🌊🥾 The South West Coast Path — May 2026

Back in May 2021, I took on the Pennine Way Challenge with five veterans . We completed it in 16 days, and honestly, it was the toughest thing I’ve ever done. It pushed me to my limits — physically, mentally, emotionally, and even spiritually. Since then, I’ve always wanted to take on another big challenge.

I’ve often talked about walking the length and breadth of Britain or tackling the South West Coast Path — but life kept getting in the way. My health has been a constant battle; I’ve either been fighting or in remission, never really in between and my mental health has taken a beating but that’s another post.

When people talk about living with chronic or fluctuating ill health, they often focus on the physical side — or how it affects the family. But it goes much deeper. It can take a toll on your mind, your spirit, your identity. Illness can drag people to incredibly dark places — to the point where even stepping outside the front door feels impossible. I’ve been there and still am there at times.

But one thing always helped me find a way back: walking!
It was — and still is — my medicine. The one thing that kept me going when everything else felt too heavy.

I talked about doing this last year and had planned to start the walk this May. But once again, life — and poor health — got in the way. Now, I’m not saying things won’t get in the way next year, because let’s be real, they probably will. But my mindset has shifted. I know life throws curveballs. I know that things don’t always go to plan. But I also know this: walk, run, or crawl — I’m going to do it. Or at the very least, I’m going to start it, and see how far I can get.
Because sometimes, the hardest part is just beginning.

I also know this is most likely my last chance to take on something this challenging. My health isn’t going to get better — but I can fight to stop it from getting worse. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.

📅 On the 1st of May 2026, I’m putting my best foot forward and walking the South West Coast Path. Almost five years to the day since I walked the Pennine Way — and this time, it feels right.

Between now and then, I’ll be blogging my training walks, sharing what gear I’m using, what I’m packing, the highs, the lows — all of it. It’ll be honest, personal, and real.

If you’ve followed my journey before — or if you fancy joining me for a section, cheering me on, or just following along — you’re more than welcome.

Here’s to showing up for ourselves, no matter what life throws our way. 💚