Three council workers walked the equivalent of a marathon in one day – while soaking up the beauty of nature and heritage on their doorstep.
Bolsover District Council colleagues Alana Bowman, Clare Betts and Kelly Chappell tackled the recently developed Bolsover Loop – completing the 26-mile circular route which connects towns, villages and attractions around the heart of the Bolsover district.
The intrepid trio are believed to be among just a handful of people who have walked the full distance of the scenic trail, mapped out by the district council, in one session.
The staff members are encouraging others to join in The Big Bolsover Loop Week, which runs from Monday, September 21 to Sunday, September 27 and encourages people to get out and explore a section of the loop, whether by walking, wheeling or cycling.
Bolsover District Council staff were set a team challenge to walk the virtual distance of the route – but the trio decided to tackle the entire real route in one day.
Alana, Clare and Kelly set off from the Bolsover Castle View marker point at 8am on a sunny Sunday morning and finished just over eight-and-a-half hours later, rewarding themselves with a well-deserved, refreshing drink at The Pillar of Rock Wetherspoon pub.
The Bolsover Loop, which is signposted in both directions with distinct ‘loop’ signs, is an emerging trail which has an associated app.
It weaves through stunning landscapes where the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire borders meet.
As well as beautiful green spaces, it also takes in areas rich in fascinating history, including Pleasley Pit, prehistoric cave art, characterful country houses, former industrial sites that are now thriving nature reserves and public art paying tribute to a heritage to be proud of.
Alana previously completed the loop on a solo walk as she trained for the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge.
“The loop’s got some inclines and declines. It’s a really nice, wide, flat path and really accessible and well-signposted,” she said.
She added that a particular highlight was a “gorgeous” nature reserve at Poulter Country Park.
“There were some deer in there – it’s hard to imagine how it used to look,” said Alana, whose black Labrador, Hudson, did nearly half of the route before being collected by Alana’s husband as temperatures rose.
“When you get to Pleasley, there’s a bridge you go under and it was lovely to see some murals there.
“It’s nice that within a few minutes’ drive, you can be on a scenic trail away from the hustle and bustle – it’s a lovely bit of therapy. Just put one foot in front of the other; it’s good for the mind and soul.”
Councillor Mary Dooley, Bolsover District Council’s Portfolio Holder for Health & Wellbeing, said: “We are so lucky in our borough to have such a stunning range of local sites that are easily accessible and connected via the Bolsover Loop.
“We want to see as many people as possible getting out and about and experiencing the natural beauty, twinned with industrial heritage, that’s right on their doorstep. The benefits are wide-ranging – improving health and cutting down on vehicle emissions, while also fostering a sense of community identity and pride.”
To find out more about the Big Bolsover Loop Week and download a map, please visit www.bolsover-uk.com/walking-cycling or download the app from the Google Play or Apple App Store by searching for ‘North Derbys and Notts Trails’.