The Amber Gambler

The Amber Valley is on the edge of the Peak District. It’s one of those places that’s well known by local riders but is often overlooked by cyclists from outside the area in favour of the national park.

As well as some cracking road climbs and MTB routes, the area also has a selection of bridleways and farm tracks that are great for gravel riders.

The Ambler Gambler route starts in the pretty village of Ashover. From here the route follows a selection of tracks, starting with a pave secteur and then heads up out of the valley with a lung busting climb.

The route heads across the tops with views into the Derwent Valley and Matlock and drops down into the village of Holloway. There’s then a road climb up to Crich. If you have an hour or two to spare, there’s the tramway museum to look around. Then it’s round the back of the village on a bridleway and back into the Amber Valley.

At South Wingfield the route passes a crumbling stately ruin and heads back up the valley. Then it’s through the quirkily named Toad Furnace and across the golf course at Shirland.

The route then hops on a disused railway track – Blackwell Trail. Then it’s up the Silverhill and Five Pits trails which are easy going after the climbs earlier in the route.

At Morton look out for the oak tree which has been planted to mark the villages claim to be the centre of England.

The route has a cracking descent towards the end called Eastwood Lane. It’s more gnarmac than tarmac so take your time and look out for farm vehicles.

The route is around 37% unpaved with several sections of gnarmac too. It’s suitable for gravel and CX bikes.