Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Login or Signup

Routes
Road cycling routes
United Kingdom
England
East Midlands
Derbyshire
North East Derbyshire

Unstone

The best road cycling routes around Unstone

4.6

(259)

18,561

riders

675

rides

Road cycling around Unstone offers a diverse landscape characterized by hilly topography, river valleys, and proximity to the Peak District. The region features a mix of challenging ascents and flatter paths, often utilizing repurposed railway lines. Cyclists can traverse moorlands, woodlands, and pass by serene reservoirs like those at Linacre, providing varied terrain for different preferences. This area serves as a gateway to the extensive cycling opportunities within North East Derbyshire.

Best road cycling routes around Unstone

  • The most popular…

Last updated: May 3, 2026

58

riders

#1.

Ladybower Reservoir – Surprise View loop from Dronfield

54.3km

02:50

870m

870m

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Navigate with device

Send to Phone

Save

Moderate

Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Easy
guide_signup
Let us show you the way with the komoot mobile app
With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

Sign up for free

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Hard

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate

Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

Moderate
Sign up for free to see 671 more rides around Unstone.

Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.

Sign up for free

Already have an account?

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

Start today with a free account

Your next adventure awaits.

Login or Signup

Popular around Unstone

Cycling around Unstone

Hiking around Unstone

Running Trails around Unstone

Gravel biking around Unstone

MTB Trails around Unstone

Tips from the Community

Richard
November 11, 2025, Crowdicote Climb

A good challenge and great views.

0

0

a nice climb and generally traffic free as it's closed forever

0

0

Henry
May 26, 2025, Froggatt Climb

Easier to climb than Padley Gorge to the north, but also busier and less interesting views - fun descent though. There are some boulders which overhand the road slightly in places so best to keep to the centre of the lane.

0

0

Nice lanes, quiet traffic

0

0

Linking up these back lanes keeps you away from the main routes which can be a little tourist heavy at times. Gives you time to breath & appreciate the beauty around you. Full attention required if you decide to descend Unthank though as there are some extremely sketchy sections with more holes than road & lots of gravel!

0

0

A fantastic choice of cheeses and they were very well stocked with a friendly atmosphere. Sadly short on Venezuelan beaver cheese, though most other tastes catered for.

0

0

Always a calming view looking back at the city from up the top of the valley.

0

0

Carl
September 26, 2024, Hartington Cheese Shop

Check out the cheese shop. So much choice

0

0

Frequently Asked Questions

How many road cycling routes are available around Unstone?

There are nearly 700 road cycling routes around Unstone listed on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy to difficult, ensuring options for every cyclist.

What kind of terrain can I expect when road cycling near Unstone?

Road cycling around Unstone offers a diverse landscape. You'll encounter hilly topography, river valleys, moorlands, and woodlands. Many routes also utilize repurposed railway lines, providing flatter, traffic-free sections. The area's proximity to the Peak District means you can expect both challenging ascents and scenic, gentler paths.

Are there any easy road cycling routes suitable for beginners or families?

Yes, Unstone offers a good selection of easier routes. For instance, the Dunston Road – Landslip on Commonside Road loop from Dronfield is an easy 14.0-mile (22.6 km) path that provides a gentler ride through local roads and countryside. Overall, there are 85 easy routes available.

What natural features or landmarks can I see along the road cycling routes?

Many routes pass through picturesque natural features. You can cycle past serene reservoirs like the three at Linacre, or explore areas like Longshaw Estate and White Edge, known for their natural beauty and views of the Derbyshire countryside. The region also features moorlands and woodlands, providing a sense of immersion in nature.

Are there any circular road cycling routes around Unstone?

Yes, many of the road cycling routes around Unstone are designed as loops, allowing you to start and finish in the same location. An example is the Surprise View – Longshaw Estate loop from Dronfield, a moderate 33.7-mile (54.3 km) route offering scenic views.

What do other road cyclists enjoy most about cycling in Unstone?

The road cycling routes around Unstone are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 200 reviews. Cyclists often praise the varied terrain, from challenging climbs to scenic, traffic-free paths, and the beautiful natural landscapes, including moorlands, woodlands, and reservoirs.

Are there routes that offer challenging climbs for experienced cyclists?

Absolutely. The region's hilly topography and proximity to the Peak District provide ample opportunities for challenging ascents. A notable difficult route is the Padley Gorge Ascent – Crowdicote Climb loop from Dronfield, a 66.5-mile (107.1 km) trail with significant elevation gain, often completed in about 5 hours 41 minutes. There are 219 difficult routes in total.

Can I find routes that avoid heavy traffic?

Yes, many routes in the Unstone area utilize repurposed railway lines, which offer a more gentle and traffic-free cycling experience. These paths are ideal for those seeking quieter rides away from main roads.

What is the best time of year for road cycling in Unstone?

The region is generally enjoyable for road cycling from spring through autumn, when the weather is milder and the natural landscapes are in full bloom. Summer offers longer daylight hours, while spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Winter cycling is possible, but conditions can be more challenging due to colder weather and potential for ice or snow, especially on higher ground.

Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots along the routes?

Many routes offer rewarding views of the surrounding Derbyshire countryside. Areas like White Edge provide less-walked trails parallel to popular routes, offering additional scenic vistas. The hilly terrain frequently opens up to panoramic views, especially as you approach the Peak District.

Are there any routes that pass by reservoirs or water bodies?

Yes, the area features beautiful reservoirs that can be incorporated into your rides. The three reservoirs at Linacre (Lower, Middle, and Upper) are surrounded by fields and woodlands, providing serene points of interest. You can find highlights like the Southeast corner of Linacre Middle Reservoir along some routes.

What is the average distance of road cycling routes in Unstone?

The routes around Unstone vary significantly in length. While there are shorter, easy routes like the 14.0-mile (22.6 km) Dunston Road – Landslip on Commonside Road loop, there are also much longer and more challenging options, such as the 66.5-mile (107.1 km) Padley Gorge Ascent – Crowdicote Climb loop. The average distance across all routes would be quite varied due to this range.

Most popular routes around Unstone

Cycling around Unstone

Most popular attractions around Unstone

Places to see

Store rating

Get inspired with the komoot mobile app

With a free komoot account, you can easily find, customize, and navigate endless outdoor adventures.

or

Join komoot Now

Store rating

Explore more

Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.

CalowWessingtonShirland and Higham CPBarlowHolmesfieldDronfieldBramptonHeath And HolmewoodSutton cum Duckmanton CPKillamarshTemple NormantonBrackenfieldAshoverMorton CPOgston ReservoirStrettonNorth WingfieldTuptonEckingtonGrassmoor, Hasland And WinswickClay CrossHolymoorside And WaltonPilsleyWingerworth

Nearby adventure guides

Things to Do around Eckington

background

Get ready to conquer new peaks

Sign up for Free

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepackingSitemap
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy