6k Run South Ribble: Explore the Historic Old Tramway Route

Route Overview & Local Insights

This 5.8km loop through South Ribble offers a blissfully flat and fast-paced experience, perfect for runners looking to find their rhythm without the interruption of steep climbs. With 95% of the course on paved paths, it’s an ideal choice for a tempo run or a reliable interval session regardless of the weather. Starting at Todd Lane North, you'll follow the arrow-straight Old Tram Road toward the River Ribble. The return leg through the Upper Farm Nature Reserve introduces a refreshing change of scenery, swapping the structured path for tranquil greenery and a touch of natural beauty that makes the final kilometers fly by.

Steeped in industrial heritage, the Old Tram Road is a legendary corridor for local Lancashire runners. Originally opened in 1803, it served as a vital link for the Lancaster Canal, using horse-drawn wagons to transport coal and merchandise before the age of the steam engine. Today, it has been reclaimed as a "green lung" for the community, connecting Preston and South Ribble. Running here feels like moving through a historical bypass; the tall embankments and sheltered stretches provide a sense of seclusion from the surrounding urban bustle, reminding us of the area's transformative role in the Industrial Revolution.