Reviews for Hamsterley Forest - Blue Trail

Summary:
Ok for a fitness training session

Review:
Limited in single track action lots of fore roads and one steep climb. Good for the beginner to get started and a basic introduction to basic single track for beginners or parents introducing their kids to off road cycling

Summary:
Totally not a blue!

Review:
Did this today, and after doing the Glentress and Whinlatter blue trails this is nowhere near it. The short section of singletrack at the start is nothing more technical than green at its very best. Followed by the rest of the trail which is just Fire road.
The only redeeming factor in my eyes was the views, but as im used to riding up in Cumbria and Scottish borders it was nothing special.
A very nice route so long as you have no confusion that it is not a blue trail in any sense of the word, great if you are after a green/purple though.

Summary:
enjoyable step up in grade

Review:
being an old codger i have stuck to fairly boring flat stuff so far but decided a trip to hamsterley was next on my list of things to do. having done the green trail which even i found easy the blue circuit was a joy. the first section is just technical enough to make your feel like a real MTBer with lots of hairpins, short climbs and descents, but nothing that is going to wear you out or throw you off. after this the main part of the trail is on fire road and hard packed dirt. there is only one big climb (well, big for me!!) and had to stop for a breather, but the surroundings make it worthwhile. there is a nice long section through the forest and along the edge, dropping down at good speed,so, watch out for the warning signs as you do have to cross other roads and make a big right turn at the bottom which would be easy to fly past. the end section is back on the main blacktop which gives you time to get your breath back and replay the fun you have just had while you take in the beautiful scenery and wildlife. the route is well signposted, easy to follow and, curiously, seemed more down than up hill, which was a big bonus!! the trail took me an hour, and after a rest and cuppa i was off to the skills trail to practice my falling off - magic!! overall, this was exactly what it says on the tin,an intermediate trail that gave a good feel of the bike and the countryside, without wiping me out for the rest of the day