About the Forest

Covering some 2000 hectares on the edge of Teesdale and Weardale, Hamsterley Forest provides many opportunities for outdoor activities with forest walks, nature trails, orienteering courses and mountain bike routes. There are many picnic sites and also a visitor centre and shop. A wide range of events are organised through the year. There are toilets, cycle hire and facilities for the disabled.

Cycle trails

Four cycle routes catering for different ability levels, from short family trails to a severe black route for the experienced cyclist. A 20 mile trailquest course takes in the whole forest allowing keen cyclists to test their map reading skills. There is a new Down-hill mountain bike course run by local riders and the site manager with an annual membership required to use the site.

Hamsterley Forest offers something for everyone. Riders of all abilities are catered for and encouraged. Whether you want a leisurely ride out with the kids or a full-on downhill experience, you’ll find it here.

There are four official routes: Red, Blue, Green and Black all of which are waymarked with colour-coded marker posts.In addition there is a highly-acclaimed downhill track for expert riders. The downhill track is run in association with Descend Hamsterley.

There are, however, miles and miles of other track to explore including gravel tracks, fast single track, downhill sections, ford crossings, technical sections etc etc. The possibilities are endless. For more details, go to the Hamsterley Trail Guide.

'The Loop'

The latest addition to the Forest is the fantastic 'Loop'. Providing arguably the best skills areas of any in the country the Loop will allow you to really hone your off road skills.

The Loop winds its way down through the forest providing a range of obstacles and skill sections including drop-offs and jumps. Carefully designed to suit all abilities, the Loop is as easy or as difficult as you want it to be.

The Loop also includes a return route to test your ascending/slow speed skills.

Cycle Hire

Bike hire, bike parts, servicing and repairs:- Wood N Wheels Tel: 01388 488222 www.woodnwheels.co.uk

Bike Shops

Refreshments

The Hamsterley Tearooms is a mountain biker friendly cafe and is open between February and September. Tel: 01388 488822 for more information.