Poolsbrook, Rother Valley, Clumber Park, Creswell Crags, Clowne Greenway

This ride combines some previously ridden sections, albeit not necessarily in the same direction, with some completely new ones.

We start at Poolsbrook CP (Country Park), ride up the TPT (Trans Pennine Trail) to Rother Valley CP, then follow the Chesterfield Canal as far as Worksop. We then head south-east into the forest down to Clumber Park (National Trust), which will be our lunch stop. Entry to the park is free to pedestrians and cyclists.

After lunch we ride through more forest, then open country, to Creswell Crags with its limestone caves which were once home to prehistoric humans. We then pick up the former railway now known as the Clowne Greenway and follow it back to Poolsbrook, and ride round its two lakes before returning to the car park.

Lunch: Lunch will be at the Central Bark café in Clumber Park, with its enclosed outdoor seating area, or you can bring your own food.

Time: 10:00 for 10:15 start.

Location: Poolsbrook Country Park, Staveley, Chesterfield, S43 3WL.

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Parking: Free

Distance: 40 miles

Estimated duration: 6 hours (Including stops).

Technical difficulty: GREEN/BLUE (Easy to Moderate) - good quality tracks, trails and roads with nothing technical beyond a few potholes and bumps.

Physical difficulty: RED (Difficult). Only about 1,400ft of total ascent over the whole route, but a good level of cycling fitness is required on a standard bike because the distance.

Suitable for: Mountain Bikes or Gravel Bikes.

Recommendations: Spare Tube, Tools, Pump, Lunch (optional), Energy Bars, Water.

Safety: No Helmet = No Ride!