Hamsterley Common Circular

About

Route CDW13 – 24 miles. On- and off-road sections with some challenging ups and downs over mixed terrain including single and double tracks. Superb views over Weardale but not advised in bad weather.


1. Start at Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre and leave the Forest Drive at The Grove.


2. Take a right and then the first left turn onto an off-road forest track which takes you past a picnic area and then out onto the fells.


3. Follow the trail out to the fell road at Hill Top and turn right along the road.


4. Follow the road back across into Weardale and take the sharp right signposted Frosterley.


5. At Bollihope at the bottom of the valley leave the road before it begins to climb and follow the track along the left bank of the burn.


6. Follow the trail around to the track above White Kirkley and turn right following the track along the edge of fell land above Weardale.


7. At the road, turn right and follow the track past St John’s Hall downhill and back into Hamsterley Forest.


Route taken from Durham County Council West Cycle Map.