
The pumping main is a 4 mile long, 2 meter diameter pipe which runs from riding mill pumping station to the high points of the network at Letch House and Airy Holm Reservoir.
In January 2019, it was announced by Northumbria Water that they were investing 12 million pounds in updating the pumping facilities at Riding Mill which supply the water to the pumping main.
At the time of writing, there is not much else known about the pumping main, however, there are some very visible assets to see connected to it. Above surface, there are a number of what I presume to be inspection shafts. These buildings all look-alike and follow the design trends of Kielder Water itself. I've numbered these based on the order you find them from Riding Mill.
Shaft 1

This is the first large shaft that you meet when traveling from Riding Mill to Letch House. Luckily, it is right on a public footpath meaning you can get up close to it. It's a stone built structure, with a concrete cast roof. Its got a steel door on the front, with steel bar 'windows' on the sides and rear. Interesting, its got an inner bricked up wall, which I'm unsure if this was original or added at a later date.
Shaft 2

The second shaft you come to is also located on a footpath making it easier to see. It's of exactly the same design, however, this one had a newer or more freshly painted door than the previous.
Shaft 3

This third shaft is located in a farmers field which provides little access. I took this photo from a public road. You can see, due to the limited access that the condition of the door is older compared to the previous shafts.
Shaft 4

This fourth shaft is located in a farmers field which provides little access. I took this photo from a public road where with a zoom lense it is only just visible. You can see, due to the limited access that the condition of the door is older compared to the previous shafts.
Shaft 9??

This shaft, which is of the same designs is located just off Lead Road. It's really easy to access which provides some good upclose photos. I think this is shaft 9, but as I haven't confirmed the numbering of the shafts in between them I am unsure.
Further Shafts
At this point, I have located further shafts on a map but have not yet had a chance to visit and document them. This will happen over the coming months.
Last Updated 01/11/2020