Blue Bike Trail: 

Distance

9 miles

Why we love this trail 

This is a lovely route for those just beginning their mountain bike journey. With some singletrack sections and small obstacles of root and rock this trail is a great taster of mountain biking. With it being so close to Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre there are plenty of facilities on hand – we always love a route that also offers toilets, a cafe and a play park!

Please note it is recommended children are 7 years or older to enjoy this trail. You will need a reasonable amount of skill and fitness. 

Parking

There is a pay on exit car park at Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre. Nearest postcode: DL13 3NW.

Bird Cycleworks offer bikes to hire

 Blue Bike Trail start point.

Follow the blue waymarkers.

Singletrack path.

The Route:

The Hamsterley bike trails are part of Forestry England North and can be found at Hamsterley Forest which offers many facilities such as a car park, well maintained walking routes, a cafe, toilets, gift shop, bike hire and much more.

The Blue Trail: this blue moderate trail begins near the visitor centre. The blue trail is perfect for those just beginning their mountain bike journey. Please note bikers will need reasonable fitness and basic off road skills to complete the track. With singletrack trails, gentle corners, rolling jumps and gradual climbs I am sure you will love this track! Follow the blue waymarkers to find your way around this trail, the route itself is 9 miles long. Please click here to view the map of all of the bike trails Hamsterley Forest offers.

For those in need of bikes you are able to hire mountain bikes for a reasonable charge at Bird Cycleworks shop situated within Hamsterley Forest main car park. Click here to be redirected to their booking service.

Overall this is a perfect place to begin your forest rider journey! As it is situated in the heart of Hamsterley Forest there are also plenty of walks for the younger members of your family to discover and explore while the older ones are away biking. We have previously reviewed two walks that are perfect for the little legs of the family:

  • The Riverside Loop, which can be found here. 
  • The Bedburn Beck Trail, which can be found here.

This walk is part of the Forestry England Woodland Walks. Hamsterley is a working forest and therefore some trails can be closed at times due to forest operations, or damage caused by recent storms. For all up to date information on the trails at Hamsterley please access the Forestry England website here.

In partnership with

hiking household