Breeze the Limestone Linx and Quarrylands in search of Summer Orchids

The North East of England is home to a vast and biodiverse Magnesian Limestone habitat. The main location we will visit on this ride is Bishop Middleham Quarry in search of Orchids

Our starting point is Betty Bees Coffee Shop, High Street, High Shincliffe, DH1 2PF, where you can park in the lay-by just below.

We'll pedal via Bowburn, Quarrington Hill, Town Kelloe, Trimdon, Bishop Middleham Quarry, Cornforth and Coxhoe, stopping at the Quarry to look at the plants there and for refreshments on the way back, so please bring snacks and a drink to keep you sustained.

The ride is a mix of cycle paths and quiet roads with some challenging hill climbs involved too just to add to the challenge. Suitable for most bikes apart from skinny road tyres.

In order for the ride to leave promptly, please be punctual so we can carry out bike checks, prior to us setting off. Expect to be out for about 4 hours in total which will include the refreshment stop, probably at Coxhoe. Please come suitably dressed for the weather and make sure you’ve got a spare tube to fit your tyres. Please also bring a bike lock so we can leave the bikes at the top of the quarry whilst we look at the plants there.

For any queries please ‘message ride creator’ in this posting.

If you cannot make it once booked on please cancel your place and if last minute, ie the morning of the ride, please also put a note in the ride ‘conversation’.

Susan and Julia