visitors on komoot, with routes receiving an average rating of 4.0 out of 5 stars. The community has contributed to 1 route, indicating a growing interest in exploring the area's outdoor offerings.
Further information about Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve, its wildlife, and visiting details can be found on the Northumberland Wildlife Trust website. For direct inquiries, the Northumberland Wildlife Trust can be reached at 0191 2846884.
Komoot offers several guides for Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve, catering to various activities and preferences. These include Hiking around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve, Family-friendly hikes around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve, and Road Cycling Routes around Whitelee Moor National Nature Reserve. Other guides cover easy hikes, waterfall hikes, and traffic-free bike rides.
The reserve offers a viewpoint providing vistas across the moorland and towards Catcleugh Reservoir. Popular hiking routes, such as the Arks Edge and Leithope Hope loop from Carter Bar, also offer scenic views. The terrain itself, with its expansive blanket bog, serves as a significant natural landmark.

