IQ marks centenary with 100 Quarry Cycle Trails

Institute of Quarrying launches cycling initiative spanning length and breadth of the UK

CYCLISTS of all abilities across the UK are encouraged to enjoy the great outdoors with tailor-made ‘Quarry Trails’, a cycling initiative launched by the Institute of Quarrying (IQ) as part of its centenary celebrations.

One hundred quarries across England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales are now connected by 50 carefully co-ordinated cycle routes that cater for all levels of cycling ability, from novice to intermediate to experienced.

IQ hopes its ‘Quarry Trails’ will inspire people to get on their bikes and feel reinvigorated by what nature has to offer.

James Thorne, the Institute’s chief executive, said: ‘Throughout our centenary year we have been keen to promote the essential role the mineral extractives sector fulfils in everyday lives.

‘Our compelling Quarry Trails are a great example of how what we do as an industry provides unique opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors.

‘Not only do they encourage people to get outside and exercise, but they also celebrate the significance of quarries with key facts about each site included in downloadable route details.

‘Quarries are important sites for biodiversity and we want people to experience these nature hotspots that are right on their doorstep.

‘The trails have been carefully designed to suit all levels of abilities and span the length and breadth of the UK.’

All routes can be downloaded at: http://www.quarrying.org/iqquarrytrails

IQ are inviting participants to share their progress on Facebook and Twitter with the hashtag #IQTrails.

For further information or to offer feedback on any of the trails, contact IQ on tel: (0115) 972 9995; or visit: www.quarrying.org