Hello, I’m Danielle. I live in Buxton, Derbyshire and I’ve always loved the outdoors. It’s the place that I feel most at home, free and able to be myself. We’re so lucky to have such wonderful countryside in the UK and I love exploring it. I hope that during this walk I can explore parts of the UK that I’ve not visited before and further strengthen my love for our UK countryside.
In 2019, I came up with the idea for this walk. Ever since, it has been a niggle that I couldn’t get rid of, an adventure that always called me. That is why, 7 years later, I am completing this challenge. I am really privileged to be at a stage in life where I can complete this. I’m so grateful to have the time, resources and fitness. I know that it won’t be easy, but through experiencing challenges, I learn more about myself everyday.
In 2020, I was diagnosed as autistic. I’d sensed that I was different most of my life, but with the diagnosis everything began fit. It’s has been life changing, I’ve come to understand so much more about myself. It’s given me freedom to be myself, and self-compassion when things are tough.
Through taking on this challenge, I’m able to be my true self. Doing something for myself, without the fear surrounding opinions of others. I’m doing something that fills my heart with joy, and I can’t wait to see what unfolds.
Being autistic, means that I experience the world differently to others. I have very sensitive hearing, sight and smell which can make lots of places overwhelming. Being outside in nature allows me to escape from busy life; a place where I can find calm. The repetitiveness of walking allows my body to be in synch with itself and connects me to the world around me.
I’ve always loved walking, and really began to love adventure when I did my DofE expeditions through Girlguiding. My first time bog hopping over Kinder Scout on a bearing was a truly memorable one. Kinder Scout quickly became my favourite place, and I truly fell in love with the moorland environment. I’ve since gone on to be a Guide and a Ranger Leader, supervise DofE groups and gained my summer ML, all through Girlguiding. Guiding is a massive part of my life, and I love being part of it.
In 2016, I walked the Limestone Way, my first long distance trail. This was just what I needed during a tough time in my life. A few years later, I walked the Peak District Boundary Walk, as part of 21 challenges that I completed whilst 21. Since then, my adventures have grown, gradually becoming been more self scripted: solo hiking in the mountains of Eryri, Lake District and Scotland. The freedom of walking by myself, being led by the landscape and the weather, gives me a sense of freedom that I’ve not found elsewhere.
Walking has always been with me through life, and I’m so excited for this next chapter. Adventure awaits!
I hope that you enjoy reading about my journey,
Danielle
Favourite Things (In no particular order):
The colour purple, walking, malt loaf, lichen, knitting, crochet, cross stitch, satsumas, The Tower of London, badges