Outdoor activities - Derby to York

Type of route: 40% traffic-free, 60% quiet minor roads
Length:  154 miles
Gradient: Mainly easy, some more challenging hills
Time needed: Allow five days
Access: There are train stations in Derby, Nottingham, Sheffield, Doncaster and York
National Cycle Network route numbers: 6, 62

The Derby to York link cycle route opens up a rich seem of interesting places to visit. Mining is the predominant theme as you travel through Nottingham, Sheffield, Doncaster and York. This route incorporates the central section of the Trans-Pennine Trail.

Traffic-free paths include Clumber Park to Clipstone Forest, York to Selby and Doncaster to Britain’s biggest and most exciting natural science park, the Earth Centre. This route links to Chesterfield, Rotherham and Barnsley and to South Midlands, West Midlands and White Rose cycle routes.

The White Rose Cycle Route takes in some of Yorkshire's finest scenery between the two bustling towns of Hull and Middlesbrough.

A National Cycle Network map for this route is available from the Sustrans Online shop (www.sustransshop.co.uk/).

More cycling around the region

The beautiful York to Beningbrough day ride leaves the historic and picturesque city of York, a must on most visitors' itineraries, and wends its way north towards the impressive Beningbrough Hall and Gardens. This National Trust property gives a view of life in an English country house from Georgian to Victorian times and is well worth a visit.

The route starts on the riverside path beside the River Ouse and follows a traffic-free trail for the first half, later turning into a quiet lane for the rest of the journey through the little villages of Overton and Shipton (where there is a café and pub if you fancy some refreshments) and on to Beningborough Hall.