Last updated at 10:10, Thursday, 26 June 2008

FALSTONE village predates the Norman Conquest and has been a place of religious significance since Anglo-Saxon times.

The first trees planted by the Forestry Commission in this area were in Smales forest, three miles south of Stannersburn in 1926. Some of the trees are still standing today.
The village boasts two churches, two public houses and a shop/tea-room. The tea-room was originally the village school and the kitchen was formerly the public stable.
The tea-room features in a renewable energy trail.
Bowls, whist and computer clubs are established in the village hall and an all-year tennis court is open to visitors. Fishing is available on the North Tyne, with day and season tickets on sale. Several B&B establishments are also available.
As well as the many mapped walks around Falstone, two are immediately accessible from the village. The riverside walk, of 1.5 miles, is a circular walk signposted from the village hall and takes in an arts project called The Stell.
The Falstone burn walk (3.5 miles) follows the path trodden by miners working at Falstone Mine at the beginning of the 20th century. This is a circular walk giving panoramic views of the North Tyne valley and Kielder Water.

First published at 13:57, Monday, 23 June 2008
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk