enquiries.hamsterley@forestryengland.uk
01388 488312 
www.forestry.gov.uk/hamsterleyforest 
Download this guide as docx
Share this guideWelcome
Hamsterley Forest is a delightful 2000 hectare woodland oasis situated in the Durham Dales. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to forest adventure or a tranquil getaway from the hustles of modern living. From wildlife watching and dark sky gazing to adventure play and high octane mountain biking, there is something here for everyone. A network of waymarked walking, horse riding and mountain bike trails help you explore the forest. Facilities include cafe, toilets, children's play and bike hire.
Level access
There is level access from the main entrance to:
Information PointMain toilet blockHamsterley Forest CafeClassroomViking Play TrailThere is level access from the car park to:
Visitor Centre picnic areaHearing
General
Getting here
Travel by public transport
There is no public transport service to Hamsterley Forest
Parking
Drop off can be made at Visitor Centre. All cars (including blue badge holders) are charged to access the forest and it’s facilities. Payment can be made either at the car park toll machine (no change given) or at the information point or cafe when open. There is no charge for visitors on foot.
Arrival
Path to main entrance
Main entrance
Parking for vehicles is in a number of grass or stone surfaced car parks along the forest drive. Blue badge priority car parking is available on a tarmac surface alongside the main toilet block and in the small car park next to the cafe courtyard. The route from the toilet block to the information point and café is along a tarmac access road with a short incline.
Getting around inside
Ticket/ information desk
Information Point
The information point is open 9am-5pm daily. It is staffed at weekends during the season and at other times is unmanned. Access to the information point is via a wooden decked ramp (with a handrail) and through an 700mm wide un-powered door (there is a second door which can also be opened to create a 1400mm wide entrance). The information point counter does not currently have an induction loop.
Public toilet
Main toilet block
Located adjacent to blue-badge parking spaces, the toilet male and female toilets are accessed via two steps (no handrail). The disabled toilet has level access and contains an adult change table (please note there is no hoist system currently installed). Baby change tables can be found in both male and female toilets as well as in a separate change room.
Place to eat and drink
Hamsterley Forest Cafe
The café is located next door to the information point. Access is via a wooden decked ramp with handrail and through two 950mm wide doors. Chairs are wooden backed with no arms. Menu details are written on blackboards at the serving counter. Waitress service is available if requested. There is a fully accessible toilet with baby change facilities to the rear of the cafe. T: 01388 488822
Classroom
Two forest classrooms are available to groups for a small charge through a booking system administered by the recreation ranger (01388 488312). Access to the Pine Room is by a short concrete ramp and through an 800mm wide door. The second room, Oak Room, is accessed directly off the wooden access ramp to the information point through an 850mm wide door. A mixture of chairs with and without arms is provided, although the classroom can be cleared at the request of users. An induction loop is currently not provided.
Getting around outside
Designated Walking Trail
Riverside Trail
This trail is fully accessible to wheelchair users for the first 3/4 mile of its length. The path surface is level and finished with a fine grade top layer. A number of benches and wheelchair accessible picnic tables are en-route. Currently, the return route for unassisted wheelchair users is to either retrace your steps back along the trail or follow the Forest Drive back from Low Redford car park to the visitor centre. There is the option to complete a circular 1.5-mile route, but this involves crossing the Forest Drive and negotiating a short but steep incline onto forest tracks surfaced with looser gravel surfaced. The last section to the Visitor Centre has a downhill gradient. This route is negotiable for a wheelchair user with assistance.
Designated Walking Trail
Bedburn Trail
A 2.5-mile circular walk mostly on surfaced forest roads or paths. There are four sharp inclines, most notably on the descent to the bridge at Low Redford car park which also has a set of stone steps (no handrail). The bridge has one step on either side and is narrow (wide enough for passage in one direction). The trail ends with a flight of steps (with handrail) behind the visitor centre.
Designated Walking Trail
Three Becks Walk
The longest of the walks from the visitor centre. This trail is 4.5 miles (8 km) long and follows a variety of surfaces, including surfaced and unsurfaced trail, and forest road. There are a number of moderate climbs and descents along the length of the trail. Two sets of steps are encountered, one without a handrail, and a narrow footbridge.
Picnic Area
Visitor Centre picnic area
Viking Play Trail
Play facilities are spread along a 2.5m wide trail on a loop between the visitor centre and Pooh Stick Bridge. The main play areas are accessed via the Riverside Trail (see below). A wide ramp enables access onto the central platform of the multi-play feature. An activity trail encompassing chain walks, balance beams and logs is provided, as is a multi-user rope swing and basket swing that has the capacity to hold two people. A gravel play workshop is accessed via a narrow ramp and play towers are scaled using scramble nets, climbing walls and inclined ramps.
Customer care support
Customer care support
