Cassop Vale
Old Cassop is a very small hamlet situated on the outskirts of Durham City. It is steeped with history and has fantastic views of Durham & Durham Cathedral. The venue is situated at Grange Farm which has strong historic connections with the hamlet of Old Cassop.
Grange Farm is situated within Cassop Vale. The Vale is a nature reserve run under the management of Natural England. This location is very well known for the magnesium limestone and the thin lime rich soils which have produced unique grassland. It also has open water ponds and attracts many different kinds of wildlife.
The ride begins and finishes within the Vale. The remainder of the route incorporates most of the excellent riding tracks which have recently been created through the "5 Village’s Project". This project was created to provide public access throughout 5 villages in County Durham. The villages are Old Cassop, Quarrington Hill, Old Quarrington, Kelloe and Coxhoe.
CASSOP MOOR
(The contributors of this photo are GRAEME and LESLEY CRANSTON)