East Midlands Mayor reaches halfway in loop around the region

The Mayor of the East Midlands is celebrating crossing the halfway point of her Loop around the region and is looking ahead to a stop in the Erewash borough as part of that tour.

Setting off in May 2025, shortly after the first anniversary of her election, Mayor Claire Ward has challenged herself to walk and cycle a circular 150-mile route around Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Derby by the second anniversary of her election in May 2026.

Planning to complete the route in about 30 stages, the Mayor is following a network of historic waterways and existing public paths which she hopes to formalise into one connected journey known as The Loop.

Mayor Claire said: "I want to connect the region to more of itself, and that is why I am walking – and cycling – The Loop, a 150-mile active travel route I am developing to circle our region, connecting lesser-known locations and high streets that stand to benefit from increased footfall.

“This region has so much to offer, and The Loop will help shine a light on our hidden beauty spots while showcasing the innovation and enterprise already happening across our communities.

“The Loop is a key part of my plan to boost tourism, support local high streets and businesses, and promote walking and cycling as everyday, practical choices. Just as importantly, it is about bringing people together and celebrating what makes every part of the East Midlands special.”

This is the first time an active travel route has been designed to connect the entire East Midlands. The route weaves together cities, towns, waterways, and countryside into one connected journey designed to boost the visitor economy, celebrate local identity, and promote healthier and greener ways of getting around.

Mayor Claire has already completed 15 stages since setting off from Buxton in May, and is now close to Nottingham, having covered 85 miles of The Loop, including 13 stages and more than 70 miles on foot, with the rest by bike.

On each stage, the Mayor has been joined by local residents, community leaders, and everyday heroes to learn about local issues, explore what is working and share her vision for the future.

Mayor Claire said: "I have been joined by guests to discuss the issues that matter to them, the barriers they want to overcome and the opportunities we can explore together. I have met people across the region who are passionate about their places, supportive of one of another, and focused on building our future. The value of these people is beyond measure.”

Since setting off from Buxton in June, the Mayor has visited Eyam, the Monsal Trail, Chesterfield, Staveley and Clowne in Derbyshire before heading across the border into Nottinghamshire to Creswell Crags, Clumber Park and Welbeck and then south towards Nottingham. The latest leg saw Mayor Claire walk from Fiskerton to East Bridgford.

During her walk, the Mayor has faced all kinds of British weather, from scorching sun in the Peak District to rain, flooding and high winds in the aftermath of winter storms as she approaches Nottingham.

After continuing south, the route heads east towards Derby and then north up the Derwent Valley and back towards the start. Future locations on the route include West Bridgford, Attenborough, Sawley, Elvaston, Belper and Whatstandwell, with the Mayor due back in Buxton shortly before the second anniversary of her election on May 2nd, 2026.

You can follow the Mayor's Loop by clicking here.