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This Easter, families and cycling enthusiasts have a new adventure to look forward to at Hamsterley Forest in County Durham. Forestry England has unveiled the Squirrel Chaser Trail, a brand-new, blue (moderate) grade off-road cycling route set to open on 6 April 2025. This 8.4km (5.25 miles) trail is designed for moderate and improver cyclists, offering a mix of existing riverside paths, forest roads, and a fresh 2km (1.25 miles) singletrack section named ‘The Oakey Cokey’, which winds through a picturesque oak plantation. The trail features swooping descents, a challenging switchback climb, and progressive rocky sections, providing riders with opportunities to test and refine their skills in a stunning forest setting. It’s also accessible to riders using non-standard off-road cycles, such as adapted mountain bikes and trikes.
The Squirrel Chaser Trail is part of Hamsterley Forest’s extensive trail network, which spans 64km (nearly 40 miles) and includes routes ranging from blue (moderate) to black (severe) grades. This new addition aims to cater to a wide range of experience levels, offering a fun and engaging experience for riders with core off-road cycling skills. Feedback from a taster day in February, attended by members of Hamsterley Trailblazers, Forestry England volunteers, and representatives from Durham County Council, was overwhelmingly positive. Riders of all ages and abilities praised the trail’s accessibility and challenging features.
The project was made possible through a £100,000 investment from the Rural England Prosperity Fund, part of the UK government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), with additional funding from Forestry England. Mark Holroyd, head of recreation and communications at Forestry England’s North District, expressed his excitement about the project, highlighting how the trail opens up new areas of the forest for exploration and skill development. He encouraged families and cyclists to take advantage of the Easter holidays and upcoming summer months to enjoy the outdoors and explore Hamsterley Forest on two or three wheels.
Mark Stamper, head of inclusive growth and partnerships at Durham County Council, emphasized the broader benefits of the new trail. He noted that Hamsterley Forest is already a popular destination and that the new routes will attract more visitors, boosting local tourism and economic activity. Additionally, the trails support the council’s goal of promoting healthier, more active lifestyles among residents by encouraging outdoor activities like cycling.
Local mountain biking community group Hamsterley Trailblazers also played a key role in the trail’s development. Alex Talks, chairman of the group, praised the new trail for its flow sections, appropriately challenging features, and versatility. He believes Squirrel Chaser will appeal to a wide range of riders, from developing mountain bikers to more advanced cyclists, and is excited to see it become a popular addition to the forest’s trail network. Young riders from the Trailblazers coaching groups are particularly eager to test the new trail.
To ensure a smooth experience for visitors, the Squirrel Chaser Trail is clearly waymarked with blue squares indicating its moderate difficulty level. A refreshed forest-wide cycle trail map, featuring improved design, will be displayed in the forest, and printed versions will be available for free at the visitor information point starting from the opening date.
This new trail is a fantastic opportunity for families, cycling enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers to explore Hamsterley Forest’s natural beauty while enjoying a fun and challenging ride. With its diverse features and accessibility for riders of varying abilities, the Squirrel Chaser Trail is set to become a highlight for visitors this Easter and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or just starting out, this trail promises an unforgettable experience in one of England’s most scenic forests.
