Hamsterley Forest Drive

 

Recently voted one of the country’s top scenic woodland drives, Hamsterley Forest Drive is a spectacular 4 mile (6 km) route that winds its way up Bedburn Valley following the energetic streams that tumble off the North Pennines. There are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way to explore the forest or to have a picnic. The Forest Drive starts at the visitor centre and ends at Blackling Hole Car Park. Cars can either exit the forest at this point or retrace their journey back to the visitor centre. Please note that the Forest Drive is only tarmac for approximately half of its length. The remaining two miles from just beyond the Grove Car Park to Blackling Hole is on unsealed forest road. The drive for its entire length is not gritted in winter and may be closed in adverse weather. The Forest Drive is a toll road, for which tickets can be purchased on entry to the forest at the visitor centre and the Grove (ticket is also valid for all car parks). Annual season ticket available to purchase from the visitor centre which allows unlimited free access to Hamsterley car parks and forest drive for 2008. For further information, please contact Neil Taylor on 01388 488312.Open 8am to 8pm.

How to get there:

Hamsterley Forest Visitor Centre
Hamsterley
Durham County
England

Hamsterley, Witton-le Wear, Wolsingham, Bishop Auckland, and Durham are the nearest towns or villages.