Lorna is pedalling the Parks

Intrepid Lorna Fisher is gearing up for an 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 in the Cairngorms on 13th April.
She will pedal through national parks in Scotland, Wales and England, ending in the Norfolk Broads National Park on 27th April. She will cycle through the Peak District on Friday 19th April.

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

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

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.

During her cycle challenge, Lorna hopes to meet people from as many local communities as possible, inspiring people about the UK’s National Parks – which attract millions of local and international visitors each year.

She also plans to raise awareness of 2019 as the ‘Year of Green Action’, urging people to say #iWill to new challenges that help contribute to sustainable lifestyles.
 
Lorna has been a keen cyclist for seven years, but this will be by far her greatest challenge.

She says: “I’m an explorer at heart who loves being outside. I am at my happiest when walking in the hills, whizzing along country lanes, simply exploring.

“I’ve previously taken part in 400km and 600km audaxes (time-limited distance rides), but at around 2,500km over two weeks this will be like nothing else I’ve attempted before.”

She adds: “In my role at the Peak District National Park I’m incredibly lucky to have the opportunity to inspire and engage others, sharing my passion for the natural world.

“There’ll certainly be plenty of time to tune in to the landscapes and meet some of those who live and work in our national parks throughout the challenge. Seeing the world from two wheels always brings a new perspective.”

A full map of Lorna’s route can be found at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/pedallingtheparks

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