For this challenge, I will be walking Land’s End to John O’Groats, but not via the conventional route! I will be visiting the most southernly, easterly, westerly and northerly points of mainland UK on the way.
These are:
- Lizard Point (Southerly)
- Ness Point, Lowestoft (Easterly)
- Ardnamurchan Point (Westerly)
- Dunnet Head (Northerly)
The route is approximately 1650 miles with 55km height climbed. I’ll be completing the walk over four months; starting at Land’s End in March, planning to walk north as the weather improves and cross the Scottish Border not too far into midge season! I’ll start on 1st March 2026 and I’ll be walking about 20 miles per day and should finish in late June 2026.
The idea for the walk came about in 2019, when in a moment of inspiration, I was googling the most northerly, easterly, southerly and westerly points of mainland UK. I was surprised that Land’s End was not the most westerly point, and then realised that they make a rather nice zig zag. Right then the idea was born, and it is finally becoming a reality.
Along the way, I will be walking along some of England’s National Trails and Scotland’s Great Trails, such as:
- The Pennine Way (all 268 miles!)
- The West Highland Way
- Cape Wrath Trail
- The Ridgeway
- South West Coast Path
I’m hoping that the trails will give me some regularly walked paths, whilst showing me some of the best scenery that the UK has to offer.
I’ve chosen to complete this walk for myself, and not raise money for charity. For me, this walk is about being true to myself, recognising that this is something that I feel such a strong urge to do. I am am allowing myself to follow my dreams, and that feels strong and powerful.
Along the way, I’ll be visiting some Girlguiding units. I’ve been a member of Girlguiding since the age of 11, and felt that I would miss my weekly meetings whilst I’m away. I’m really looking forward to meeting so many members of the organisation across the country.