Village Connection
Linking the villages (and tea rooms and pubs) of Kielder and Falstone, this trail runs along the undeveloped north shore and includes stunning lake vistas and fabulous wildlife viewing opportunities.
Starting at Kielder Castle, head down the hill past the Minotaur maze artwork and follow the road east, passed the youth hostel and out of the village. Take the left turn towards Gowanburn and follow the road above Bakethin reservoir, past Gowanburn and onto the site of the former mining settlement of Plashetts. Continuing to head east, you may want to make a couple of small diversions to view two features of the Art & Architecture at Kielder programme.
The Kielder Belvedere on the shoreline at Bennyshank, is a contemporary shelter designed by Softroom Architects whose stainless steel structure has received much praise for its innovative design, winning many awards including an RIBA award and the Stephen Lawrence Prize. Belvedere has a face of curved stainless steel that reflects its surroundings while the interior contains a window that frames the lakeside vista perfectly.
Wave Chamber on the Belling peninsula, works as a camera obscura, projecting the image of the water onto the floor of the chamber. Inside, the walls echo the wave sounds and the floor appears to become liquid. The image is clearer on late afternoons and sunny days.
The north haul at arrives Hawkhope on the north side of Kielder dam and continues on to Falstone.
You could make a day of it by returning to Kielder dam and crossing to the south shore, making your way back to Kielder village via Lakeside Way joining onto the Kielder to Calvert trail.
How to get there:
Village Connection can be started from Kielder Castle Forest Park Centre in Kielder which is part of Kielder. Kielder Village near Bellingham is the nearest town or village.
Kielder Castle is situated at the northern end of Kielder Water, off the C200.
OS Grid Reference: NY632934
