“Never look back unless you are planning to go that way.”
– Henry David Thoreau
I started walking as a baby, slow and unsteady on my feet.
After 5 years working in IT I started to feel burnt out from the hustle and bustle of every day life. London is a vibrant city, there is always something to do and somewhere to go, but my introverted mind was running out of steam. I started to get a lust for a simpler life: swapping out my smartphone for a Nokia 3310, cutting down my digital presence, researching the logisitics of living on a desert island.
In early 2017, I stumbled upon a YouTube video series featuring Dixie from the channel Homemade Wanderlust. She was ‘thru-hiking’ the Pacific Crest Trail, a long-distance trail in the western United States. The breathtaking views and engaging content made for enjoyable evening watching, allowing me to explore those distant landscapes. Inspired by the magic I saw, I began searching for long-distance trails in the UK that I could experience for myself.
I started walking in 2017, slow and easily winded.
The South Downs Way spans 100 miles of breathtaking southeast English countryside, tracing chalk escarpments along ancient drover routes from Winchester in Hampshire to Eastbourne in East Sussex. The chalk upland provides excellent drainage, and once you’re atop the ridge, the elevation change is not too drastic, creating a relatively easy and inviting trail for beginners. As a complete novice, I ended up overpacking, resulting in a frantic morning on day two as I struggled to lighten my load. My body wasn’t prepared for this kind of adventure, but after a challenging seven days, we persevered and, with the kindness of strangers, finally reached the finish line.
This clearly sparked a passion for hiking, and I soon found myself hiking the Hadrian’s Wall Path. Although the official trail doesn’t span from coast to coast, it felt unnecessary to stop just short, so we extended our hike from the official 84 miles to 92 miles. Walking along this UNESCO World Heritage site, established in the 2nd century AD, was truly humbling. Coupled with the dramatic landscapes stretching to the north, it was an adventure that fueled my wanderlust even further.
No longer a novice but still a beginner, I stumbled upon a film featuring Reese Witherspoon called “Wild” (2014). The story of a troubled recent divorcee hiking 1,000 miles across a country I had never visited struck a chord with me—a single man from the UK with only a few hundred miles under my belt. The backdrop for her journey? The Pacific Crest Trail. This film ignited my curiosity and deepened my interest in long-distance hiking.
As I began planning my next adventure, I couldn’t shake the memories of what lay north of that wall. It was inevitable that I would tackle the West Highland Way. After an overnight coach trip, I met my brother in Glasgow, and together we set out on one of the most challenging hikes of my life. The trail begins along the east coast of Loch Lomond, winding tirelessly between the numerous trees and rocks that line the shore. Our entrance into the Highlands was marked by a moment of levity as I watched my brother deliver an excellent reenactment of the Vicar of Dibley puddle scene. How can I convey the sheer beauty and awe of these majestic landscapes? Meanwhile, looming at the finish was Ben Nevis, standing tall at 4,413 feet—both an enticing and daunting presence. After eight days and 96 miles, I proudly checked another trail off my list
Back-to-back trails in consecutive seasons? Oh, to be young again! The Thames Path wrapped out my 2018 season, but this time, we experienced it from boats. Why not, right? The Thames Path stretches 215 miles along the River Thames, and we believed the best views would be from the water—and we were right. The path takes you from its source in the Cotswolds through Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, and Surrey before winding through the heart of London. We launched our boats in Lechlade but returned them in Reading when a lack of rain left us with a disappointing flow.
Little did we know in 2019 what the next few years would hold. I continued my adventures with my first solo hike: the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path. Starting in Knettishall and following an old Roman road for 49 miles, you might be forgiven for thinking this trail is quite short. The Peddars Way ends at Holme-next-the-Sea, but the path continues along the Norfolk coast toward Cromer, adding another 84 miles. The generally flat lowlands of Norfolk offer some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets, making for a delightful walking experience. Hiking alone allows for introspection, providing a space to process thoughts often overlooked amidst the distractions and conveniences of modern life.
Unfortunately, a once-in-a-lifetime global pandemic struck in 2020, leaving little opportunity for any major hiking trips. While I took many walks around my local park, I chose to set aside any grander adventures for the sake of the country.
In 2021, I got back on track, navigating a series of local lockdowns and restrictions as I set out on another solo hike. On paper, the Cotswold Way presents 102 miles of rolling pastures, beech woodlands, and charming villages clad in Cotswold stone. In reality this trail also offers torture, pain and a true test of mental resilience. It felt as though the trail’s designers had drawn the lines on a map without a care for contours, elevation, or the hikers who would tackle it. Finishing in the Roman city of Bath and indulging in the town’s delights more than made up for the challenges along the way.
The South West Coastal Path stretches across four counties and spans 630 miles, typically taking 52 days to complete. This is not easily accommodated within a conventional work calendar, so it’s usually tackled over several holidays. In 2023, I hiked a 76-mile section from Plymouth to Falmouth. I returned in 2024 to take on a whopping 179-mile section from Padstow to Falmouth. Along the way, I experienced some of the challenging terrain, unique culture, and charming fishing villages that the region is famous for.
So here we are, this has been my journey. These are the steps I have taken.
– Michael
