Hamsterley is a cornerstone venue for any County Durham eMTB directory because it rides like a proper MTB day out: graded options, plenty of trail-centre structure, and enough variety that you can build either a progressive skills session or a full day of linked loops. For eMTB riders, it’s particularly useful because pedal-assist takes the sting out of repeated climbs, letting you focus on line choice, braking points, and consistency—exactly the kind of “better riding through repetition” that makes sense in an Electric MTB UK bike park directory.
It’s also a venue where you can tune the difficulty to the rider. Beginners can keep it predictable, while experienced riders can look for faster, more technical sections and plan lap-based riding. Conditions matter here: in winter and after heavy rain, grip and braking distances change quickly, and the same trails can ride one or two “grades” harder. That seasonal swing is worth calling out in SEO-rich directory copy because it’s a real part of the UK eMTB experience.
Key information
| Web address | https://www.forestryengland.uk/hamsterley-forest |
| Post Code | DL13 3NL Get Directions |
| Uplift / entry cost (adult) | £0 entry (no uplift for main forest trails; separate uplift exists at Descend Bike Park) |
| Pass options | Forestry England memberships may apply |
| Bike hire eMTB hire | No No |
| Parking | Paid. Under 20 mins free; 1 hr £3; 2 hrs £6; 4 hrs £7.50; all day £8.50 |
| eMTB policy | UK-legal pedal-assist eMTB (EAPC) suitable on forest MTB routes |
| Trails | Trail-centre mix with progression options; difficulty spread depends on route choice and conditions |
| Uplift type | None |
| Best for | Full-day eMTB riding, progression, mixed routes with a “proper MTB” feel |
Facilities
Cost and uplift
No uplift for the main forest trail network; standard forest parking charges apply. If you want uplift-assisted gravity riding, see the separate Descend Bike Park listing below.
Bike hire
Plan to bring your own bike. If you need hire, arrange it off-site in advance where possible.
Parking and arrival
Hamsterley is a destination venue and gets busy at weekends. Earlier arrivals usually mean easier parking and a calmer first lap.
Trails and riding style
Expect a trail-centre character with options to ride steady loops or repeat favourite sections. On an eMTB, Hamsterley is well suited to “laps with purpose”.
Facilities
As a major forest venue, expect visitor infrastructure relative to other UK forests, but still plan like you’re riding in rural County Durham.
What to know before you go
Wet roots and slick off-camber sections are the common UK gotchas. Tyre choice and pressure discipline pay off here.
Last updated: January 2026