Swarkestone Lock – Cloud Trail loop from Spondon

Routes

Mountain biking trails

Swarkestone Lock – Cloud Trail loop from Spondon

Moderate

4.7

(3)

riders

Swarkestone Lock – Cloud Trail loop from Spondon

02:38

48.9km

180m

Mountain biking

Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 20, 2026

Tips

Includes a segment that goes up or down a series of steps

You may need to carry your bike.

After 1.07 km for 46 m

Waypoints

Start point

Train Station

Get Directions

3.10 km

Alvaston Park BMX Track

Highlight • Structure

A quick loop is a must do. It's open access and easy to get on too from Riverside path

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4.20 km

Rainbow Mural Tunnel

Highlight • Structure

I love the mural in this tunnel, the canal boats are named after local primary schools and the swans are hilarious 😆

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6.84 km

Hippo Wood

Forest

10.0 km

Swarkestone Lock

Highlight • River

Nice place to rest on a cycle ride next to a lock on the Trent & Mersey canal. Can travel north from here to Derby on the route of the …

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10.0 km

Trent & Mersey Canal Towpath

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

As of Jan 2023, the towpath has been upgraded and widened with a tarmac surface. The previously very awkward (impossible for some) barriers have been greatly improved.

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14.3 km

Stone Arch Bridge on the Cloud Trail

Highlight • Bridge

21.3 km

Breedon on the Hill Church and Viewpoint

Highlight • Religious Site

A short hill climb up to a beautiful little church with an amazing view of the East Midlands. The climb is short and steep but perfectly doable for anyone. The …

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32.6 km

Cloud Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

This is an old converted railway line that runs from a very impressive quarry near Wilson to the Trent and Mersey Canal near Swarkestone.

It's part of National Cycle Route …

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42.5 km

Derby Canal Path (National Cycle Route 6)

Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway

We were handicapped by having to get to Derby from Belper's, where we live. If you start from Derby, might want to go from Elvaston castle to Weston on Trent, …

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