‘Our region has so much to offer and The Loop is shining a light on it’

It is more than 18 months since I was elected as the first Mayor of the East Midlands – and it really is the best job in the world, writes Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward.

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 incalculable – and I want to unleash it.

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.

The route will weave together cities, towns, waterways, and countryside into one connected journey. It is a big part of my plan to boost tourism, support local high streets and businesses, and encourage active travel like walking and cycling. It is also a way to bring the people of the East Midlands together by celebrating what makes each part of the region unique.

The trail follows a network of historic waterways and existing public paths, connecting lesser-known locations and high streets that stand to benefit from increased footfall.

Since setting off from Buxton in June, I have covered almost half of the route, visiting Eyam, the Monsal Trail, Chesterfield, Staveley and Clowne in Derbyshire before heading across the border into Nottinghamshire to Creswell Crags, Clumber Park and Welbeck.

On my journey, I have been joined by guests to discuss the issues that matter to them, the barriers that they want to overcome, and the opportunities that we can explore together. We have been looking at the infrastructure along ‘The Loop’ to see what needs to be done to make the trail permanent and well-marked in the future.

I am now heading south towards Nottingham, following the River Trent, before The Loop will take me towards Derby and north through the Derwent Valley and back to Buxton as I aim to finish The Loop before May 2026 and the end of the second year of my term as Mayor.

All of this is being documented online so you can see my progress – see eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk/the-mayor/the-loop

This region has so much to offer, and The Loop aims to shine a light on our hidden beauty spots and showcase the ingenuity already going on.

However, I want to hear from you. Do you know local heroes or community groups I should meet on my route, or perhaps any key locations or hospitality to stop off at along the way? Get in touch with your ideas – email themayor@eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk