This is a bike ride that will stretch you a little more than our first ride to Croots, but one that is well worth the effort! It takes in some of the delightful countryside between Duffield and Coxbench with fabulous views of the Lower Derwent valley. The full route is about 6 miles and easily achievable by most. We will go at a steady pace, and you may be surprised how far you can easily go by bike.
Sheridan will be leading this ride. She will take you through some basic cycling safety tips when we meet in the Appletree Practice car park at 10.30, then we start cycling!
We start with a gentle warm up along Donald Hawley Way by Eyes Meadow, passing the Parish Church and perhaps stopping to admire its ancient Yew Tree, emerging on Makeney Road by the river. Then, with deep breaths, we start up Eaton Bank - a short but sharp rise - walking is definitely acceptable here!
Once at the top, a breather to admire the view and then we gently coast down to Little Eaton admiring the views of the Derwent Valley on our right. At Little Eaton, we skirt the playing field, turn right down Station Road and then straight ahead to the right of the surgery along Barley Close, which becomes Alfreton Road. This part is fairly flat and quiet and makes very enjoyable cycling.
We will arrive at the Fox and Hounds Pub at 11.30 ish, and may want to stop for a drink or snack in their beer garden.
After a well-deserved rest, we head back to Little Eaton, enjoy the gentle climb along the valley side and of course "la grande descent" to the Bridge Inn. Then, it's back along Eyes Meadow to the Practice.
The ride will probably take 3 hours max. We hope to see you there!