Access information for Hamsterley Forest

A detailed access guide for Hamsterley Forest is available at the below link:

Download Access Guide

Squirrel Chaser is a 13.3km Blue (moderate) graded cycle trail signposted with white way marker arrows on a bright Blue background. An 8.4km Short Route option is available and signposted.

According to the Forestry England Trail Grading system, riders on Blue Graded Trails can expect a mixture of climbs and descents with moderate gradients, technical features like tree roots and rock steps; jumps and berms; Rollable features at controlled speed; Variable surfaces.

Path widths and gradients

The trail is built to accommodate both two-wheel and non-standard cycles – the trail is typically 1.2m wide and a minimum width of 1m and less than 10% gradient throughout.

Long Route (13.3km) - there is a narrow footbridge which is only 1m wide with handrails and a 30cm step up to it. Until a new wider bridge is installed, all riders must dismount and push their cycles here and it therefore the Long Route may not be suitable for riders with limited mobility or riders of non-standard cycles such as trikes due to the width. The decision point at the bridge is clearly signposted just after the Oakey Cokey Loop and marked on the map. 

A Short Route option (8.7km) returns from the decision point towards the Visitor Centre. All riders on non-standard cycles (trikes etc) are advised to stake the Short Route option until a replacement bridge is installed.

Access videos

Follow the links below for first-person videos of each section designed to help you plan your visit.

• Section 1: The Grove Link + Forest Drive to start of Oakey Cokey section
• Section 2: The Oakey Cokey section 
• Section 3: The Short Route - return to the Visitor Centre
• Section 4: The Long Route via Potato Hill and Odd Sox COMING SOON
• Section 5: Visitor Centre to end of Oakey Cokey section and return

Full access guide

A full access guide with in-depth information on trail material, gradient, width and more is available here: Squirrel Chaser Access Guide

Situated close to the Visitor Centre, the Viking Play Trail is a short family trail featuring ten themed play zones inspired by Norse mythology in a loop along both sides of the scenic Bedburn Beck.

• Total trail length: 0.75 km
• Trail surface: Main path - compacted stone forest track. Play zones - varied surfaces including natural earth with exposed roots and raised enclosures filled with tree bark. See detailed description for each play zone.
• Typical width: Main path 2.5–3m wide, varied widths for access to each play zone.
• Trail gradient: Less than 10% gradient throughout the trail on the main path - some play stations include short and steep climbs, but many are accessible on flat ground.

Wheelchair and pushchair suitability

The main trail is generally suitable for robust wheelchairs and all‑terrain pushchairs. Some play areas sit on uneven and steep ground, bark or natural forest floor, or narrow pinch points which may limit access in some cases. See the individual play zone descriptions for further information.

Sensory environment

The forest offers a mix of natural sounds, children playing, and occasional dogs. The trail can become busy during school holidays and weekends, particularly between 10am and 3pm, which may affect visitors who prefer quieter environments.

Weather impact

The main trail is approximately 2 - 2.5 metres wide (even when crossing bridges) and is constructed from compacted stone, providing a firm and stable surface that does not typically become slippery in wet weather.

Several of the play spaces, designed to encourage natural exploration, are situated on forest floor surfaces without additional fall surfacing. These areas are more sensitive to changing weather conditions and may become muddy and slippery during or after rainfall. Visitors are advised to take extra care when moving through these natural play zones, particularly in wet or wintery conditions. 

Important: Many of the play features are made from natural wood which does become slippery when wet; care should be taken to assess this before use.

Seating

A variety of formal seating is provided throughout the play area. This includes standard benches without backrests, benches with backrests, 
and picnic benches. Seating options are positioned close to each piece of play equipment to support rest, supervision, and ease of access

Water safety

The Viking Play Trail runs alongside Bedburn Beck. During periods of heavy rainfall, the beck can become deep and fast‑flowing. Visitors are advised to take particular care, and young children should always be supervised.

At the halfway point of the trail (near the second bridge), there is a small, pebbled beach that provides closer access to the water. In summer months and during extended dry periods, this area may offer a suitable spot for paddling or resting beside the beck. However, any entry into the water must be carefully assessed by accompanying adults to ensure it is safe to do so.

Visitors are encouraged to remain aware of changing weather conditions and water levels throughout their visit.

Access videos

Follow the links below for a first-person video of designed to help you plan your visit:

• Viking Play Trail Access Video

Full access guide

A full access guide with in-depth information on trail material, gradient, width and more is available here: Viking Play Trail Access Guide