With its spectacular scenery and magnificent views, Teesdale's natural attractions are wide and varied. Its waterfalls, wooded valleys, wide-open grouse moors and hay meadows provide the perfect surroundings for enjoying the dale's peaceful tranquility.

Cycling and Walking are the most popular outdoor pursuits. Teesdale offers excellent long and short-distanced routes in woodland, by the river, through villages and across the Pennines. The Teesdale Way and the long distance Pennine Way all pass through the dale's stunning scenery.

National Byway signposts indicate quiet country lanes with little vehicular traffic that are good for cycling. You can also join the C2C and North Sea Cycle Routes. If you would like to find out more about Teesdale and what it has to offer then you can visit the Explore Teesdale website.

Hamsterley Forest (13 miles from Barnard Castle) now boasts 4 cycle routes catering for different ability levels, from short family trails to a severe black route for the experienced cyclist.  A 20 mile trailquest course takes in the whole forest allowing keen cyclists to test their map reading skills. There is a new Down-hill mountain bike course run by local riders and the site manager with an annual membership required to use the site.

Hamsterley Forest offers something for everyone. Riders of all abilities are catered for and encouraged. Whether you want a leisurely ride out with the kids or a full-on downhill experience, you'll find it here!

There are four official routes: Red, Blue, Green and Black all of which are waymarked with colour-coded marker posts. In addition there is a highly-acclaimed downhill track for expert riders.

If you're interested in cycling in Hamsterley and would like more information on events in the area then you could check out Hamsterley Trailblazers.