Distance 13 miles (20.9km)
Classification Easy
Start Station Approach, Derby, DE1
Finish Breedon Lane and Top Brand junction, Worthington, LE65
Duration 3 hours
Route NCN route 6
Map OS Explorer 259, 245, OS Landranger 128, 129, AA guide Cycling in the Midlands

Route notes

From the Derwent riverside path you wind through the city and turn south on to the Derby canal path, to the Trent and Mersey canal at Swarkestone. Here you pick up the Cloud trail, which follows the disused Derby, Melbourne and Ashby branch railway into Worthington and Cloud quarry. With virtually no roads, it's a great route for children and novices. To extend the route, continue to Loughborough (10 miles along quiet lanes) and catch the train back to Derby.

Terrain and gradients

Decent stone paths with some tarmac on the short road sections.

How to get there/away

The start point is next to Derby railway station, but there is no station in Worthington, so you will either have to cycle back or make alternative plans.

What to see

You cross the Grade II-listed Trent viaduct on the way to Melbourne. Cloud quarry has stunning views from its rim.

Watering holes

The Hardinge Arms is at the halfway point. Also en route is the Bull's Head and the Malt Shovel Inn (LE65 1RQ), Worthington's only pub, at the end of your ride.