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.
Last updated: May 3, 2026
58
riders
54.3km
02:50
870m
870m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
34
riders
22.6km
01:06
290m
290m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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30
riders
107km
05:41
1,800m
1,800m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(1)
38
riders
37.6km
02:09
680m
680m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
32
riders
48.0km
02:23
620m
620m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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a nice climb and generally traffic free as it's closed forever
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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.
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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!
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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.
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Always a calming view looking back at the city from up the top of the valley.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.


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