Bolsover Loop Reflections

We were delighted to be invited to involved in the initial Big Bolsover Loop Week conversations back in May and were keen to explore how Jog Derbyshire could support the project and play a positive role in its development.

As the concept of the Bolsover Loop was new to us, we first took the time to understand what it was, the work that had already taken place, and the outcomes that Loop Week aimed to achieve. A key part of the project was a social media campaign designed to raise awareness of the Loop and encourage people to get active on it in ways that worked for them. With a large network of people with an interest in physical activity, we were confident this was something we could add value to.

Once we had a clearer understanding of the project's objectives, our next step was obvious: to get out on the Loop and experience it for ourselves. We hoped this would enable us to speak authentically about it within our network and confidently answer any questions that might arise. As neither of us was particularly familiar with the area, we chose to complete the entire route, in one go, which we managed on what was fortunately one of the cooler days of the summer.

This experience gave us the opportunity to test the newly launched app, follow the signage around the full route, look at access points and gain first-hand insight into the new user experience. While we were out on the Loop, we took every opportunity to talk to people we met along the way about what we were doing, and why and demonstrated how the app worked.

By doing this it enabled us to be speak with confidence about the Bolsover Loop, encourage others to give it a try, and gather valuable feedback to share with partners on what worked well and where we felt there may be opportunities for further improvement.

In addition, by sharing our own experiences and activities on Strava, where we are connected to a large running and walking community, we also sparked curiosity about the Loop. People were intrigued by the route, which prompted conversations, questions and encouraged others to head out and explore it for themselves.

Inspired by our experience, we went on to write a blog that was circulated across the Jog Derbyshire network, sharing our adventure on the Loop and highlighting the opportunities it offers. The blog can be found here - https://www.jogderbyshire.co.uk/post/jog-derbyshire-does-the-big-bolsover-loop

We also engaged with local groups, whose community reach would make them valuable partners in spreading the word about Loop Week. By encouraging them to get involved and put their own creative spin on participation throughout the week, we helped broaden awareness and engagement across the area.

Many of the people we spoke to were unaware of the Loop, despite living or spending time in the local area. However, once they learnt more about it, they showed genuine interest and enthusiasm. The positive response highlighted both the value of the project and the opportunity to reach more people through partnership working and community engagement.

Fast forward to Loop week

One of the groups we were particularly keen to engage with was Bolsover based group Castle Striders, who embraced the idea by hosting a week-long Loop Challenge. The aim was simple, to encourage members and others to be as active as possible on the Loop throughout the week.

Leaning into the group's naturally fun and encouraging spirit, their leader, Dave, cleverly designed a system where QR codes were placed at points around the Loop, and members, along with their family and friends, were encouraged to scan them and record the miles they completed over the course of the week.

The week challenge featured a variety of activities, including a club night on the Loop, where we joined more than 80 walkers, Jeffers and joggers for an out-and-back route from the Peter Fidler Nature Reserve and the week concluded with a relay event, where members, family and friends selected their own starting points and completed as many miles as they wished, in whatever way suited them best.

By making the challenge inclusive and accessible, Castle Striders created an opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to get involved, whether walking, jogging or running.

Over the course of the week, the group collectively covered an incredible 1,143km/710 miles.

It was a phenomenal achievement by Castle Striders and a strong example of what can be achieved when we come together around a shared goal. Their enthusiasm, creativity and commitment not only showed the potential of the Loop but also inspired others to get involved and explore it for themselves.

Throughout the initiative, we worked closely with Walk Derbyshire, who led the social media campaign. By capturing and sharing the positive stories, activities and achievements taking place across the week and highlighting the different ways people were using the Loop, we were able to help build momentum, increase visibility and by using consistent messaging and branding we were able to showcase joined up partnership working.

We would like to thank our partners in Bolsover for inviting us to be part of this fantastic initiative, and everyone who took part in helping to make Loop Week such a success. The enthusiasm, creativity and community spirit shown throughout the project has been inspiring to see.

To build on the positive relationships, momentum and achievements created through the Bolsover Loop project, Jog Derbyshire, alongside Walk Derbyshire and other partners, will be bringing #RunWalkTalk to the Bolsover Loop in Autumn 2026.

Further details will be announced soon, watch this space!