Hamsterley Forest

OS Grid Reference: NZ092312

This 2000-acre forest, on the edge of Teesdale and Weardale, could have been made for mountain bikers. Challenges range from the world class skills Loop, where you can fine-tune all manner of techniques, to a highly-acclaimed downhill track for expert riders.

There are four colour-coded, way-marked routes to offer satisfying cycling for every level of ability. Set in mature woodland, the terrain is rocky, root-carpeted and seriously good fun, while for the more experienced rider there are tough ascents, thrilling descents, twists, turns, fords and bridges that deliver truly world-class biking in an amazing, primal environment.

Forestry Commision England

The Loop – 1.6km

Providing one of the best dedicated skills areas in the country, this latest addition to Hamsterley’s offerings enables you to sharpen your skills on a range of terrain amidst fantastic scenery, and have fun at the same time.

Winding its way down through the forest, the Loop twists, twirls and tests riders with a variety of obstacles and technical sections including hair-raising drop-offs and jumps. Carefully designed to suit all levels of ability, it’s as easy or challenging as you want it to be, so you can use it to perfect your technique, have a laugh or just show off!

The return route is designed to test your climbing and slow-speed skills for an all-round workout. And when you’ve burned yourself out, the good news is that it’s all just 250m from the main visitor centre and car park.

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Green Cycle Trail - 4.8km

Starting at the visitor centre, this trail should take about 45 minute to complete.

The route takes you along the forest drive, then turns left after the play area and crosses the river before climbing a short but fairly steep hill. After this you can get your breath back and enjoy the scenery on undulating forest roads, wide tracks and a short section of singletrack just before the trail brings you back to the visitor centre. Overall the surface is fairly smooth but occasional loose stones in places ought to keep you on your toes.

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Blue Cycle Trail – 14.4km

This trail heads out from the visitor centre along the forest drive before turning right just after the bridge onto the Grove cycling link – a 2-mile purpose-built trail which, while not singletrack, is fairly narrow in places.

At the end of this section turn left and follow the forest drive to Blackling Hole before tackling an exhilarating climb into the forest and returning to the back of the Grove house on forest roads. From here it’s a smooth return run to the visitor centre on the tarmac forest drive. The surface is predominantly hard and compact although the condition of the forest roads is variable, and you can expect the whole route to take about 2 hours from start to finish.

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Red Cycle Trail – 16km

This trail is graded red not because it’s highly technical – it’s not – but because it’s long with a lot of hills. Suitable for experienced cyclists with good levels of fitness, it’s a great choice if you’re after sustained exercise and superb views.

Heading out along the forest drive from the visitor centre, turn left after the play area then right after crossing the river to follow the Grove link. Follow the trail left after the Grove house, cross the stone bridge and then take the first right up the track to the Descend downhill facility. Turn right at the cabin onto a forest road that leads to a singletrack section with a ford, before descending to Blackling Hole. Then it’s uphill to the top edge of the forest overlooking Eggleston Moor before returning to the Grove via the Euden beck and then back to the visitor centre along the forest drive.

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Black Cycle Trail – 11.2km

If you’re keen, this is mean. The most strenuous and technically challenging way-marked trail in Hamsterley Forest.

The Black Trail is suitable only for expert bikers and gets to grips with steep technical climbs, smooth contouring singletrack and some seriously rooty descents. The challenge never lets up for the entire length of the route, providing superb natural riding to test even the best cross country riders. The trail starts from the forest drive just beyond the visitor centre and should take you about an hour to complete. If you’re up for a longer session, you can combine this trail with the 16km Red route from the halfway point beside the Grove house.

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Downhill Course – varying lengths

Descend mountain biking is Hamsterley’s very own extreme downhill mountain bike club, and has created its own downhill courses which offer something for everyone.

The main course is spilt into two sections by a forest road. The top section is fast and flowing with berms, drop-offs and a huge table-top jump, whilst the bottom section is rocky, steep and technical with switchbacks to finish. There is also a mini-duel course to warm up on and, in addition, the club offers coaching for individuals and youth groups.

Riders must park in the Grove car park and register at the Descend cabin at the mid-point of the course before hitting the trails.

For more information call 0191 5654368 or visit www.descendhamsterley.co.uk.

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Trail Quest

Fancy a forest ride with a difference? Trail Quest is orienteering on a bike, with control points spread throughout the forest.

Collect a card from the visitor centre then navigate your way around the forest to the various control points marked in yellow on the map. Stamp your control card and collect point scores as you go – the further away the control point, the higher your point score.

Choose from 2 courses – 2 hours or 4 hours.

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