Things to do in Falstone, Kielder Forest

Smales Leap is a modest but attractive waterfall located on the Smales Burn in the remote woodland landscape of Kielder Forest, near the village of Falstone in Northumberland, England. The waterfall is situated at OS grid reference NY717845, in the heart of what is now one of England's most extensive forested areas. The falls themselves consist of a series of cascades where the burn tumbles over rocky ledges, creating a pleasant display particularly after periods of rainfall when the water volume increases. The geological foundation of the area consists of sedimentary rocks typical of the Border region, with the stream having carved its course through these formations over millennia, creating the rocky steps and pools that characterize the waterfall today. The Smales Burn is a tributary stream that flows through the densely wooded terrain of Kielder Forest before eventually joining the River North Tyne system. Like many watercourses in this part of Northumberland, the burn's flow is heavily influenced by precipitation patterns across the Cheviot Hills and surrounding uplands, with water levels varying considerably between seasons. The catchment area is almost entirely forested, meaning the stream benefits from the natural filtration provided by the woodland environment, though commercial forestry operations in the region have historically altered drainage patterns throughout the wider landscape. The name "Smales Leap" suggests a local legend or historical incident, as many waterfalls in the British Isles with "leap" in their names refer to stories of people or animals jumping across the chasm, often in dramatic circumstances. While specific documented folklore about this particular location is scarce in readily available historical records, the naming convention hints at tales that would have been passed down through generations of local families in Falstone and the surrounding farmsteads. The relatively remote location means that such stories may have remained primarily in oral tradition rather than being recorded in written form. Kielder Forest itself was largely planted in the twentieth century by the Forestry Commission, transforming what had been open moorland and scattered farmland into the vast coniferous woodland that exists today. This afforestation dramatically changed the landscape around Smales Leap, with the waterfall that once would have tumbled through open countryside now surrounded by dense stands of spruce and other commercial timber species. The creation of Kielder Water reservoir in the 1970s and early 1980s further transformed the area, though Smales Burn and its waterfall lie upstream of the main reservoir and were not directly affected by the flooding of the valley. The surrounding forest environment supports a variety of wildlife adapted to coniferous woodland habitats. Red squirrels, which have become increasingly rare in much of England, maintain populations in Kielder Forest, and the area is also home to roe deer, foxes, and a variety of bird species including crossbills, siskins, and goshawks. The burn itself provides habitat for aquatic invertebrates and, where conditions are suitable, may support small fish populations. The extensive forest cover creates relatively dark conditions even during daylight hours, particularly in the depths of winter, giving the waterfall and its surroundings an atmospheric quality. Access to Smales Leap requires a degree of determination, as it lies away from the main visitor facilities and marked trails that serve the more popular parts of Kielder Forest and Water. The village of Falstone, located a few kilometers to the south, serves as the nearest settlement with basic facilities and can provide a starting point for those wishing to explore this more remote corner of the forest. Visitors should be prepared for walking through forestry terrain, which may include muddy paths, stream crossings, and potentially unclear routes where forestry operations have altered the landscape. Ordnance Survey maps and a compass or GPS device are advisable for anyone venturing into this area. Parking options in the vicinity are limited compared to the main Kielder Water visitor centers, though forest roads and small informal parking areas exist throughout the wider Kielder Forest complex. Those planning to visit Smales Leap would be well advised to study current Forestry England maps and information, as access routes can change depending on timber harvesting schedules and forest management operations. The terrain is typical of upland Northumberland, with the waterfall situated in a landscape of steep-sided valleys known locally as "burns" carved into the surrounding hills. The industrial heritage of the wider region includes remnants of lead mining, border conflicts, and the marginal hill farming that characterized the area before large-scale afforestation. While Smales Leap itself may not have been a site of industrial activity, the broader landscape tells the story of centuries of human interaction with this challenging border environment. The transformation into commercial forestry represents the most recent chapter in this long history of land use change, and places like Smales Leap now offer pockets of natural beauty within a working forest landscape that continues to evolve.