Not the best time of the year to be out cycling, what with the dreary weather, the low temperatures and the muddy paths, but my pal Alan spotted a better day in prospect so we jumped on our Ebikes and rode off in the direction of the The Trent Valley. He was right of course, and it turned out to be an most enjoyable day out.
The Trent Valley lies to the South of Derby, and our route followed NCN Route 66 (the Derby Orbital Route) to Swarkestone via Sinfin, then following NCN R6 to Melbourne for a lunch stop.
Returning by road via Ticknall, Milton, Repton, re-crossing theTrent to Willington and Findern. Pausing at Willington for refreshment.
Total distance 26 miles.
STRAVA route map
Alan leads through Millennium Park in Littleover
We pass through the housing estate at Sinfin
Sinfin Moor Lane is traffic free but has a poor surface. It leads us through to join NCN R6 en route to the Trent and Mersey Canal towpath at Swarkestone
And here we are at the canal towpath.
Approaching Cuttle Bridge, where the A5132 road crosses the canal.
Oncoming cyclists also enjoying the spell of reasonable weather.
Entering the village of Melbourne.
Our destination was Melbourne Pool and the adjacent Melbourne Hall Cafe for lunch.
Must say it all looked much better when these two photos were taken on a previous trip in the Summer.
But back home now as Alan speeds through Findern.
