Hamsterley Forest Mountain Bike Trails

Cycling and mountain biking trails at Hamsterley Forest

Hamsterley Forest, spanning over 2,000 hectares, provides an exhilarating natural cycling experience. With 33 miles of marked trails and countless unmarked forest roads, it offers a thrilling adventure for cyclists of all levels, from novice riders to adrenaline-seeking off-road enthusiasts.

Squirrel Chaser (Blue)

Grade: Blue (8.4 km)

Squirrel Chaser is a 8.4km blue graded trail that opened on the 6 April 2025. A smooth, undulating figure-of-8 trail with swooping singletrack and a mixture of progressive trail features. These provide a moderate challenge to build skills and confidence, and to help you explore the other trails.

Blue mountain bike trail

Grade: Blue (14.5 km)

For those new to Hamsterley Forest or transitioning from beginner cycling, this trail offers an optimal opportunity to familiarize oneself with off-road cycling at a controlled and comfortable pace. You will navigate purpose-built single-track trails interspersed with wider forest roads, providing a balanced introduction to this exhilarating discipline.

Red mountain bike trail

Grade: Red (22 km)

The Red Mountain Bike Trail is a challenging single-track route that meanders through remote areas of the forest. This trail is designed for experienced cyclists seeking an immersive outdoor adventure. Superb views await at the top of the forest overlooking Eggleston Moor before returning on breathtaking stretches of single track.

Black mountain bike trail

Grade: Black (11 km)

The trail in Hamsterley forest is the most physically demanding and technically difficult marked route. It features steep, challenging uphill sections, smooth winding single-track trails, and exhilarating descents over exposed roots.

Descend bike park

Grade: Orange

Danny Hart's Descend Bike Park caters to experienced downhill mountain bikers seeking an adrenaline-fueled adventure.

Situated two miles from the visitor center, the park features a diverse array of challenging trails, ranging from four-cross courses to full-fledged downhill tracks.

Riders at Descend are required to check in and purchase a day pass at the designated Bike Park cabin before embarking on their thrilling descent.

For further details click here.

Getting here

For main visitor centre car park, please enter Bedburn into Sat Nav (postcode covers a large area). Follow signs from the A68, north of West Auckland.

DL13 3NL is the nearest postcode.