Lorna Fisher trains for her Pedalling the Parks challenge. Photo: Rod Kirkpatrick/F Stop Press

A Peak District manager is gearing up for a mammoth cycle ride to mark the 70th anniversary of the passing of legislation that led to the setting up of national parks.

Lorna Fisher’s 1,658-mile trip will take in all 15 UK national parks during two weeks in April.

Ms Fisher will also raise funds for a foundation that helps care for the Peak District.

The intrepid cyclist, who is an engagement manager leading a team of rangers, aims to begin her ride in the Cairngorms on 12 April. Her planned route ends in The Broads on 27 April. She will pass through her home national park on Friday 19 April.

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

She said: “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.

“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.”

She aims to cover roughly twice the length of the John O’Groats to Land’s End challenge during the ride, which partly coincides with National Parks Fortnight during 6-21 April, reflecting on the 70th anniversary of legislation that ultimately led to the Peak District becoming the UK’s original national park in 1951.

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

The foundation was set up to increase 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 projects that care for the landscapes, wildlife and cultural heritage of the Peak District and enable more people to enjoy the national park.

Lorna Fisher says the ride will be her most challenging. Photo: Rod Kirkpatrick/F Stop Press

During her cycle challenge, Ms Fisher said she 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.

A full map of Lorna Fisher’s route can be found on the Peak District Pedalling the Parks website. Her progress can be followed on social media via @peakdistrict on Twitter and Facebook, and with the hashtag #PedaltheParks.