(Image: NORTHERN ECHO)
A County Durham forest has been branded ‘one of the jewels in County Durham's crown’.
Hamsterley Forest has received glowing reviews from visitors and boasts stunning trails, family-friendly facilities, and breathtaking natural beauty.
The forest has an almost perfect rating of 4.7 stars from more than 3,000 Google reviews.
Visitors praise the scenic walking routes, ‘excellent’ biking experiences, and the various playgrounds it offers.
One person left a five-star review and said: “One of the jewels in County Durham's crown.
“Peace, tranquillity, exhilarating all under one natural canopy.
“Somewhere to relax and get back to nature with a wide variety of trails for walkers of all levels.”
Another praised the amenities offered at the site: “Vast area for walking, lots of different trails and sculptures to look out for.
“Seating and adventure park for younger children, café and parking.”
One reviewer described the site as ‘a perfect place to be in nature’.
They added that they enjoyed the various walks around the forest and the small streams for children to play in.
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Another visitor said the location can be enjoyed all year round and often takes his family mountain biking or for a night ride in the winter.
Hamsterley Forest also offers disc golf where players throw frisbee-style discs at fixed targets.
Next month, visitors can enjoy a ‘wellbeing walk’ as part of Stress Awareness Month, where they will be given a trail map, a reflection journal, and a sweet treat as they reconnect with nature.