Falstone Circular Walk

Where is the Falstone circular walk?

The Falstone circular walk is situated in the Northumberland National Park. As the northernmost national park, The Northumberland National Park is statistically the least populated and is also the least visited national park in the UK.

Why choose this route?

If you are after an easy ramble taking in some dramatic riverbanks and an old railway line this walk is for you. And if you have any four legged friends they will love this route.

Closed in 1958, the railway was once part of the Border Counties Railway which had been in use since 1862.

Facilities at Falstone

Toilet facilities and parking are available at Falstone Old School Tearooms.

This hike is in the quaint little village of Falstone, and the walk consists of an easy ramble past rivers and over old, abandoned railway tracks.

Accessible to all types of hikers all year round, and only being 2 miles long, it spares enough time to visit the local tearoom for a well-deserved seasonal treat.

Travelling to Falstone

From the south/east/west (A69)

Near Hexham leave the A69 and take the A6079 north. Turn left onto B6318 to Chollerford and at the roundabout take B6320 signposted for Bellingham.

From Bellingham turn left and follow the tourism signs for Kielder Water and Forest. Just before Kielder reservoir turn right into Falstone.

Parking is available at the Old School Tearooms car park.

From the north (A68)

Follow the A68 south from Jedburgh then take the B6320 to Bellingham. From Bellingham follow the
tourism signs for Kielder Water and Forest. Just before Kielder reservoir turn right into Falstone.

Parking is available at the Old School Tearooms car park.

Public Transport

For information on public transport contact Traveline:
Tel: 08706 082608 or visit: www.traveline.org.uk

What kit will I need?

• Comfortable walking boots (ensure they have been worn in first)
• A day pack for additional clothing and refreshments
• First Aid kit
• Good quality waterproof jacket & trousers
• Warm hat & gloves (weather dependent)
• Any additional equipment you feel will be required such as walking poles etc

Route description

• The hike begins at the Falstone Old School car park, turn left out of the junction and head towards the railway arch.
• Once cleared, follow the path left up to the railway line itself, and from here you will see the top of Kielder Dam.
• Following the path through the forestry, you will reach a clearing where you will find Hawkhope Farm.
• Once you have reached this point, cross over the railway and the Hawkhope Burn and turn left again to walk towards the farm.
• Along the way you will pass fenced off areas, these areas are part of a conservation project that is carried out by local volunteers.
• Next you will follow the path and hike through the field where you will then head in the direction of the River North Tyne.
• Once you reach the tennis courts, the route now starts to meander back to the start point.
• Along your journey back, you will come across the Stell sculpture, and once you cross the stone bridge, you will be back at the Falstone Tea Rooms ready for a nice cup of tea after taking in the wintery sights at the charming village of Falstone.