The Collieries

This ride goes north to visit County Durham and the colliery villages, going as far north as Peterlee. Starting at Teesaurus Park, we go up around the outside of Billingham and pickup NCN 14, through Greatham Village into Hartlepool, where our first comfort stop will be at Ward Jackson Park. We then pickup NCN 14 again and head out towards the coast, going over the railway line at the old Hart Station. At this point, we pickup the Durham Walkway along the beach banks, through Crimdon Dene Holiday Park, onto Blackhall Colliery, Horden Colliery, then turning inland towards Peterlee, which will be our second stop for lunch. After lunch, it's time for the return leg, heading over towards Shotton Colliery, where we pickup NCN 1 and go straight down the Castle Eden Walkway back to Wynyard Woodland Park for our third and final stop. We then follow the cycle network back through Stockton, Norton, Portrack Lane and over the Tees Barrage before returning to the starting point. Note this will be an all-day ride, taken at a steady pace over a long distance, with plenty of breaks and comfort stops. Due to the varied terrain, mountain bikes and/or hybrids are recommended for this ride. Route:- http://bikeroutetoaster.com/Course.aspx?course=391095 Start:- Teesaurus Park Ride level:- STRONG Terrain:- A varied and interesting route on roads and cycleways with some rough terrain in places & a few small climbs. Mountain bikes / hybrids only for this one. Distance:- 43 miles Pace:- 12 mph Time:- 6 hours