Photos:
This is what all my gear packed on the back of my bike looks like, not sure how heavy this was, but it was quite a lot!
The first street I remembered to take a photo of:
Looking fresh at 09:30, excited for a day's ride! This thermal shirt was a very good idea.
The first bit of rural riding was along the Broxtowe County Trail through Colliers wood and High Park wood. There was a stream that it turns out I could have just gone around...
Now in some proper countryside, this is what most of the journey looked like from now :) Means I got to see some COWS
I must have covered a lot of ground very fast, because this was starting to get into Matlock. Cycling through the peak district was quite challenging; all the rolling hills really take it out of you when you have a heavy bike and a lot of gear.
I was really convinced this tower was Matlock on the horizon... it was completely not xD (it was to the wrong side of me, and way too close). Quite the let down.
This sign for Matlock was also very far away (and at the bottom of a steep hill) from Matlock.
But I took a selfie in front of it nonetheless.
Signs like these always excite the long-distance bikepacker. Luckily I am in a very short vehicle. Time to check my brakes worked...
Gives an impression how steep this hill was. That's Matlock down there. It seems my route planner was quite happy to send a laden cycling up/down some slightly ridiculous inclines, as we'll see more of later...
This is what Matlock looks like. Sadly it was covered in England flags because Derbyshire County Council is controlled by Reform UK.
I had some baked beans and a coffee about 3 meters away from where I locked up.
And I spent some time by the Derwent. I know some people who went to the wedding of this river, as they knew some of the folks getting married to it. I can see why, it is a wonderful river.
Nottingham to Matlock, 01-06-2026.
After this, I headed on to Stafford.