Update: Wendy and Paul (and Havoc, of course) are set to finish their mammoth trek in the next few weeks, a full month ahead of schedule! All of us at Terra Nova congratulate them on their efforts and wish them all the best in the final push. Full story below.
When Wendy Bathard, Paul Barber and their dog Havoc set off on a coastal walk from John O’Groats on the 13th November, it won’t be any old day out wandering along the Scottish cliffs and beaches. Their route will take them along the entire coastline of mainland Britain, plus some of the western isles, in a journey of over 5000 miles and which they estimate will take 12months.
Wendy, an outdoor instructor and Paul, a builder, will both be giving up their jobs in order to complete this challenge. At the end of their year-long walk, they hope to have raised £50,000 for charity, the money being shared between Guide Dogs for the Blind and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.
Covering 100 miles per week, living on a modest budget of £10 a day and camping most nights, they will be carrying all their own gear during the trip. Although they don’t have any back up vehicles or drivers, the three don’t anticipate being on their own for the entire 5000 miles. They are hoping that visually impaired people (including David Blunkett), along with their guide dogs, may join them for small stretches of the coastal walk.
Terra Nova Equipment is sponsoring the intrepid trio with a tent, plus extremities headwear, socks and gloves to protect them from the elements. Terra Nova marketing director, Carolyn Budding, said, ‘We are delighted to be supporting Wendy and Paul in their Round Britain Coastal walk. What they are attempting to do is no mean feat and shows that people don’t have to go to far-flung places looking for a challenging outdoor expedition!’
Wendy said, ‘We know it’s going to be tough in places, but we are looking forward to the challenge and seeing parts of our beautiful country that we have only heard about. Without the goodwill and support of friends and supporters around the coast, it would be far more difficult. We thank Terra Nova for their huge generosity’
You can sponsor Wendy and Paul by pledging donations online through their website Coastal Walk Challenge. The two are also hoping to attract further sponsorship from outdoor companies for other equipment ,including rucksacks.