Fastest Known Time
Solo thru-hiking the coast of Britain 

298 Days Around the Coastline of Great Britain : One woman, one backpack, one island

 

On the 1st March from Greenwich Park I set off  hiking solo clockwise around the coastline of Great Britain walking the equivalent of  234 marathons , 70 of these being Ultra-marathons. And i can confirm our coastline is not flat people ( Everything i needed in life to thrive was on my back being held in my 100 litre Osprey backpack.  Every day breathed a newness that I adored spending between 8-14 hours a day in the great doors with nature. 

 

Everyday began the same. I put one foot in front of the other with the simply mindset of ' Today, I'm going for a walk'  passing through the towns, villages and cities.

 

All of the elements joined me over these 298 days. In April I was knocked on my ass 3 times in one day from 70 mile an hour winds, some days the rain felt like needles hitting my face, who needs acupuncture sessions when the rain gives them out for free! The sunshine seemed to shine most days or perhaps my brain has decided to have a selective memory malfunction!! I met so many people along the way. From all walks of life and around from around the world. I love how the great outdoors has a 'All welcome' policy.

 

My mission was to inspire at least one soul to smile a bigger smile with the  great outdoors and it seemed to work as over 700 people joined me for a mile or a while. Even with all of these wonderful souls joining on different days I'd say 75% of my time was spent with just me and nature.  I feel a deep sense of belonging when with nature. So many days were spent surrounded by natures intricate balanced bold messy wild beautiful  energy that I LOVED and will always LOVE. I became part of natures energy or at least felt like did. There is a raw truth that only nature possess and in its truth lives FREEDOM. A sense of  freedom that I've fallen deeply in love with. 

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Every inch of this coastline hiked gifted such unique geographical beauty. Where we are not is where nature is THRIVING. These can be found along sections of the  southwest coast path, the Welsh coast path (currently the longest coast path in the world and brilliantly managed by the Wales Coast Path ) and then there is Scotland. 4 months of my trek were hiking Scotland. The west of Scotland has a piece of my heart with it always. It was the most challenging, the most stunning natural environment I've ever seen, felt and had the great privilege to hike. Often no trodden paths exist. These were the days when my life skills became invaluable tools to keep me safe and help me thrive with nature rather than survive in nature.  Scotland is the place  you go to feel at one with nature, yourself and the world around you. It is where your true self can be found.

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These 298 days have changed my life forever. There is 100% more light in the world than dark. For 298 days I was only ever greeted with the kindest versions of humanity and natures ability to nurture me in its harshest environments.

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By approaching everyday with the mindset of 'Today, I'm going for a walk, putting one foot in front of the other, reminding myself to always be present and appreciative' It helped my mind, body and spirit achieve 252 days of thru-hiking with 46 rest days (3 of those rest days I decided to summit our 3 national peaks because, why not!!!)

 

Our natural world connects us all. Spending time with nature nurtures our ability to be kind, compassionate conscious beings. 

Enjoy trekking this in its entirety or the incredible sections that have created it.

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Nature has taught me "I am only limited by the limits I place upon myself"