Reviews for Black Trail - Hamsterley Forest

Summary:
Makes a change

Review:
I did the Black trail at Hammers for the first time today. I have always enjoyed red trails more, the likes of Kielder Deadwater and alike. The black trail at Hammers does have it's attractions, such as lung bursting climbs (which I enjoy) and technical rooty downs as well as a couple of fords to keep the route interesting. I've done bits of the route before, always when wet and agree with what others have said regarding the trail grading, I reckon it's more of an advanced red when dry and a black when wet.

Summary:
lots of ups and not enough rewards on the downs

Review:
i live about an hour away so localish for me terrible if its been raining but a good practice trail. As in previous comments if youve been to 7stannes (glentress innerleithen etc) this will be a big let down. However the new section 13 bit of the red route is good fun and i hope that they extend it all the way down to the valley that would make all the difference for me.

Summary:
Better than expected

Review:
If you read the other reviews, you wont be expecting too much which is probably why i enjoyed this trail so much.
Its a very natural ride, lots of fun IMO.

Summary:
Good Fun

Review:
Not a proper black but a good ride. keep climbing at the descend hut and add the new section 13 to it. Great fun!

Summary:
ok but no more than red grade difficulty

Review:
I failed to see how this trail could be given a black grade.
I added it onto the red route and its just as well I did as I felt the red route is mostly half decent blue grade.
I had a good couple of hour ride and did enjoy it but I wontbe going back in a hurry, Keider is a similar drive time for me and is a much better trail. Also for another 30min drive I could get to Dalby forst which also is better than Hamsterley, I wont be going back