Matlock Evening Valley and Lanes Loop

A short evening loop from the Derwent valley. It follows the river south through a wooded gorge and a riverside village, climbs a steep hillside into stone-built hill villages, then threads a series of short, winding lanes before dropping into a quiet valley and climbing back to the start.

The valley road at the start is busy with visitors at weekends, so it is calmer on a weekday evening. The lanes in the middle are narrow and tight, the slowest miles of the ride, and the climbs are steep in places. Moderate riding with a few short town stretches at either end. Best from May to September, in the long light.