Leisure routes
There is more than 100km of on- and off-road cycle network in Derby and much more beyond in Derbyshire.
Leisure route guides are available for a wide variety of routes within and heading out of the city. We're constantly expanding the range of leisure route guides.
City Cycle Map. View it here.
This map offers a city wide overview, aiming to show all roads and paths legally available for cyclists to use. National and local cycle route numbers are shown. Routes are shown as on-road or off-road, traffic free routes are lso shown, as is Regional Route 66, our 'Orbital'. Bridleways are shown regardless of their suitablity for cycling, so some may be roughly surfaced. On-carriageway cycle lanes and bus lanes permitting cycling are also marked. You'll also find recommneded routes to help you plan your route. There are details of the BMX and wheeled sports areas plus locations of the city's schools, College and University sites are to help you find a route to school or work.
Explore the lanes, find your route in the city and discover new places and spaces.
Easy Leisure Route Map1. Five Parks Ride. View it here.
An easy circular family ride or 6 miles on mainly quiet routes and National Cycle Network paths. This is short ride taking you through many of the city's parks and open spaces, along the riverside and through the city centre. This route is mainly flat, but there is a short but steep section in Darley Abbey.
This route features in an annual sponsored ride in aid of MAcmillan Cancer Support.
Easy Leisure Route Map 2. Elvaston Castle. View it here.
Ths circular route is ideal for a family day out, taking you along the National Cycle Network paths and some quiet roads from the city centre to Elvaston Castle country park, a picturesque site featuring over 200 acres of woodland and parkland
Easy Leisure Route Map 3. Kedleston Hall. View it here.
A short and easy cirular family ride, following mostly off orad tracks and some quiet lanes, from Markeaton Park to Kedleston Hall, a stunning, National Trust, stately home set in over 800 acres of parkland and landscaped pleasure Gardens.
Easy Leisure Route Map 4. Ockbrook. View it here.
This is a 15 mile circular ride, ideal for all the family to enjoy. It uses a mixture of National Cycle Network paths, off road tracks and some quiet country lanes between the city centre and the pleasant villages of Spondon and Ockbrook. There is an option for a slightly shorter, more challenging ride using busier roads.
Intermediate Leisure Route Map 40. Mackworth Castle. View it here
The Mackworth Castle route is a leisurely 11 mile ride, taking you from Markeaton Park to Kedleston Hall with an option to visit the historic village of Mackwoth. The ride contains several gentle climbs and follows a mixture of off road tracks and country lanes.
Intermediate Leisure Route Map 41. Aston and Weston. View it here.
This 17 mile, circular ride takes you through the historic village s of Aston-on-Trent and Weston-on-Trent as well as some beautiful countryside. The ride is mainly flat, but there are short sections of steep hilliness shortly after leaving Weston.
Challenging Leisure Route Map 70. Kedleston Lanes. View it here.
This route follows an 18-mile circular route, taking 3-4 hours and travelling around the Kedleston Hall area using busier road routes and country lanes but taking you through local villages and beautiful countryside.
Challenging Leisure Route Map 71. Hermits Trail. View it here.
Hermit's trail is a more challenging, 22 mile ride. This ride takes its name from the story of a medieval baker who took up a life of solitude in a cave after receiving a vsion from the virgin Mary. It takes you from Derby city centre along the river Derwent to sandiacre, returning via the picturespue Dale Abbey, built in th 11th century and Hermit's cave.
Other cycle route maps in Derby include;
Central Derby to Elvaston Castle and Swarkestone Lock – a short and ideal off road family ride. Take a leisurely hour and a half each way plus picnicing time for this 8 mile round trip.entral Derby to Swarkestone Bridge - This is a short and ideal off road family ride of just a couple of hours each way as its a 12 mile round trip along the National Cycle Network.
Derby to Locko Park and Dale Abbey-featuing the Nutbrook Trail. - This guide covers a variety of circular ride options between 17 and 24 miles. Ideal routes for adults as they all involve on-road riding, with some sections on busy roads.
Derby to Little Eaton-follows the riverside path along National Cycle Network Route 54. This medium length, easy and pleasant day ride is a 16 mile round trip.
Derby to Long Eaton-
Derby, Etwall and Burton-on-Trent-offers a variety of routes featuring the Etwall railway path. A longer series of rides.
Longer Routes include;
Pennine Cycleway
Derby, Melbourne and Worthington Cycle Route
Pick up your free copies in libraries, the Tourist Information Centre or Council offices.
Take a look at the Forum pages for recommendations from CycleDerby members.
