Kielder has recently won Visit England 'Tourism Experience of the Year' and I was handpicked to experience a day at the famous landmark!
I was lucky enough to bring my long ''suffering'' boyfriend, Christopher along for the day. He has been fishing all of his life and often drags me along to various fisheries and lakes in a quest to catch (and me to enjoy!)
Obviously the first thing that runs through my mind when asked to go fishing is, What do I wear!?! Well, the obvious would be waders, thermals, a trucker hat and other attire that looks like you've just raided your Dad's wardrobe. Hmm very debatable that i'd be sporting that look considering my occupation and fashion degree!! As we were in a boat all day, I thought comfort, style and practicality were key. So, I opted for a casual outfit consisting of Topshop Leigh Jeans, Hunter Navy Wellies, a RL white blouse, a navy M&S cashmere jumper, a Regatta raincoat and a trusty blow dry for good measure. Who said you can't look good when sitting on a boat all day!
We left home mid morning and made our way to Kielder, passing picturesque villages as we drove up. The landscape and countryside surrounding Kielder is extremely beautiful; long winding roads with views for miles and miles over the cheviot valley. The weather was perfect - not too sunny or hot, just perfect weather conditions for fishing. After buying some much needed lunch from the Rothbury Home Bakery we headed to our destination.
I was a little apprehensive on the drive up to Kielder. I hadn't fished since March, and was no way an expert or intermediate fisherwoman at all. A total beginner. Unexperienced. Novice. No pressure to catch a fish then....! I was fortunate enough to have a very knowledgeable fishing family (along with boyfriend Chris) so I had all the equipment, and hopefully skill, I needed.
Upon entering Kielder, it was nice to leave all thoughts of work and communication at the gates (quite literally.) No phone signal means no Twitter updates, Instagram notifications and Facebook pop ups to contend with throughout the day. Just a mission to have a great day on the Kielder Reservoir which I was in doubt would be the case.
Chris and I had driven the Kielder Forest Drive only a matter of weeks previously so I was aware of the serene beauty that surrounded the place. It's incredible as to what is actually at Keilder and how many people actually visit.
We arrived at 10:30 at Leaplish Waterside Park and was greeted by Peter Pattinson, who is an avid fisherman and Manager at Kielder. He gave us an overview over everything relating to the Reservoir and fishing and what we'd be doing throughout the day. We'd be fishing for Brown or Rainbow trout and introduced us to Ray, Raymondo or the "Silver Fox' who was our Gilly for the day.
Peter explained to us that Kielder Water is a large artificial reservoir and is the largest in the UK by capacity. It is surrounded by the largest man made woodland in Europe! He described how the water is black because of the sediment within the reservoir. I didn't pay much attention to this until I actually saw it for my own eyes. Northumbria Police carry out underwater training at Kielder and they have been known to be unable to see their own hands in front of their faces whilst underwater due to the water being so black!
Peter allowed me to use his Greys No.7 Platinum 9ft Rod. Check me out! Greys is actually part of the famous Alnwick based manufacturing company Hardy Greys which produce some of the best fishing equipment in the world. I used a Kelly Green Intermediate Line and a White Cats Whisker Fly to start. Both Ray and Peter showed me their selection of flies and informed me if I took a photo of their flies, there would be trouble! Hey, i'm not going to mess with a man with a 9ft rod!
Christopher used his Grandmothers Hardy rod that was passed down to him previously along with a Greys reel and intermediate line.
We stepped into a 17ft Orkney Longliner boat which was made specifically for fly fishing. I was kindly helped into the boat by the Silver Fox and took my position at the front of the boat so I could enjoy the fabulous landscape.
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| Check out my view! |
We sailed over Kielder Reservoir over to a popular fishing spot Bull Crag. The whole journey took 30 minutes and in that time, Ray informed us of the wildlife surrounding Kielder such as the Osprey. I checked out the Kielder Osprey blog almost instantly, or as soon as I had 3G, and read about the teams efforts to track and trace all the Ospreys in the area. If you follow the 2013 timeline you can see when each chick hatched, took its maiden flight then ultimately flew the nest! It was really great to have such an interesting person with us to tell us about the nature and history of the surrounding area.
Whilst sailing up the Reservoir we saw so many activities take place such as sailing, jet skiing and mountain biking.
