Saturday 6th June
Lytham St Anne's to Padgate
🚴ROUTE OVERVIEW
Distance: ~62 miles (100km) Elevation: ~1300ft Estimated time: 10–12 hours including 'breaks' for running parkrun, roller skiing & a mini diversion for a cup of tea with an elderly relative
Overview: Day 1 begins with a steady bike ride from home to Lytham Hall and running parkrun with friends from Blackpool Freedom Runners, Jolly Joggers, Coastal Dunes Cyclists, Blackpool Bluetits and Kinetics. From there I'll cycle to UCLan in Preston and roller‑ski a lap of the track, supported by Manchester Cross Country Ski Club. I'll then cycle the remaining 45 miles for the day. The route follows familiar roads, canal towpaths and cycle paths to ease me into the 8-day challenge. Current weather forecast is for rain, fingers crossed for dry spells at Lytham Hall and at UCLan Sports Arena.
Key Points
Start: St Anne's-on-Sea. Mid‑points: Lytham Hall → Kirkham → Preston → Bamber Bridge → Leeds/Liverpool Canal → Cuerden Valley Country Park → Haigh Hall → Ashton-in-Makerfield → Sankey Valley Trail. Finish: Padgate, Warrington
Supporters joining: (1) Lytham Hall parkrun 8.45am for runners photo, 9am run, 9.30am onwards post run cakes & raffle ticket sales, 10am Grand Depart. (2) 11.30am UCLan Sports Arena, Preston for roller skiing with Manchester Cross Ski Club.
How to follow the L2R Challenge
Click on the route page for the day you are looking for. On a mobile device click the 3 lines or dots at the top of this page. If you are in the neighbourhood feel free to look out for me at one of the supporters / publicity stops. Progress updates will be posted on my personal Facebook page, JustGiving and Strava. You can reach me on challengelouisa@gmail.com. Note that once the challenge has begun I will be busy cycling and might be slow in picking up messages.