Lorna’s epic ride starts on Saturday

This Saturday (13 April) sees intrepid Lorna Fisher pedal off on her epic 1658-mile cycle ride – taking in all 15 UK national parks in just two weeks.

Lorna – a Peak District National Park engagement manager who leads a team of rangers – begins her challenge at the northern-most park – the Cairngorms National Park.

She will pedal through national parks in Scotland, Wales and England, ending in the Norfolk Broads National Park on 27 April. 

She will cycle through the Peak District on Friday 19 April.

The punishing route is about twice the distance as cycling from Lands End to John O’Groats.

Throughout her challenge, Lorna will be raising funds for #70kfor70 – the first campaign of the newly-launched Peak District National Park Foundation.

The Foundation has been set up to grow support and raise funds to care for the Peak District National Park. This year, it is working to raise £70,000 for a range of high impact projects that care for the landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Peak District – and enable more people to enjoy the National Park.

Lorna’s marathon bike ride also coincides with National Parks Fortnight (6-21 April), reflecting on the 70th anniversary of legislation which ultimately led to the Peak District becoming the UK’s original national park in 1951.

Lorna has been a keen cyclist for seven years, but this will be by far her greatest challenge.

A full map of Lorna’s route and the link to her donate page can be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/pedallingtheparks

People can follow Lorna’s progress on social media on @peakdistrict on Twitter and Facebook, and with the hashtag #PedaltheParks.

Picture caption: Lorna Fisher is to cycle 1,658 miles between all 15 UK National Parks to raise funds for #70kfor70.

-ENDS-

Editors Notes
1. Interviews can be arranged via the communications team at Peak District National Park Authority (01629 816200).

2. Lorna’s schedule:

13 April Cairngorms NP (START)
14 April  Loch Lomond NP
15 April  Northumberland NP
16 April  Lake District NP
17 April Yorkshire Dales NP
18 April  North York Moors NP
19 April  Peak District NP
20 April Snowdonia NP
21 April Pembrokeshire NP
22 April Brecon Beacons NP
23 April Exmoor NP
24 April Dartmoor NP
25 April  New Forest NP
26 April  South Downs NP
27 April London NP
27 April The Broads NP (FINISH)

3. 2019 is the 70th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949, which set out to protect landscapes and make the countryside more accessible to people, paving the way for the creation of UK National Parks.

4. More information about the Peak District National Park Foundation is on the website www.peakdistrictfoundation.org.uk.