Yesterday I did the last of the guided cycle routes offered by Cycle Derby — Hermit’s Trail. It was one of challenging routes, but it seemed easier than Kedleston Lanes.
Hermit’s Trail takes you from Derby city centre along the River Derwent to Sandiacre returning via the historic Dale Abbey and Hermit’s cave. The route is circular and uses a mixture of National Cycle Network paths, roads and off-road tracks.
Well, I did this cycle route backwards. So I started from the Riverside Gardens, and followed the cycle path downstream along the River Derwent. When I reached Pride Park Stadium, I crossed the river, and cycled through Chaddesden Park. Soon I reached the traffic-free route.
On my way to Locko Park
If I may suggest, do not try the challenging routes after or during the rain. I passed by Locko Park and the Lake, and dropped in the Locko Park Estate. It’s a private property so I was asked to leave it very soon. 😀
The Locko Park Estate
The name Locko is derived partly from the old French ‘loques’, meaning rags and in the 13th Century there was a hospital for lepers built by the order of St. Lazarus, behind the house you see today.
I continued forward until I crossed Dale Road (A 6096). Now I cycled through the Hermit’s Wood, along the sandstone rock. I noticed a sign to Hermit’s Cave, so I decided to have a look. I locked my bike, and climbed up the hill.
Hermit's Cave
The cave was inhabited by a Derby baker who had a vision and was compelled to abandon his worldly goods and live as a recluse in his hermitage. His cave was enlarged in the 18th century by Sir Robert Burdett, who entertained in it.
Afterwards I continued to cycle forward. On my way I visited Dale Abbey, Stanton by Dale and Sandiacre. In Sandiacre there was a really nice cycle route along the city canal. I returned to Derby through Borrowash. I just let the National Cycle Network No. 6 to take me home. And once again I saw the wonderful Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station. Eventually I cycled upstream along the River Derwent.
Ratcliffe-on-Soar power station
In total I cycled for three hours and eleven minutes and managed a distance of 41,9 km. My average speed was 13,1 km per hour and maximum – 31,3 km per hour.
It seems I need to take a rest from cycling, my knee has started to protest against my way of life! 😀
Cycling for Libraries via Dace 