Cloud Trail Traffic-free Cycle Route

Cloud Trail Cycle Route Overall Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Cloud Trail runs from the close to the Derby town centre, and runs for 13 miles to Worthington. It starts off following the river Derwent, then follows the Derby Canal Path, before joining a disused railway path.

I started this route right from Derby train station, meaning it’s easily accessible by taking your bike on the train.

The Cloud Trail forms part of Sustrans NCN route 6. The trail crosses some busier roads near Derby, but is otherwise quiet. Incidentally, if you were curious, the Cloud Trail takes it’s name from Cloud Hill quarry at Breedon.

Much information here, as well as the photos, was provided by Dan Bradley. Any errors are mine alone.

Surface

Most of the Cloud Trail has a decent tarred surface, but roughly 3 miles is self-compacting gravel.

Refreshments

Refreshments are available at Derby train station, and again at the Malt Shovel, at the far end.

Bikes

Most normal bikes would be fine, and for significant lengths, most cargo bikes, trikes, tandems and bikes with trailers should be fine.

Toilets

There are toilets at Derby station, as well as at The Malt Shovel, Worthington.

Ratings

Safety: ⭐⭐⭐
Hilliness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Refreshment stops: ⭐⭐
Barriers: ⭐⭐
Surface: ⭐⭐⭐

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐

The grading system I use is explained here.

Points of Interest

You will be passing under the listed Trent viaduct. Also consider visiting the Derby Museum and Art Gallery, Derby Cathedral, as well as the East Midlands Aeropark.
Museum enthusiasts will enjoy the Museum of Making, at Derby Silk Mill, and train spotters will love the Famous Trains Model Railway.

See also  The Shropshire Union Canal cycle route

Routes in Derbyshire

Barriers

Most of the route has no barriers that would prevent a trike, or cargo bike from getting through. However, there is at least one barrier that will stop most cargo bikes, and all trikes.

Bike Hire on the Cloud Trail

I’m not aware of any cycle hire options on, or near the route. If you know of any, please tell me in the comments?

Forecast for the Cloud Trail

What the Cloud Trail looks like

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DayCycle

DayCycle routes are routes can can easily be cycled by most people in a day, or part of a day. Do have a look at all the other DayCycle routes available on WillCycle. Many contain detailed route guides, as well as embedded maps (like the one below) from which you can download the GPX file for the route.

2 thoughts on “Cloud Trail Traffic-free Cycle Route”

  1. Thanks for the review of the Cloud Trail.
    Are you aware Sustrans and Canal Trust have made some upgrades recently? Improvements in the Swarkestone area along the canal and over the river.
    Also that there is a campaign to extend it further along the dismantled railway from Worthington into Ashby de la Zouch?

    Reply

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