Canal Bridge

M6 Challenge - Lancaster Canal


The M6 Challenge is an end-to-end paddle of the Lancaster Canal - at 41 miles it is the longest lock-free stretch of canal in the country.

The M6 Challenge is an unsupported solo long-distance challenge that aims to test grit and determination of paddlers. Paddlers are expected to carry all equipment and supplies they need for the distance from the start.

The Lancaster Canal winds it's way through the rural landscape of North West England, skirting the edge of the Lancashire Fells. There are brief forays into an urban backdrop, in Preston and Lancaster, but the route is mainly peacful countryside, while the northern reaches give pleasant glimpses of South Lakeland and Morecambe Bay.

Start/finish points:

North End: Tewitfield (SD 519,736) - where the A6070 crosses the M6. Limited onstreet parking nearby.
South End: Preston Terminus (SD 527,310) - at the junction of Fylde Road (A583) and Aqueduct Street. Car park nearby.
Canal and River Trust Toilet Block at Tewtifield (C&RT key required) - no facilities at the south end.

There is a low-swing bridge at Hest Bank that may require a short portage. Bridge # 120 (SD 476,669)
Practically, to make this one work you will need a car-shuttle or a driver for this one (or at least the bus fare). Note however that it is designed as a self-supported challenge - No external support or assistance allowed between clock start and finish.
Note: The Lune Aquaduct (Lancaster) is currently closed - due to re-open end of May 2020. C&RT Website:" We are pleased to confirm the re-lining works at Lune Embankments will be completed this week. The navigation will re-open to boats at 8am on Friday 22nd May and the towpath will also be re-opened at the same time. "

This Time Trial/Challenge Paddle is an unsupervised standing challenge. Read The Safety Page




M6 Challenge

Pos. K1W Name Cat Club Time Date Start Boat
1 John Willacy K1M 07:53:31 09-Mar-20 Preston Rockpool Taran
2 Ian Cooke K1M 07:58:18 15-Nov-20 Preston Rockpool Taran
3 John Willacy K1M 08:15:06 18-Feb-12 Tewitfield Rockpool Taran
4 Alan Blackburn K1M 10:10:05 15-Sep-18 Preston Rockpool Taran 16
5(1) Kate Duffus K1W 2014 Preston
6 Roger Greenalgh K1M 2010
6 Chris Porter, Janet Porter Team 2003

Click column header to sort.
Total Number of Runs: 7

M6 Challenge

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Submit a time here.

Read The Safety Page