Hamsterley Forest Red and Black Grade MTB Trails - Mountain Biking in Durham

[@MeantforDescent]

If you'd like to take a closer look at Hamsterley's red grade descents, check out this more recent video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJnLiYOjndp0oq8

[@duffymoon3716]

Great vlog bud. Loved the composition and explanatory narration. We were there back in October when we came down from Scotland and I have fond memories of our trip. Thank you.

[@Rachman01]

Hey, I’ve seen many videos of this local trail. I particularly enjoyed the narration component, very helpful to riders wanting to get familiar with the trails before hitting them!

[@HD-dz4uk]

I rode a few of the tracks and also went up to the top of the moors on my old Carrera hardtail. My first real experience of this type of riding. 2 guys I met on the trails took me round for which I am really grateful. Fantastic first outing for a 58 year old, the really good bit for me was the friendly atmosphere and people on absolute wrecks getting maximum fun for little expense.

[@MeantforDescent]

Yeah, the MTB community is a lot like the climbing community in that respect. Lots of friendly people always willing to help. Glad you had a good time.

[@kobudo4]

Great vid. Looks like it's definitely worth the drive down.

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. It's definitely a good day out. Add Section 13, Bone Shaker, Special K and Brain Freeze and you've got a great day out.

[@Dave-emtb]

Great vid, and informative which is a bonus as I’m planning a visit soon 👍👍

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks, Dave. I really hope you enjoy it. Polty's Last Blast to Nitrous is a lot of fun. Consider adding Section 13 to Brain Freeze too.

[@Dave-emtb]

Meant for Descent thanks I’ll look out for that 👍👍

[@MeantforDescent]

@@Dave-emtb They're the last sections on the Red/Black trails. There's a map here: www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Hamsterley%20MTB%20Map%20A4%20leaflet_2.pdf

[@sykotikangell]

Yes, it's called Two wheels and a Troll, which straight after leads in to a short trail called "Kate's trail" , your right in what your saying , it does have a lot of fireroads, and the trials are spread out over the forest , but their all worth the effort in climbing the fireroads to get to them.. both black and red routes can be done within a day depending on how fit you are ..

[@MeantforDescent]

Ah, it was Kate's Trail that I was most unsure of; I couldn't find it on the map. Thanks. I've not ridden all of the black yet, but it's very much on my to do list. I'll definitely be making a return visit in the future.

[@crit71]

Great video. Hammers has some good rides, bit like you said about the fire roads..... I rode 23 miles last time I was there.

[@MeantforDescent]

I tend to look for quality over quantity these days, Chris. Hammers has definitely got the quality and it's accessible directly. That's a winner for me.

[@zootmanmtb7739]

Great video man thanks🤙👌🏼

[@MeantforDescent]

Cheers. Hamsterley has some really fun trails.

[@kevallison]

Canny vid, some great trails further into the forest, especially over towards one called Dangerous Decent

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks, Kev. I'm looking forward to finding some new sections to ride.

[@kevallison]

@@MeantforDescent im up most Mond, Wed early for 10am and most Fridays for 1pm, if your ever about, more than welcome to tag along and will show you about

[@MeantforDescent]

​@@kevallison Thanks for the offer. I really appreciate it. Sundays are really the only chance I have to get out, though. Hence the frequency with which I'm able to upload vids.

[@lewisdimmick3933]

Great review. No honorary mention of how steep and tedious all the climbs are.

[@MeantforDescent]

Cheers. The black wasn't bad, but the red was a little miserable. That was largely down to temperature and flies through.

[@Asgath]

Weird thing about Pikes' is that the top section feels more techy than it is. If you just push on it's pretty fast and fun :)

[@MeantforDescent]

I'm sure you're right, but quite slippery in the wet though. Just had a bit of a spill over at Whinlatter. That was due to wet rock. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3TUZoJ8pseUeMk

[@criptiphelper1971]

thanks for the video, this looks so much fun

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks Paul. It is. If you haven't already, you should get yourself there. Cheers, Chris.

[@criptiphelper1971]

@@MeantforDescent I am waiting on my new bike getting delivered then I will be up there my friend.👍

[@MeantforDescent]

@@criptiphelper1971 Good on ya. Make a beeline for Polty's Last Blast. You won't be disappointed.

[@warlord40001]

Definitely one of the best videos I've seen of hamsterley forest, you should try some of the off piste sections next time you're there

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks. It's great to get positive feedback. I'd absolutely love to get to know the forest better, but where to start? I'd definitely be interested if you've got any recommendations.

[@jbewley7596]

We went on Sunday as my son wanted to see k line etc..how far was it from the carpark? We couldn't find it just a massive long road...wondering if we shoukd of just kept going...hope you can help

[@MeantforDescent]

There are a few car parks in the forest. Grove car park is closest. The visitor centre car park is quite a way off. From the visitor centre you need to follow the Forest Drive to Grove, then the fire roads up to Polty's Last Blast. There's a map here: www.forestryengland.uk/sites/default/files/documents/Hamsterley%20MTB%20Map%20A4%20leaflet_2.pdf Hope this helps.

[@jempro1674]

As an older rider.... can you get a lift back to where you park your car? How does it work? As I have never MTB a trail but this is near me. Thanks in advance.

[@ffittness4142]

Sick

[@MeantforDescent]

Thanks.

[@trailsfromthedarkside6460]

Getting more tips for hammers. When you finish on Two Wheels, is it easy enough to get up to Poltys from there? Just going to follow your route and finish with the end of your other hammers vid. Thanks again dude. 🤙

[@MeantforDescent]

It's all fire roads and it's all climb, too, but it's not hard. Adding the climb past Descend to get to Section 13 will make it a pretty full day, but it'll be worth it.

[@trailsfromthedarkside6460]

Meant for Descent yup, thats the plan. Just wasn’t sure if you could just follow the fire road up to Poltys. Thanks again brother. You’ve been a great help. Ride Safe. 😎

[@davidtarn5690]

Top video, I ride hammers a lot. Do you record on Strava?

[@MeantforDescent]

Occasionally, but it's not pretty. ;)

[@davidtarn5690]

Meant for Descent yeah me too. what’s your Strava name? I use them to follow routes at forests I’ve never been.. I’ve just seen your Chopwell Woods Vid. We’re going up in the next couple of weeks so its a great way to see where to go. Keep up the good work bud. 🙅🏼‍♂️

[@MeantforDescent]

I've got a channel profile at www.strava.com/athletes/meantfordescent, but it's new, so no rides as yet.

[@RCFunEveryday]

Hi, I'm in the process of buying my first bike, I am not too far from this place, just in Kirkby Stephen, would you say there's some good stuff here to ride for a complete novice? Can you describe the layout a bit, I assume it's pay to play? And do you just ride up a gravel road to get to the top or is there some technical climbing too? Thanks in advance :) new sub!

[@MeantforDescent]

Hey. Thanks for watching. Sorry for the late reply. I was at Hamsterley recently with a novice rider and things didn't end well. We ended up evacuating after a nasty crash, but that was probably down to his fearless approach. If you take your time, keep your speed down and look before you leap, you'll probably be alright. All of the features can be rolled, and if you're uncertain of anything my advice would be to walk it instead. Hamsterley is free to ride, although, you will need to pay for parking, which is around £6 - £10 depending on whether you go on a bank holiday. There is a full red grade route, which is waymarked, but I usually go directly to the best bits via the fire roads. There's a map of the trails on the Forestry England web site. Hope this helps.

[@RCFunEveryday]

@@MeantforDescent thanks very much bud :)

[@lewischapman9151]

Hi there, What bike were you using in this video please? Thanks

[@MeantforDescent]

Hi Lewis. It's a 2019 Vitus Sommet NX Eagle.

[@jamesphilipson1289]

Are you riding in 27.5’s or 29’s can I ask?

[@MeantforDescent]

Hi James. I'm riding with 27.5 Minions.

[@jamesphilipson1289]

@@MeantforDescent sweet. I’ve got 29’s and recently riding in Hamsterley I felt a little nervous taking fast corners at such an angle in case either of the wheels slid out on gravel. I fancy 27.5’s instead for their agility but wondered whether they’d further knock my confidence in hairy situations but they don’t seem to trouble you so that’s reassuring

[@MeantforDescent]

I think you'll be fine with 29s. Try to ride the knobs on the edge of the tread by leaning the bike and pointing your knees into the turn.