Cycling fever gripped Rolleston in 2007 with at least two different households within the village completing the journey between Lands End and John O’Groats. Roger and Maggie Gawthorpe did the entire journey in several different legs over a number of months, while Rodney Paul from Rolleston and Mark Jordan from Stretton set out on the ride on the 17th May 2007 - planning on getting to John O’Groats about 15 days later. The entire journey is approximately 1000 miles, depending on the route taken. Rodney was raising money for computer equipment for the refurbished Old School Room, whilst Mark was raising it for the Burton branch of the Alzheimer charity.

Cycling In And Around Rolleston On Dove (For The Less Ambitious)

Leisure or touring cyclists tend to fall within two broad groups. Those who prefer to use the existing road system and those who feel threatened by motorised traffic and prefer off-the-road routes. Two routes with off- road sections created by the charity Sustrans (Sustainable Transport), NCN54 and NCN68 pass close to our village. 

Route 54 goes from Derby to Oxford, passes through Stretton on to the old “Jinny” line off Princess Way, crosses Shobnall leisure complex and Lawns Farm bridleway just beyond Marston’s Brewery, to join the road into Tatenhill. The section from Derby uses part of the redundant Northern Line from Mickleover to Egginton Junction. This has a reclaimed materials surface 3 metres wide and is level throughout its length of about six miles. At the moment the section from Egginton junction to Stretton is on road through Egginton village and the recently resurfaced cycle track along the A38. East Staffordshire Council stated in 2002 that the off-road section from Clay Mills to Princess Way would be completed “in the next few months”, this is still awaited. Sustrans is negotiating with Network Rail to acquire land alongside the existing Derby to Stoke line and then to cross the river Dove on a new bridge and into Rolleston. It was hoped to use an upgraded “Jinny Trail” to compete the route into Stretton and so onward south.

The desire for the last section has resulted in some controversy and the claim for bridleway status has complicated matters somewhat. The public enquiry of April 11th may help resolve matters. 

Almost all of the off-road sections of Sustrans routes are known as multi-user, that is they are open to people on foot, by cycle and on horseback, but definitely not motorised vehicles either on two or four wheels. In the author’s experience there is little conflict between the various users of the routes provided all exercise a little consideration.

Another route just a little farther away is NCN6 that starts at Penrith in the north and goes to Slough in the south. A section goes from Derby to Leicester and it is possible to travel from Derby to Loughborough with a large proportion entirely off-road and the rest along quiet country lanes.

When Route 54 is completed it would be possible to travel from Burton into Derby again with most of the route being away from traffic.

The routes are usually well signed and the National Cycle Network features the county’s biggest collection of outdoor public art spread across thousands of miles of trail that provide topics of conversation between travellers. They vary from large earthworks and “growing sculptures” to small details like fountains, seats and gateways.

Some routes are along upgraded canal towpaths so a variety of scenery and habitat is encountered.

Beware of offshoots; there are sections of route 54 for example that seem to bear no relation to the general direction of the main route. This may be a ruse to obtain funding for maintenance purposes.

Travel out to the section through Etwall or Swarkestone and see what they are like, you never know you may be favourably impressed.

Terry Williams
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Summer 2007 issue)

Cycle Rides From Rolleston - Trusley And Osleston

It is useful to have an objective on any ride to give it focus and a sense of exploration. This ride is around 15 miles in length, along mostly level quiet country lanes with just a few gentle rises. 

Trusley’s charming brick church, little more than 250 years old, has a three-decker pulpit and something found in few other places. It is a Maiden’s Garland, made from paper and consisting of garlands of white flowers and gloves. It was carried in the funeral procession of a betrothed maiden. The stained glass windows although not particularly old all contain a cartoon or joke. No, not the comic books type, but a deliberate mistake in the design by the artist or glazier. We found them difficult to spot without help. Hatchments of the Coke family decorate the walls; these were also carried in funeral procession and are decorated with their coats of arms.

The route starts north from the St Mary’s Church turning into Marston lane to the Derby road, right and then left into Hilton village. Left into Dale End Road followed by left onto Sutton Lane, over the A50 and continue to Sutton on the Hill, look out for the Weaver Hills on the north-west horizon, a lovely view on a clear day. Turn right just beyond the red telephone box – signed Trusley and Etwall – to the top of the rise. A rather attractive house with tall Gothic windows, castellated façade and towers appears on the left. The field opposite is a riot of daffodils during spring. Well worth the pause for a look, a public footpath followed for short distance gives a more elevated view.

Go left on James Lane, the bend here is known as Devil’s Elbow and Sutton church is the prominent feature on the hill to the left. In 1.5 miles turn left on a sharp right hand bend into Trusley village.

Unfortunately the church is usually locked; the Rector is Michael Bishop who resides in Church Broughton so a phone call may be useful before setting out.

The narrow road continues, at the next junction turn right, signed Osleston. In 100 metres turn left onto Tythebarn Lane, signed Thurvaston to the cross road at Windlehill Farm and pond. This is a twisty, narrow lane with gravel on the surface in places so care is needed. Turn left into Back Lane and a gentle downhill run leads to Sutton Methodist Church. A right and left turn followed by another right leads back into Sutton village. The outward route can now be followed to Hilton and Marston crossing the river Dove into Rolleston.

Terry Williams
(This article is taken from Rollestonian - Winter 2007 issue)

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Last updated: 22 December 2007