A 9.5-mile, 27-minute route from Chilwell through Beeston, Toton, Long Eaton, Breaston, Risley, and Sandiacre. Very similar to Route 685 but takes a slightly different path via Risley Lane instead of Hopwell Road. Speed limits range from 30 to 70 mph with 5 roundabouts and only 12 traffic signals, keeping the focus on open-road driving and roundabout navigation.

Watch Out For

• Risley Lane. A narrow country lane between Breaston and Risley with blind bends, hedgerows limiting visibility, and no pavements. Expect farm traffic and keep your speed well below the national limit.
• Derby Road, Long Eaton. The busiest section of the route with pedestrians, buses, and parked cars. Maintain 30 mph and scan for pedestrians crossing between vehicles.
• Bostocks Lane. Transition from 60 mph rural road to the Sandiacre Interchange roundabout. Begin slowing early as the roundabout approach is fast.
• Pedestrian crossing on Nottingham Road. Located near Long Eaton. Always check whether the lights are changing as you approach.
• Toton Lane roundabout. Traffic from Brian Clough Way merges at speed. Signal clearly and choose the correct lane before entering.

Route Features

• 5 roundabouts including Swiney Way and Sandiacre Interchange
• 4 speed zones: 30, 40, 60, and 70 mph
• Rural driving through Breaston and Risley villages
• 12 traffic signals, among the fewest for Chilwell routes

Test Manoeuvres

• Pull up on the left near Eldon Road. After returning from faster roads, ensure your speed has dropped. Mirror check, signal, and stop neatly by the kerb.

Key Tips

• Risley Lane is the key challenge. Use dipped headlights on overcast days and sound your horn before blind bends if visibility is poor.
• The return via Brian Clough Way and Stapleford Lane involves back-to-back roundabouts. Stay focused on lane selection.
• Compared to Route 685, this route avoids Draycott but adds Risley Lane, which is equally demanding. Practise both for comparison.