Navigating Danny Hearts Descent Park: Trails, Services, Costs, and Hours
Danny Hart’s Descend Bike Park, located in Hamsterley Forest, County Durham, is a top-tier downhill mountain biking destination developed by World Champion Danny Hart. The park attracts riders from across the UK due to its professionally built trails, technical variety, and a focus on progressive riding. Whether you’re an experienced downhill racer or an enthusiastic trail rider, understanding the layout, services, pricing, and schedule can help you make the most of your visit.
Trails at Descend Bike Park
Descend Bike Park is known for its steep, technical terrain and race-ready lines. All trails are graded for intermediate to expert riders, so a solid foundation in downhill riding is recommended before tackling the routes. Notable trails include:
Mainline Downhill Trails – Fast-paced and flow-oriented, these trails feature tabletops, step-downs, berms, and gap jumps. Built for speed and air, they cater to riders looking for adrenaline-filled descents.
Tech Lines – These more rugged routes include root sections, rock gardens, tight turns, and off-camber corners. They’re ideal for experienced riders looking to hone bike handling skills.
Four-Cross Track – A dedicated 4X course that allows riders to compete or practice racing lines in a controlled environment. This is one of the few of its kind still operating in the UK.
All trails are hand-built and professionally maintained, with input from elite riders to ensure high standards and challenge.
On-Site Services and Facilities
While Descend Bike Park focuses primarily on providing exceptional trails, basic rider support services are available:
Uplift Service – A vehicle uplift operates on select days (usually weekends), transporting riders and bikes to the trailhead. This service is pre-book only and fills up quickly due to high demand.
Coaching & Skills Clinics – Regular training sessions and rider development programs are offered by experienced coaches, including opportunities for private lessons.
Facilities – The park offers on-site parking, portable toilets, and a registration/check-in area. There are no cafés or food vendors on-site, so riders should bring their own refreshments and supplies.
Nearby Services – Full bike repairs, food, and accommodation options are available in nearby towns such as Bishop Auckland or at the Hamsterley Forest visitor centre, about 2 miles away.
Entry Fees and Uplift Costs
Descend Bike Park is a pay-to-ride venue, with pricing structured to reflect trail quality and maintenance:
Standard Day Pass: Typically ranges from £25 to £30 per rider.
Uplift Day Pass: £35 to £40 depending on the day and event schedule.
Season Passes & Group Bookings: Available on request, ideal for frequent riders or club groups.
All sessions must be pre-booked online through the official Descend Bike Park website, especially for uplift days which sell out fast.
Opening Hours and Access Times
Trail Access: Open year-round, but subject to trail conditions and weather. Wet or frozen conditions may lead to temporary closures to protect trails.
Uplift Days: Operate most weekends and selected weekdays; schedules are published in advance online.
Best Time to Visit: Late spring through early autumn typically offers the best riding conditions, with drier trails and longer daylight hours.
Trail Guides & Navigation
The park itself features clearly marked trails, but given the technical nature of the terrain, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the layout before arrival.
On-Site Signage: Key trail sections are marked with signs indicating difficulty levels and names. Riders are encouraged to follow these markers for safety and flow.
Online Trail Maps: Descend Bike Park routes are featured on apps like Trailforks and Strava, where you can explore user-generated GPS data, elevations, and technical descriptions of each line.
Helmet Cam Previews: Many riders post full-run videos on YouTube, which offer a visual guide to trail conditions, features, and flow—great for first-time visitors.
Coaching Sessions: If you’re unfamiliar with the trails, joining a skills clinic or coaching session can be an excellent way to get guided exposure to the terrain.
Because Descend is a high-speed, technical downhill venue, it’s essential to ride within your limits and consider walking a line before hitting jumps or drops for the first time.
Contact Information
As a privately-operated facility, Descend Bike Park manages all bookings and inquiries online. There’s no public phone line, but you can reach out through the following channels:
Official Website: www.descendbikepark.com
Here, you’ll find booking forms, uplift schedules, pricing details, and event announcements.
Location of Danny Hearts Descent Park
Windy Bank Road, Hamsterley Forest, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, DL13 3QN, United KingdomThe park is roughly 2 miles from the main Hamsterley Forest visitor centre and accessible by car with ample on-site parking.
Nearby Support:
For bike repairs or gear, visit nearby shops such as Infinity Cycles in Durham or Hamsterley Forest Bike Hire for general biking support.
Before you go, it’s a good idea to check the weather forecast, confirm your booking, and review the latest trail status online. This ensures a smoother, safer, and more enjoyable day on the bike.