The Adrenaline Gateway Project aims to transform Pennine Lancashire into the adventure sports capital of the north. In addition to cycling, there will be a network of facilities for adrenaline sports including water sports, and horse riding with the creation of a multi-user bridleway to link with the existing Pennine bridleway.
We have taken our inspiration from the enterprising people of Pennine Lancashire who are already building vibrant outdoor lifestyle sports businesses and projects. We are also guided by ‘Dreaming of Pennine Lancashire’ a vision statement for our area created in 2005 by the late Tony Wilson and his partner, Yvette Livesey. They said,
‘Pennine Lancashire is perfectly equipped for the new outdoor sports and fitness culture. We can build on the facilities already in place; from the two ski-slopes, the Mary Towneley Loop, the ice-rink in Blackburn. A lot more can be done for cyclists, turning our hills and dales into a two wheel paradise. We can create spaces for small, specially designed extreme sports venues featuring skateboarding, BMX, roller-blading and artificial rock climbing.
‘An event strategy is vital to a vibrant new region...the task is to tell our kids there is hope, there are dreams that can be reached.
‘A playground for Greater Manchester and the people of Pennine Lancashire; why not?’
It is not as if we are starting from scratch. Pennine Lancashire is a unique destination; a spectacular and varied natural environment sprinkled with towns and villages full of individual character, each of which can be used as a hub for a variety of exciting activities.
We already offer a rich range of outdoor lifestyle sports activities that rival far more established destinations. Land, air and water are all utilised to make your heart beat a little faster. The activities cater for all skills and fitness levels, from the beginner to the committed extreme sports enthusiast.
We have a motorway, road and public transport infrastructure that means every activity is easily accessible within half an hour of entering Pennine Lancashire.
We need to ‘blow our own trumpet’ to let the world know we are here. We need to invest in our existing activities and new ones. That is what the Adrenaline Gateway is for.
Why not, indeed? Dreams can and do come true.