Improved trails, signs and route maps

Maps and signs

The Forestry Commission have produced new route maps for the three XC trails around Hamsterley Forest. The new maps are right up to date, with even the yet-to-open “Nitrous” marked on.

The maps coincide with a major overhaul of signage in the Forest, which include names of the trail sections and should make it much easier for riders to navigate the forest.

Hamsterley Trailblazers have been pushing FC hard for some time to improve the route marking and we’re really pleased about this important upgrade.

Click here for the official BLUE FC route guide

Click here for the official RED FC route guide

Click here for the official BLACK FC route guide

MBR honours Hamsterley trail

A section of the Hamsterley Red Route has been recognised as one of the best in the country by MBR Magazine. It took the runners-up spot in the “Best Shot Glass of Singletrack” award in the December 2011 issue.

The magazine described the section of trail as “Transmission (lower part)”, but anyone reading the description would recognise it as "The Accelerator”. Mick Kirkman, who nominated it for the award, said “It surprises you every time just how much fun and speed you can eke out of the tight singletrack.”

Trailblazers Chairman Neil Gander said, “We already knew it was brilliant but it’s nice to have it recognised by a national magazine. Given how many trail centres there are in England, Scotland and Wales, to have one of our sections picked out for special mention is a tribute to the great design and construction by the Trailblazers crew. Just wait until they see Nitrous in the New Year !