Polty's Last Blast & K-Line (Red 5), Hamsterley Forest
Polty's Last Blast & K-Line (Red 5), Hamsterley Forest
Highlight (Segment) • MTB Park
Mountain biking
5.0
(94)
Polty's Last Blast & K-Line (Red 5) are a pair of highly regarded mountain bike trails nestled within the expansive Hamsterley Forest in County Durham, England. These red-graded routes are a highlight of the forest's extensive network, offering challenging, machine-built singletrack designed for experienced riders. Hamsterley Forest, situated near Bishop Auckland, is the largest forest in County Durham and a significant recreational hub in North East England.
Mountain bikers consistently praise Polty's Last Blast & K-Line for their exhilarating flow…
Tips
October 8, 2020
Mountain biking
June 3, 2018
Mountain biking
August 9, 2022
Mountain biking
Sign up for a free komoot account to get 3 more insider tips and takes.
Sign up for free
Nearby routes
Best routes near Polty's Last Blast & K-Line (Red 5), Hamsterley Forest
4.9
(48)
815
riders
19.8km
01:51
460m
460m
4.8
(32)
555
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.5
(2)
196
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
Details
Informations
Distance 1.91 km
Uphill 40 m
Downhill 70 m
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Today
Saturday 21 March
14°C
2°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 8.0 km/h
Most visited during
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
Polty's Last Blast, at 340 meters, features berms, drops, and jumps. The K-Line, approximately 1 mile long, is renowned for its numerous jumps, large berms, drops, and tabletops. Both trails are machine-built singletrack, designed for downhill use, offering a fun, flowy experience with opportunities for getting air or keeping wheels on the ground.
No, Polty's Last Blast and K-Line are classified as 'Red' graded trails, indicating a difficult level. They are designed for experienced mountain bikers with good bike handling skills. Beginners should explore the blue-graded trails available elsewhere in Hamsterley Forest before attempting these routes.
Polty's Last Blast forms the initial part of a longer descent that links directly into the K-Line. Riders often combine these with other thrilling downhill sections like Transmission, Accelerator, and Nitrous to create an extended and continuous riding experience within Hamsterley Forest's extensive network.
Polty's Last Blast is approximately 340 meters long, and the K-Line is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. When ridden together, they offer a sustained descent. The exact riding time can vary significantly based on a rider's skill level and how many times they choose to session sections, but it's a relatively quick, high-intensity descent.
While Polty's Last Blast and K-Line are primarily focused on the thrill of the ride with their technical features, they are situated within the beautiful Hamsterley Forest. The trails themselves are within the dense forest, so panoramic viewpoints are not a primary feature directly on these specific routes. However, the forest offers many scenic spots and natural beauty throughout its wider network.
Parking is available at the Hamsterley Forest visitor's center. It's advisable to arrive early, especially on weekends or during peak seasons, as the car park can fill up quickly. From the visitor's center, you can access the various mountain bike trails, including the climb to Polty's Last Blast and K-Line.
Generally, no specific permits are required to ride the mountain bike trails at Hamsterley Forest, including Polty's Last Blast and K-Line. However, there is usually a charge for parking at the visitor's center, which contributes to the maintenance of the forest and its facilities.
These trails are known for holding up well in various weather conditions, making them accessible even when other trails might be muddy. While they can be ridden year-round, drier periods are generally preferred for optimal grip and speed. Always check local forecasts and trail conditions before your visit, especially during winter months when conditions can be more challenging.
While Polty's Last Blast and K-Line are advanced trails, Hamsterley Forest offers a wide range of activities for families. There are easier blue-graded mountain bike trails, walking routes, and a visitor's center with amenities. The forest also features play areas and often hosts family-friendly events, making it a comprehensive destination for all ages.
Yes, Hamsterley Forest has a visitor's center with a cafe on-site, offering refreshments and food. For pubs and accommodation, you'll find various options in nearby towns and villages such as Bishop Auckland, Barnard Castle, and Wolsingham, which are a short drive from the forest.
Polty's Last Blast was created in memory of a local rider, Neil Edward Polson. The K-Line was named after Kay Graham, who led the Hamsterley Trailblazers' youth coaching, and was recognized as the 'Volunteer-built Trail of the Year' in 2020, highlighting the community effort behind these trails.