There are a range of routes to choose from depending on your ability and time available. The main Coal and Canopy Way is designed as a 2-5 day bike packing adventure whilst the other routes are designed primarily as one day outings with easy accessibility and parking.
All of the route details are stored in the Coal and Canopy Komoot collection.
A summary of the routes and GPX files are as follows:
| Route | Distance | Elevation |
| Full route | 251km | 2180m |
| Charnia Loop | 81km | 710m |
| Cloud (formally Melbourne) Loop | 73km | 670m |
| Needwood Loop | 124km | 970m |
| Cannock Loop | 70km | 640m |
| Heritage Loop | 22km | 200m |
All of the GPX files can be found in the GPX folder.
We have plotted all the routes to run anti-clockwise using the logic that this will mean more left turns for cyclists! However there are no limitations about switching the travelling direction.
Routes have been designed with a start point in mind but it will really depend on your transport and accommodation plans. For the Heritage Loop the simplest start point is to pay for entry into Calke Abbey and park in the Calke Explore car park.
If you are travelling by train then there are a number of stations that can provide start points for the different routes. The stations are highlighted on the Google MyMaps.
For travelling by car then there are various places you start depending upon your direction of travel. Justpark is an option to get low cost parking in various locations if you need to leave your car somewhere safer for a few days.