Forest bathing at Hamsterley Forest

Hamsterley Forest is the largest forest in County Durham, about 2,000 hectares stretching along the slopes of a sheltered valley in the Durham Dales. Forestry England manages it, and a long network of walking paths reaches well into the interior. The Bedburn Valley Walk passes through ancient oak woodland, and there is a waterfall and a river with plenty of birdlife. There is enough room here to walk for a whole morning and see few people.

The visitor centre, café and toilets are at the main entrance, with level access, and a short surfaced family trail makes an easy start. For quiet, take the Bedburn Valley Walk or the longer Three Becks Walk, which reaches an old coaching inn ruin and a Green Man sculpture. Mountain bikers have their own routes, and the Forest Drive lets you reach further in by car. Overnight parking is not allowed.