The Home Stretch: Looking back on my journey so far

I can’t quite believe I’m writing this… but there are only 19 days left of this wild, beautiful, crazy journey from Land’s End to John O’Groats!

In some ways, it feels like I’ve been walking forever - through rain or shine I have so far walked 1,110 miles! And yet, I can still remember the excitement and the nerves I felt setting off at the very bottom of Cornwall - but that does seem a lifetime away.

But this isn’t just about the miles. It never was. It’s been about the extraordinary and varied natural world of the British Isles, which I’ve had the chance to really savour at leisure.  It’s been about the people I have met and the huge range of conversations and support I’ve had. It’s been knowing that my father is meticulously following me on the map with a piece of precious bluejohn and willing me on every step of the way - as have so many others. But most of all it’s been about remembering my beautiful, wise and ever-patient mother, who I will always treasure in my heart.… and consequently, the donations for Alzheimer's Society.

I've faced many highs and many lows along the way. I've struggled with pain in my hip and knees, I've shivered through freezing nights wild-camping, been eaten alive by midges …. and I've missed my family. But every single challenging moment has been rewarded by beautiful views, the wildlife I've spotted along the way, and the encouragement of friends, family and strangers.

I’ve been blown away - genuinely humbled - by the generosity of people I’ve met along the way. From strangers who’ve shared their stories with me, who’ve waved me down to offer donations, and from friends and colleagues who I've heard from or met along the way with so many words of encouragement and support.

There’s something magical about the kindness that appears when you’re walking solo across a country. It’s immediate and real and it’s an incredible boost. It reminds you that most people are good and want to help, however they can. I haven’t once felt threatened through all this time.

I set off on this walk with a mission: to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society. It's a cause so close to my heart, having lost Mum last year. And we’ve already come so far - not just in distance, but in support. I have now raised over £11,400 - a truly incredible amount that I am so grateful for. But just as I am locked on to getting over that finishing line at John O’Groats, so I am determined to get as close to my target of £20,000 as possible.

So please: if you’ve been following this journey, on this blog or social media, whether it has been cheering me on or just reading my many bird observations - thank you. If you’ve already donated - double thank you.

But if you haven’t yet, and you’re in a position to give, now’s the time. These last few days are going to be tough as I face the rugged Scottish coastline to get to the finish line.

So here we go - the final stretch. My legs are tired, but my heart’s full. I’ve seen more of this country, and its kindness, than I ever imagined. I can’t wait to cross that finish line knowing I gave it everything. And I know I will be very emotional when I get there.

But let’s finish strong. Let’s keep walking, giving, and believing in the power of doing something a bit mad for an important cause.

Donate here

💛

Anne