The Mayor of the East Midlands has completed a 150-mile walking and cycling route around the region, returning to Buxton almost a year after setting off from the town.
Claire Ward began the route, known as The Loop, in May 2025, shortly after the first anniversary of her election as the first Mayor of the East Midlands. She completed the final stage in Buxton in May 2026, where she was welcomed by pupils from Harpur Hill Primary School’s brass band and supporters who had joined parts of the route.
The route covered Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, using historic waterways, public paths and a short train section. It was completed in more than 30 stages and included places such as Eyam, the Monsal Trail, the Chesterfield Canal, Creswell Crags, Clumber Park, West Bridgford, Attenborough Nature Reserve, Belper and the Derwent Valley.
The Mayor said the challenge had given her the chance to visit parts of the region that “don’t always make the spotlight” and meet people involved in local communities, organisations and projects.
She said: “Tackling The Loop has been an incredible experience – I’ve seen parts of our region that don’t always make the spotlight and met the people who are driving it forward every day.
“There were moments that really tested me – battling the weather, pushing through tired legs – but crossing the finish line in Buxton made every step and pedal stroke worth it.”
The East Midlands Combined County Authority said The Loop is intended to become an active travel route connecting cities, towns, waterways and countryside across the region. It has been promoted as a way to support tourism, local identity, healthier travel and greener ways of getting around.
During the challenge, the Mayor was joined at different stages by residents, community representatives and local organisations. Travel and tourism students from West Nottinghamshire College in Mansfield also joined the Mayor on one section of the route and were present at the finish in Buxton.
Mayor Ward said: “I love the idea of The Loop being a real route that will take its place alongside the many beautiful walking and cycling routes in this country.
“But this was only part of why I wanted to do this. My role is only meaningful because of the people of this region, the places they live in and love, and the things they do to make it great.
“The Loop, to me, was a celebration of our region, its potential, and the things that EMCCA will continue to invest in and champion.”
