4.2/5)Chopwell Wood really is a wood for everyone. This 360-hectare mixed woodland is a real gem, set right on the fringe of Gateshead. Miles of paths allow fantastic access, walking and cycling into the heart of this fascinating woodland.
More recently Chopwell Wood has been recognised as a PAWS (Plantation on Ancient Woodland Site). This means it was an ancient forest but in more recent times it has been planted with modern timber crops. Most of the ancient trees, predominantly oak, were felled in the 17th and 18th century for ship and bridge building. The remnants of these still survive on the steep crags above the river Derwent. Today, areas of conifer are being removed to help the wood return one day to it's original cover of native trees.
You can now download the Chopwell walking leaflet.
You can walk for miles!
No two parts of this varied woodland are the same and spectacular views of the River Derwent and North Pennines await discovery.
Go for a spin on your bike
Just the right size for an evening ride or a quick warm-up for some of the region's other mountain bike hot spots at Hamsterley Forest and Kielder Water and Forest Park.
Horse riding
Horse riders are welcome in the forest.
Upcoming events
Find out what's on in Chopwell Wood.
Friends of Chopwell Wood
The Friends are a local charity that help look after the wood, raising money and lending practical support to complete recreation, conservation and educational projects. The group celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2012. To find out more about the work they do, events that are on and how you can help the group visit their website or call Liz Searle on 01207 542495.
Please tell us about your visit
Please email us at enquiries.hamsterley@forestry.gsi.gov.uk if you have an enquiry or would like a reply to your comments.
What do other visitors say?