Hamsterley sees RED !

Section 13 Open !

Another new section of Hamsterley’s red grade cycle route was opened on Saturday 12 September.

Christened ‘Section 13,’ this exhilarating singletrack ride starts near the top of the 4X course and joins the existing red route along the forest fire road from Descend’s Downhill Hut.

It is part of several new sections of trail that will eventually form what is hoped to be one of the longest red grade trail singletrack cycle routes in the UK (25 km).

Like other trails at Hamsterley, the route was designed by Pete Laing, one of Britain’s top trail builders (of Glentress fame). As with all Pete’s work, ridden fast it challenges the most experienced riders; whilst ridden slowly, even inexperienced or cautious riders can just roll over the features.

Work on the new section was carried out by a hardy team of over 20 volunteers from Hamsterley Trailblazers and local contractor, Alan Patterson, using locally quarried stone.

Other new sections of trail already built are ‘Special K’ and ‘Brain Freeze.’ The contract for a fourth section of Red Trail (a singletrack trail going down from 5 Lane Ends) has just been awarded to Alan Patterson and work will start on this with volunteers within the next few weeks.

Funding for the new trails has come from CDENT (Co Durham Environmental Trust) £50,000; the former Teesdale Council - £40,000; Forestry Commission - £28,000 and Hamsterley Trailblazers - £20,000. Volunteers have been managed and co-ordinated by Groundwork.

The opening of Section 13 was celebrated on Saturday afternoon with a BBQ and chance to ride the new trail.

Vicky Chilcott
Secretary, Hamsterley Trailblazers