Jog Derbyshire Does The Big Bolsover Loop

On 17^th August Lucy and Chris headed over to North East Derbyshire to walk the exciting Bolsover Loop.

We started on the loop at Pleasley Pit Country Park car park – A great start with historic heritage highlighting the old pit buildings from the old colliery site.

The route was followed using two methods – using the NDNN Trails app to make sure we were on the right path and also to tick off the 22 stops with information points – whilst following the comprehensive Bolsover Loop signage along the way.

We undertook the loop clockwise, heading towards Rowthorne and Glapwell from Pleasley Pit.

The loop consists of various types of path – off-road trails, pavements, roads, industrial estates and some stretches of rural housing estates.

There aren’t many challenging climbs throughout the loop, there are some small undulations but for the 26 miles there is around 400 metres of elevation.

It was noticeable throughout that it would be suitable for walkers, runners, wheelers and cyclists alike – there are no stiles or challenges which would prevent the route being cycled.

When we headed into Glapwell we arrived at ‘The Hill’ – while it sounds scary, thankfully it was a downhill section of road which takes you back onto the trail towards the beautiful Carr Vale reserve. Great for birdwatching if that’s your thing!

There are some short stretches of trail which go through the industrial estates leading past Duckmanton, Poolsbrook, Woodthorpe and eventually into Clowne.

Stop 10 is a particular highlight – a beautiful yet haunting mining memorial created by artist Stephen Broadbent. The Walking Together Memorial at the Markham Vale Environment Centre is a powerful public artwork made up of 106 steel figures, each one representing a miner who died in the three major disasters at Markham Colliery.

Once out of Clowne you go through the delightful Creswell Model Village, a picturesque arts and crafts style octagon of cottages.

From the Model Village we headed onto the quiet trails towards Poulter Country Park. Poulter is known for its beautiful wildflower meadows, which looked beautiful still despite the last 3 months of heatwaves.

The route continued through Upper Langwith, Shirebrook and leading back to Pleasley Pit via Pleasley Vale. The last quarter of the route heads through some beautiful off-road trails, allowing some peace and quiet away from traffic and the hustle and bustle of life.

Final thoughts – 26 miles seems like a very long distance to walk, and it is! However, there are so many different trails, paths, roads, parks and sights to see throughout the route that you never get bored.

The signage throughout the route was substantial – signs attached to direction signs, on the pillars on gates to indicate the route direction, and several big metal ‘Bolsover Loop’ signs with QR codes, places to see on the loop, nearby attactions and handy ‘you are here’ maps. These are very informative and helpful if you are unable to access the NDNN trails app, or want to explore parts of the route and nearby attractions.

Its certainly something we will be doing again – whether its marathon training, a cycle ride, a training session or somewhere to go away from traffic for a peaceful quiet walk.

Lucy & Chris