Hamsterley
2000 hectares of mixed woodland lying between the Wear and Tees valleys on the edge of the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Hamsterley is a delightful oasis of broadleaved and coniferous woodland, sprawling along the sides of a sheltered valley. Visitors to Hamsterley have no shortage of options when it comes to activities. With waymarked walks, cycle routes and horse riding trails, all levels of fitness and ability are catered for. Follow all that exercise with a snack or slice of lovely homemade cake in our tearoom and a browse around the gift shop and visitor centre.There is also a playpark which is now open.
How to get there:
Hamsterley, Witton-Le Wear, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, and Durham are the nearest towns or villages.
Hamsterley Forest sits wedged between Teesdale and Weardale in the heart of beautiful Durham Dales, approximately 10 miles (16 km) west of Bishop Auckland.
By Public Transport
The forest is not served directly by public transport services. The nearest village on a bus route is Hamsterley, two miles to the south of the forest entrance. The walk from the forest to Hamsterley village is on a public road with no designated pedestrian walkway. From the village, you can travel on service number 88 (Arriva) to Bishop Auckland bus station, a journey that takes roughly 20 minutes. Bishop Auckland has a railway station that connects with the East Coast mainline at Darlington.
By car
The forest is signposted off the A68, north of West Auckland. Cars are charged £3 each on the Forest Drive to access the Forest and it’s facilities (there is no charge for visitors on foot).
OS Grid Reference: NZ091312
Start your visit from:
Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre