Hamsterley Forest in County Durham is set to see a further expansion of its cycling offer, with Phase 2 of the blue Squirrel Chaser Cycle Trail confirmed for completion by Easter 2026.

Hamsterley Forest in County Durham is set to see a further expansion of its cycling offer, with Phase 2 of the Squirrel Chaser Cycle Trail confirmed for completion by Easter 2026.

The next section, named Potato Hill, will extend the existing blue-grade Squirrel Chaser route deeper into the forest. According to an update from Forestry England, the new phase is being designed to remain suitable for non-standard cycles, with a focus on families, improving riders, and those looking for a longer, accessible ride through the woodland.

Squirrel Chaser opened in April 2025 as an 8.4 km blue-grade route combining forest roads, riverside paths, and a purpose-built singletrack section known as Oakey Cokey. The Phase 2 extension continues Forestry England’s recent investment in accessible cycling infrastructure at Hamsterley Forest.

The expansion sits alongside a wide range of existing riding options at the site, including established blue, red and black cross-country trails, a dedicated skills loop, longer off-road cycle routes, and the separate Danny Hart’s Descend Bike Park. Together, these give Hamsterley Forest one of the broader riding mixes in the North East.

As Hamsterley’s blue network expands, what would you like to see prioritised next across the forest’s wider trail offering?

For a full overview of the trails and facilities, see the Hamsterley Forest mountain bike trails listing on iBikeRide.