As soon as we arrived home from our Way of the Roses cycle tour we set off for another break! This was a short trip to Derby where Sarah would join in with a hen-party. Suzie, Sarah’s sister’s daughter, is soon to be married.

The following morning, however, started with Sarah joining in with the Markeaton Parkrun. Sarah has wanted to run her home cities parkrun for some time.

We were staying at The Stuart Hotel, part of the Best Western chain. It was a lovely day, so I waved goodbye to Sarah, and set off on a little bike ride.

The route began with me picking up NCN route 6 and following the riverside path through the centre of Derby.

I cycled past the Rolls-Royce Museum, the front of which was being prepared for a forthcoming Poppies Weeping Window display.

The route continued to follow the riverside path, now becoming NCN Route 54.

Eventually, it crossed the River Derwent.

Along Chester Green Road.

Before picking up NCN Route 672, also known as the Great Northern Greenway at Mansfield Road.

As this old railway line climbed up Breadall Hill there was a fine view out to the village nearby and beyond.

I left the greenway and cycled through Stanley and West Hallam.

Next, my route took me towards Ilkeston. However, after briefly following the main road I was diverted onto a track between some houses.

Innocuous at first, this soon brought me onto NCN Route 67, and the Nutbrook Trail.

I briefly peeled off this to have a quick look at Straw’s Bridge Local Nature Reserve.

Before returning back on to the Nutbrook Trail again.

The trail takes you around the edge of Ilkeston.

This then met up with the Erewash Valley Trail which follows the Erewash Canal.

This took me into Long Eaton.

And through West Park.

After leaving Long Eaton my route followed NCN Route 6 for awhile before joining Derby Canal.

Or rather the route of what is hoped to be a restored Derby Canal.

Finally, I picked up the path alongside the River Derwent again.

This took me past Pride Park as I re-entered Derby.

By the time I had returned to the start I had cycled 29 miles.

I reckoned I had earned one of these, while I waited for Sarah’s return from the hen party in the early hours of the morning.