The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest, Durham

Ahhhh I am so excited about this! Our family loves, loves, loves Stick Man. It is easily one of our favourite books. If you haven't read it yet - you NEED to add it to your child's stocking this year. We will definitely all be gathering around the tv at 4:45pm on Christmas Day to gather around the tv and tune into BBC1 to watch Stick Man's TV debut.

The Stick Man Trail at Hamsterley Forest

Following the success of the Superworm and Gruffalo trails in previous years, Hamsterley Forest in Durham has now been transformed to include a self-led stick man themed trail around the forest. Designed for young children and their families, enjoy trail panels and activities along the 1.5 mile route. The trail is completly free and open from 8am-6pm (car parking charges apply). 

Hamsterley Forest is very child friendly and there is a wonderful natural adventure playground half way along the trail. The forest is the perfect place and enjoy some outdoor time with your family.

There is a lovely little cafe at the beginning of the trail serving delicious homemade cakes and hot drinks (check opening times before visiting) but I would also recommend packing a flask of warm hot chocolate to enjoy and keep warm during your walk. 

Children are being encouraged to create their own Stick Man as they walk through the forest and add them to the forest's 'family tree' at the entrance which I think is a lovely idea and will certainly encourage creativity.

Stick Man Activity Pack

Stick Man activity packs are available for only £3 each from the Hamsterley Cafe or Visitor point. 

Filled with a trail leaflet, activity sheets, crayon, pencil and pipe cleaners to make your own stick man, they are a nice way to get more from your experience and particularly useful for slightly older children who can perhaps read the trail map and activities to the rest of the family.

Are you excited??? We can't wait to visit the Stick Man trail and hope to visit between Christmas and New Year or early January so look out for another post then.

The trail will continue until June 2016

Postcode, Parking and all you need to know

Postcode

DL13 3NL

The forest is signposted off the A68, north of West Auckland.

Parking

£1.50 per hour or £6 all day (free with a discovery pass)

Cafe Opening

Open from 10am to 5pm daily throughout the summer season (14 March- 30 September), the cafe serves soup, hot and cold sandwiches, and a range of drinks and home-baked cakes. Winter opening: October daily 11am to 4pm (5pm at weekends); November to February weekends only (plus daily between Christmas & New Year and February school half term week).

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