St Annes Loop

Sky Ride Local in Blackpool

This gentle nine and a half mile route explores the Edwardian seaside resort of Lytham St Annes. Using traffic free promenade and suburban roads, you'll have time to take in the fine seaside views. Looking south you'll see the resort of Southport across the Ribble estuary - on a clear day you'll see the mountains of North Wales. Closer to home, don't forget to check out the statue of late great comedian and St Annes’ resident Les Dawson. The route starts and finishes at the Solaris Centre on Blackpool’s South Shore, and heads south along the promenade into Lytham, before leaving the coast, cutting through the town and around Blackpool's airport back to the start.

Location and Route

Meet the Leaders

Ian Ellis

Karen Cox
I have been a British Cycling coach for a few years and enjoy being part of Ribble Valley Junior Cycling Club. I support rides out on Saturday mornings as often as possible. My husband and children all enjoy cycling and we have had some fantastic club rides and holidays, our biggest success was completing the C2C a few years ago. I am not a particularly strong rider but I enjoy seeing children and families participating in this fantastic sport.

Peter Cox
I have been a British Cycling coach for a few years teaching children through holiday Go ride clubs in Blackpool, on Tuesdays at Preston Arena Track and Saturdays through being a member of Ribble Valley Juniors Club. I enjoy all types of riding and have completed the C2C ride twice in the past five years. With my family and fellow members of Ribble Valley Juniors I have gone on many cycling holidays and trips. I enjoy supporting children and their families learning the skills needed to cycle safely in their local communities.

jeremy horrocks
Hi- I,m an outdoor enthusiast and love exploring either by bike or on foot, particularly when I,m on holiday or of course at the weekend, when I have most free time. I started out very much as a games player and part time runner- have done a few marathons/ mountain events etc (certainly intend to do a few more). Nowadays I concentrate on running, cycling and playing squash; and to my great delight went to France last summer to do a few routes around Lake Annecy, including (definitely one of my favourite hills) La Forclaz -certainly one of the most fun things I,ve ever done!

I don’t think you can beat cycling as a way to explore without interfering with the environment; and also cover a great deal of ground. You also of course get to see things “in real life”, rather than from behind a windscreen. Cycling is one of those activities where you can either compete against yourself and the next hill; against other riders maybe- or simply enjoy the scenery! Having a “go” and enjoying the exercise is what it is all about – and it means that you can sit in the bar (having a coffee) later with a smug smile on your face while other holiday makers are most probably overeating ! (What is also a delight are the great people you usually meet en- route (Have,n`t you heard about campers and cyclists !? –I,ll let you ponder that one !)

Jason Meers

Riccardo Ariu

I've been cycling from the first moment I can remember. I started with my dad running behind me, looking after me with pride in his heart.

I believe that cycling is all about having fun, getting fit and feeling free.

I personally love it because it gives me a sense of freedom, and at the same time helps me explore new surroundings.

Skyride is a great opportunity to have fun and make new friends and I'm looking forward to seeing you all!

Comments on the Route

Sarah Brown
St Annes Loop - Ride Steady: Tuesday 16th August 2011

Loved my first Ride Steady outing, an easy step up from Ride Easy. Great leadership out on the roads-inspiring confidence!. All leaders very friendly and supportive, and they brought along the sunshine so lots of people out on foot and in their cars to negotiate. Can't wait to do it again! Sarah Brown
St Annes Loop - Ride Steady: Sunday 3rd July 2011

Good start to the seasons Sky Rides, a gentle stretch of the legs for a Sunday morning. Nigel Pawson
St Annes Loop - Ride Steady: Saturday 18th June 2011