Hamsterley Forest

About

2000 hectares of mixed scenic woodland lying between the Wear and Tees valleys on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Hamsterley is a delightful oasis of broadleaved and coniferous woodland, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to activities. With waymarked walks*,  cycle routes* and horse riding trails*, all levels of fitness and ability are catered for. 

**free maps of all our trails are available from either the cafe, information point or the bike hire shop. You can also find free downloadable maps from our website   www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest

There is also a forest play park which is open all year round with a new area of Viking Themed play equipment aimed at the kids, as well as a Gruffalo Spotters trail . A Discovery Pass is available to buy which gives free parking all year round plus other benefits for only £47.00 per annum, £49.00 as of  1 April 2019. 

Horse Riding is welcomed in the forest and some quieter routes away from the main recreational hub can be found. 

Hamsterley Forest is a big magnet for mountain bikers with a number of fantastic sections of exhilarating single track.  Families are also well catered for with a multi-user trail along the tranquil Bedburn Beck with exciting play areas to keep the children active and occupied for hours! Relax at the end of your visit with some homemade cake at the Hamsterley Forest Cafe and courtyard.

For the extreme end of mountain biking Danny Harts Descend Hamsterley has a number of orange graded downhill trails. Go to the latest info on the only North of England Downhil Centre at https://www.descendbikepark.com/

Please note, we have no (or very limited) phone coverage anywhere in the forest