We even passed the Osprey Ferry! The ferry is a 60 seat motor cruiser and an ideal way to see Kielder as well as providing an opportunity to learn more about the history of the reservoir and the area.
Once we arrived at Bull Crag, Ray told us about his past and how he travels up and down the country fishing in competitions and winning most of them. This was just what I needed to hear! I knew I was in excellent hands and guaranteed a catch! Chris and I are secretly competitive so the one that caught the first fish, biggest catch and most fish would be ultimate winner of... pride and the loser would be buying supper for the next week!
So here it goes! We cast out for the first time and I suddenly realise this is my first time fishing on a boat. It's a very relaxing experience sitting in the middle of a large reservoir surrounded my woodland, water and nature.
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| A very apprehensive cast |
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This is Chris!
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After almost an hour fishing we moved onto our second spot called the Quarry which was good for Brown Trout. Within minutes, Chris caught the first fish of the day. A beautiful rainbow trout weighing about 2lbs.
Damn, I lost that challenge but it made me more determined to catch the next.
Feeling a little deflated, Ray gave me some expert coaching on how to cast and some secrets in how to lure the fish onto my fly... How did I hear you say? Well it's all in the wrist, or so I am told! Quick and sharp movements when pulling the line in is what attracts the fish to the fly.
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| Here I am receiving some instruction. |
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| Smile! |
After a confidence boost and a change of weapon, errr I meant fly, to a Cats Whisker. Within minutes I caught my first fish!! Woohoo!! Slighter bigger then Chris's catch but a catch all the same!
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| Seconds before my catch |
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| Looking slightly concerned about what is about to happen! |
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| Catching my fish in the net! |
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| Check out my fish! |
Phew! That was exciting! Two fish caught and many more lurking in the waters beneath ready and waiting.
Our 3rd spot was a place called Bunny Shank. Chris and I both attracted ''interest'' but nothing was caught. We carried on fishing and enjoyed the tranquil ripples of the water against the boat and scenery surrounding us.
Throughout the day, Ray and Chris both commented on my 'stiff' casting technique. I was instructed by Ray to place the rod up the opening of my sleeve of my jacket to restrict my cast, so I didn't go to far back. The thing I had caught most of throughout the day was Chris's jacket and hat. Oops! Must be more careful in future.
We stayed in the same spot for a little while longer and heard families of mountain bikers in the distance enjoying their summer holiday whilst we casted out.
The sun was starting to settle behind the clouds so we made our way back to Leaplish. Ray gave me some quick tuition again on a long, grassed area in hope for me to get to grips with relaxing my fishing arm for the next time!
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| Look at that concentration...! |
We were greeted by Peter at the bank and handed back all of our equipment that we used on the day. We were then escorted to The Boat Inn, where we greeted by Chef Kevin, where we handed our two fishes over and took it off to the kitchen to cook! Ray, Chris and I were showed to our table which had a fantastic view over Kielder Reservoir.
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| Me and Chef Kevin |
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| Our catches of the day! (Mines the top one!) |
After a long and enjoyable days fishing we toasted to the day with some of Northumberlands fine ale for Chris and naturally, a glass of Prosecco for me to celebrate. The restaurant is beautifully positioned with a reasonable and homely menu offering dishes for all taste buds.
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| Hmm looks delicious! |
Our dishes arrived!
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| Poached Trout with Capers, Crayfish and Mange Tout. Delicious! |
Chef Kevin had poached our trout with capers and crayfish. A mouth watering mix that was delicately cooked and scrumptious to eat!
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| Looking a little disheveled but ready to tuck in! |
We both thoroughly enjoyed our epic experience day at Kielder Reservoir and would highly recommend it to anyone! Kielder's remoteness and clean air and water offer a fresh outdoor experience suitable to everyone!
We'd definitely go back to try fishing again and other activities that Kielder offer too!
If my experience tickles your fancy, how about commenting and sharing my blog post on your social networking sites? Not only would this help spread the word about Kielder but you could win a chance to enjoy and explore Kielder too!
If my experience tickles your fancy, how about commenting and sharing my blog post on your social networking sites? Not only would this help spread the word about Kielder but you could win a chance to enjoy and explore Kielder too!
Follow my #epickielder experience on:
April x
