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 a long-distance challenge that aims to test grit and determination of paddlers. Paddlers are expected be unsupported and to carry all equipment and supplies they need for the distance from the outset.
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 peaceful 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 on-road parking nearby.
Time from the N side of the toilet block.
South End: Preston Terminus (SD 527,310) - at the junction of Fylde Road (A583) and Aqueduct Street. Limited on-road car parking nearby.
Time from the edge of the rubbish at the manky end of the canal!
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 - Hatlex Swing Bridge # 120 (SD 476,669)
Practically, to make this one work you will need a car-shuttle or a driver (or bus fare).
Note: This is a self-supported challenge - No external support or assistance allowed between clock start and finish - no support crew, no kit/water/food stashes etc. Please carry everything you need from the start.
This Time Trial/Challenge Paddle is an unsupervised standing challenge. Safety - Info Page
** Note the Lancaster Canal is currently suffering low water levels and works after a breach of the Hollowforth Aquaduct:
Details - Canal and River Trust **
M6 Challenge
Pos. |
K1W |
Name |
Cat |
Club |
Time |
Date |
Start |
Boat |
1 | |
John Willacy |
K1M |
|
07:41:50 |
12-Feb-22 |
Preston |
Rockpool Taran 18 |
2 | |
John Willacy |
K1M |
|
07:53:31 |
09-Mar-20 |
Preston |
Rockpool Taran 18 |
3 | |
Ian Cooke |
K1M |
|
07:58:18 |
15-Nov-20 |
Preston |
Rockpool Taran 18 |
4 | |
John Willacy |
K1M |
|
08:15:06 |
18-Feb-12 |
Tewitfield |
Rockpool Taran 18 |
5 | |
Alan Blackburn |
K1M |
|
10:10:05 |
15-Sep-18 |
Preston |
Rockpool Taran 16 |
6 | (1) |
Kate Duffus |
K1W |
|
|
2014 |
Preston |
|
7 | |
Roger Greenalgh |
K1M |
|
|
2010 |
|
|
7 | |
Chris Porter, Janet Porter |
Team |
|
|
2003 |
|
|
Click column header to sort.
Total Number of Runs: 8
M6 Challenge
Files Searched: 1
M6Challenge