Many thanks Phil for your comments. I didn't include the return south via SVR where I was pulled by 7812. I am thankful to the guard for leaving Bewdley two mins early to ensure my connection at Kidderminster then three more trains back to Exeter. if you want to find more about cycle routes around Derby which seems to be well covered find
www.sustrans.co.uk and find map of the national routes. For example Route 54 runs south west to Burton, Route 6 passes through Derby from south to east. Trent used to be an interesting station. I don't know what has become of the site. Keep fit too....